I held a flashlight to the screen and can see what is supposed to be there. Thank you for your response. not sure what next step is, but maybe i should take it to somebody.
First thing to check is whether the screen will run a self-test -- hold the D key through powerup. You should see a series of self-test screens show (use a bright flashlight in case it's the backlight that's the issue).
If you see nothing -- even faintly - replace the screen.
If you do see an image, however faint, the fault is either with the backlight -- or given the suddenness, even more likely with the high voltage supply to the backlight (meaning a replacement system board will be needed).
The next step would be to carefully scan the mainboard for signs of blown-out power chips -- start near where the connectors to the display panel plug in. I suspect that's what you will find - the high voltage power supply to the backlight is blown out. If so, the next step would be to replace the system board (with the reserve knowledge that it's very possible the screen may need to be replaced as well).
If there is no evidence of damaged components near the screen connectors, you could also try a replacement screen as well.
A competent repair shop can also diagnose the issue with a multimeter -- look for a true electronics repair shop (i.e., not one of the national chains like Best Buy or Staples, which are simply parts-swappers).
Another possible source of repair is parts-people.com, which specializes in Dell parts and does flat-rate repairs for $100 in labor (over and above the cost of the components, which in this case will be at least a few hundred dollars -- if the board is fairly recent and needs replacement, expect a total of well into four figures).
Hi @Fischinhole welcome to this free user to user Alienware laptop discussion forum. This is not Dell Support.
Please click on Product Support so that Dell can identify Model and Revision number. Go to Dell Support, then Documentation, and open Service Manual which includes instructions on how to remove and install Dell parts.
You have already established that the LCD screen's backlight is not working.
The backlight is part of the screen. Please go to Parts People and use your private Service Tag to find Dell Part Number (DP/N) for your New OEM Screen. You may have use DP/N to search on the internet to find parts. The quick option is to install a new LCD Display Assembly complete with screen. There are many YouTube videos that show how to replace screen. There could be an Alienware Support video, Parts People video, etc. Watch a few videos for your system to decide if you or colleague are competent to replace screen, etc.
A dead backlight may or may not mean the display is the faulty part. Before chasing part replacement, check the system board as recommended or have a competent repair shop pinpoint whether it's the backlight that has failed or the high voltage power supply to it.
The fact it that it's far more likely that the power to the backlight is where the problem lies -- not with the backlight itself.
Fischinhole
3 Posts
0
May 22nd, 2022 10:00
I held a flashlight to the screen and can see what is supposed to be there. Thank you for your response. not sure what next step is, but maybe i should take it to somebody.
ejn63
10 Elder
•
30.7K Posts
0
May 22nd, 2022 10:00
First thing to check is whether the screen will run a self-test -- hold the D key through powerup. You should see a series of self-test screens show (use a bright flashlight in case it's the backlight that's the issue).
If you see nothing -- even faintly - replace the screen.
If you do see an image, however faint, the fault is either with the backlight -- or given the suddenness, even more likely with the high voltage supply to the backlight (meaning a replacement system board will be needed).
Fischinhole
3 Posts
0
May 22nd, 2022 12:00
could you assist me on which direction I need to go?
ejn63
10 Elder
•
30.7K Posts
0
May 22nd, 2022 14:00
The next step would be to carefully scan the mainboard for signs of blown-out power chips -- start near where the connectors to the display panel plug in. I suspect that's what you will find - the high voltage power supply to the backlight is blown out. If so, the next step would be to replace the system board (with the reserve knowledge that it's very possible the screen may need to be replaced as well).
If there is no evidence of damaged components near the screen connectors, you could also try a replacement screen as well.
A competent repair shop can also diagnose the issue with a multimeter -- look for a true electronics repair shop (i.e., not one of the national chains like Best Buy or Staples, which are simply parts-swappers).
Another possible source of repair is parts-people.com, which specializes in Dell parts and does flat-rate repairs for $100 in labor (over and above the cost of the components, which in this case will be at least a few hundred dollars -- if the board is fairly recent and needs replacement, expect a total of well into four figures).
crimsom
7 Technologist
•
6.1K Posts
0
May 22nd, 2022 15:00
Hi @Fischinhole welcome to this free user to user Alienware laptop discussion forum. This is not Dell Support.
Please click on Product Support so that Dell can identify Model and Revision number. Go to Dell Support, then Documentation, and open Service Manual which includes instructions on how to remove and install Dell parts.
You have already established that the LCD screen's backlight is not working.
The backlight is part of the screen. Please go to Parts People and use your private Service Tag to find Dell Part Number (DP/N) for your New OEM Screen. You may have use DP/N to search on the internet to find parts. The quick option is to install a new LCD Display Assembly complete with screen. There are many YouTube videos that show how to replace screen. There could be an Alienware Support video, Parts People video, etc. Watch a few videos for your system to decide if you or colleague are competent to replace screen, etc.
ejn63
10 Elder
•
30.7K Posts
0
May 22nd, 2022 16:00
A dead backlight may or may not mean the display is the faulty part. Before chasing part replacement, check the system board as recommended or have a competent repair shop pinpoint whether it's the backlight that has failed or the high voltage power supply to it.
The fact it that it's far more likely that the power to the backlight is where the problem lies -- not with the backlight itself.