Inspiron 6400/E1505 LCD monitor blanking after about 5-10 seconds

Question

I have my 1505 hooked up to my TV in a dual monitor configuration. Yesterday, after the computer had been on a few minutes, I noticed the LCD had blanked out. When I shuffled through LCD/monitor modes, it would come on the LCD for a few seconds but then completely blank out.    The computer displays without a problem on the TV.   I've tried the troubleshooting, and the computer makes it all the way through the color bar portion before the LCD blanks out.   When I say blanks out, I mean completely--it's not a backlight issue. However, I do notice that the backlighting seems to be weak.   My first thought was replacing the LCD, but the fact that it shows up for a few seconds each time I flip through modes or turn it on makes me wonder if this is a software, driver issue.   I did notice when I asked the driver setting panel to identify monitors, both the LCD and the TV identified themselves as 1.   I've never had problems with this setup until now. Normally it works great.    I'd like to exhaust all driver, software issues before seeing about repairing the machine. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

ejn63 · Answer

The backlight is dying.  Least expensive option:  have an LCD repair shop replace the backlight bulb.

Burningbird · Answer

Thanks for replying, but my understanding of the backlight is that you can see the screen if you shine a strong light on it. I've heard that when the screen is completely blank, it could be the inverter that's broken.

The machine is barely two years old -- I wouldn't have expected this kind of problem with a machine that's relatively new.

ejn63 · Answer

While it could be the inverter, it's more likely the bulb.

We had a Dodge car where the transmission failed at 18 miles - not expected, but it can happen. Any manufactured product can fail at any point along its life cycle.

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