My LCD Backlight is Broken

Question

I have a dell inspiron 6000 which I purchased in 2005. Today the backlight (or inverter) stopped working and I would like to know if anyone has recommendations on how to fix it. I called Dell (and after hours on the phone)I learned that to buy a replacement LCD kit will cost me about $320 after taxes and shipping. This is slightly less than buying a brand new laptop. I have heard that intrepid computer tinkerers can open the screen and replace the light or inverter themselves. I have found several vendors who will sell me a new backlight (aka Cold Cathode Tube) for $13.99 including shipping. If anyone knows anything more about this option or others I would appreciate the advice. Thanks Symptoms and System info: The computer boots up as normal, I can barely see what's on the screen when it is in bright light (ie direct sunlight). Using 'Fn'+ 'up arrow' will not make the screen go brighter and trying to toggle using 'Fn'+ 'F8' doesn't work either. I am able to see the image clearly when I hook the laptop up to a CRT screen. I checked all of the lighting and powersave options in the control panel and as far as the software is concerned my screen should be nice and bright. I am running windows XP pro. Dissatisfaction with Dell Section: I have had other laptops (one from the '90's) which still have working screens. I know plenty of people who were able to use their laptops for 5+ years before replacement, and that was usually due to obsolescence, not equipment failure. To have this computer fail after only two years is very disappointing. Then to find out that Dell can't do anything but charge me hundreds of dollars to fix the lemon I purchased is upsetting; especially since the broken part costs about $12 to replace. I will not be buying any more computers from Dell. I won't be recommending Dell computers to anyone I know. In fact, I will be recommending to others that they not buy a Dell. In the future I will purchase from a company that can stand by their products and help their customers. Message Edited by supportseeker9 on 09-06-2007 09:53 AM

ejn63 · Answer

If it's the backlight, yes, the part is inexpensive. It is however, labor-intensive to replace the bulb, and requires expertise not commonly found in most computer repair shops. The bulb is fragile, inside a fragile LCD assembly, and requires soldering to replace.

No notebook vendor will replace a bulb - they all replace LCD assemblies if the backlight fails. If you are expecting any different from your next, non-Dell system, you will be disappointed.

You may also buy another "brand" of notebook only to find you've traded an unsatisfactory Chevrolet for a Pontiac - different nameplate, same manufacturer. The manufacturer of the 6000 builds somewhere between 40-50% of all notebook computers, and is the principal supplier to not only Dell, but HP/Compaq, Gateway/eMachines, Sony, Toshiba, Apple and a host of other companies.

supportseeker9 · Answer

Thank you for the reply.

I know that the bulb replacement job is labor intensive. I'm looking for suggestions as to how to best accomplish this task. If anyone has any ideas, including links to sites detailing the procedure etc. I would appreciate it.

Thanks

Dissatisfaction with Dell Section(addendum):
I am also aware that most laptops are built the same. My dissatisfaction comes from the fact that I was sold a Lemon (most laptops have no backlight problem even after they become obsolete, usually about 5 years or so) and Dell will not do anything more for me than charge more for a replacement screen than what the computer is worth. There are other vendors who would take care of this kind of problem without all of the money and hassle. I can even provide a list of such vendors if that would help any readers out.

Message Edited by supportseeker9 on 09-06-2007 03:40 PM

SCTrahan · Answer

Hi I also have the same problem with my Insprion 6000, however I do have an advantage as my brother works on computers in his spare time. Can you tell me where you found the replacement bulb? I would really appericate it. Thanks SCTrahan

supportseeker9 · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you're having the same problem. Hopefully you'll find the following helpful.

I found this site as recommended on another forum and they seem to have the best prices and selection. Here is a direct link to the page where you can buy a cold cathode tube for a Dell Inspiron 6000: http://www.lcdparts.net/ccflDetail.aspx?ProductCCFL=MSLDELL154W

By way of advice, have you tried replacing your inverter first? Usually this will fix the dark/dim LCD problem. The inverter boards go bad way more often than the actual LCD bulbs do. The bulb replacement is very invasive and should be attempted only if replacing the inverter doesn't fix the problem.
The following sites are good places to look for good bargains on inverters:
http://cgi.ebay.com/LCD-Inverter-fo-DELL-Inspiron-6000-6000D-6400-500M-600M_W0QQitemZ200153535907QQihZ010QQcategoryZ42187QQcmdZViewItem www.ebay.com (type in "Dell LCD Laptop Inverter" and you'll find plenty of choices)

On Dell's support website you can find complete technical manuals which will show you how to disassemble the case, access the inverter, and replace it. The following is a link to the Dell service manual: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins6000/en/index.htm

Let us know how it turns out and best of luck.

Message Edited by supportseeker9 on 09-21-2007 05:14 PM

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