Good work on troubleshooting. It seems like the LCD screen is faulty you will need to replace it. However you can remove and reseat the LCD screen on the system by referring to Page no. 18 in the link below.
I've already had it re-mounted. Why should I have to pay to replace my whole LCD screen? That is absolutely ridiculous. If Dell knew this was going to be an issue with majority of this model and N models then why wouldn't they fix it themselves? I've seen countless threads about this issue. I feel I shouldn';t have to pay 75$ for a screen and pay more for installation because I don't know how nor do I feel comfortable doing it myself, for fear of further negative happenings to my laptop. I paid $1300 for this laptop! Dell should pay for this. Not me.
checked all cable connections, screen connections checked,
Hi JLDiaz87,
I read through your entire post and this comment was the one that stood out to me.
From a technician's perspective you'll be pleased to learn that the GPUs on this model are very robust and not prone some of the problems that have plagued other lineups (the HP DV6 and 7 series come to mind). I'm troubled by a couple of things in your post with regard to steps taken and feedback from the technician you mention. It is accurate that LED backlights last much longer than their CCFL counterparts. This is not to say they are infallable.
You mentioned "checked all cable connections, screen connections checked." This is a daunting task, where testing the entire pinout of an LVDS cable for continuity is cost-prohibitive in terms of tech/bench time. A Brand New LVDS ribbon for the M5010 at it's most expensive MIGHT cost $26 and without fairly expensive, highly specialized testing apparatus simply replacing the LVDS ribbon would be the first step in a process of elimination after you've ruled out the GPU by running the preboot system assessment and successfully connecting to an external monitor. This is what I recommend: Order a new LVDS cable for your M5010. You may still be able to get one from Dell but then again...it's a 4 year old model so maybe not (released 2010) If you can't, your favorite auction site or amazon will undoubtedly have one. Look for NEW even if you have to wait 5 weeks for the slow boat from China to get it. The savings are tremendous and since they're new...none of this "used, tested" bologna the eBay's famous for. (I regularly order new LVDS ribbons from a specific chinese vendor I first encountered on eBay) In ordering only a single part the MOST I've ever spent with him is $6 AND they come with the adhesive pads still protected by the original plastic peel off stickers...but I have to wait 5 weeks ...the upside...they're Brand New.
There are some other problems that can cause the symptoms you're having. I recently encountered a laptop with no backlight at all. I won't bore you with the troubleshooting details but there is a 5vdc terminal on the LCD logic board (controller) whose job it is to close a transistorized switch that simply enables the higher voltage core value (up to12vdc) to pass through the LED backlight. That same terminal is in charge of "strobe" type dimming which leads me to believe it may be worth your time and trouble to inspect ALL USB and Card Reader contacts with a flashlight for any signs of wear or direct short to case ground. (Laptop USB is supplied on the 5vdc core..and most desktops (but some legacy systems have 12vdc support or "high power")
to be completely honest with you N7U I am a bit overloaded with this wall of text lol I re-read it a few times but am still a bit lost. I realize that LED backlights are not infallible. But the likelihood of it being an issue is slim to none. I've now replaced my LCD screen. and ribbons you've mentioned. its still not working properly. Still dimming at random This is unacceptable really considering the cost I've put in. Now we're to the last paragraph you mentioned... USB and card reader contacts for wear, meaning prongs or connectors not properly mounting? My techs say they've inspected everything. Sigh.
It was not my intention to overwhelm you with details but more often than not, members that are in the midst of a troubleshooting quandry would rather have too much detail than not enough.
Without further ado, and in order for you to avoid further unnecessary delay and expense for "it might be this." I suggest purchasing a motherboard for your laptop. Use google search "Inspiron M5010 motherboard." to locate one for sale.
You've replaced everything display related and your technician should have suggested mainboard replacement when all else failed. They're much more affordable than a new notebook and since you're already well versed in disassembly you stand to save a considerable amount of money. essentially what you'll end up with is a new computer in the original case. Realistically you can expect to spend anywhere from $72-$137.
DELL-Ravi Ch
7 Technologist
•
7.1K Posts
0
May 27th, 2014 20:00
Hi jldiaz87,
Good work on troubleshooting. It seems like the LCD screen is faulty you will need to replace it. However you can remove and reseat the LCD screen on the system by referring to Page no. 18 in the link below.
ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_inspiron_laptop/inspiron-15-m5010_service%20manual_en-us.pdf
jldiaz87
6 Posts
0
May 27th, 2014 22:00
jldiaz87
6 Posts
0
May 29th, 2014 20:00
N7U
615 Posts
0
May 30th, 2014 01:00
Hi JLDiaz87,
I read through your entire post and this comment was the one that stood out to me.
From a technician's perspective you'll be pleased to learn that the GPUs on this model are very robust and not prone some of the problems that have plagued other lineups (the HP DV6 and 7 series come to mind). I'm troubled by a couple of things in your post with regard to steps taken and feedback from the technician you mention. It is accurate that LED backlights last much longer than their CCFL counterparts. This is not to say they are infallable.
You mentioned "checked all cable connections, screen connections checked." This is a daunting task, where testing the entire pinout of an LVDS cable for continuity is cost-prohibitive in terms of tech/bench time. A Brand New LVDS ribbon for the M5010 at it's most expensive MIGHT cost $26 and without fairly expensive, highly specialized testing apparatus simply replacing the LVDS ribbon would be the first step in a process of elimination after you've ruled out the GPU by running the preboot system assessment and successfully connecting to an external monitor. This is what I recommend: Order a new LVDS cable for your M5010. You may still be able to get one from Dell but then again...it's a 4 year old model so maybe not (released 2010) If you can't, your favorite auction site or amazon will undoubtedly have one. Look for NEW even if you have to wait 5 weeks for the slow boat from China to get it. The savings are tremendous and since they're new...none of this "used, tested" bologna the eBay's famous for. (I regularly order new LVDS ribbons from a specific chinese vendor I first encountered on eBay) In ordering only a single part the MOST I've ever spent with him is $6 AND they come with the adhesive pads still protected by the original plastic peel off stickers...but I have to wait 5 weeks ...the upside...they're Brand New.
There are some other problems that can cause the symptoms you're having. I recently encountered a laptop with no backlight at all. I won't bore you with the troubleshooting details but there is a 5vdc terminal on the LCD logic board (controller) whose job it is to close a transistorized switch that simply enables the higher voltage core value (up to12vdc) to pass through the LED backlight. That same terminal is in charge of "strobe" type dimming which leads me to believe it may be worth your time and trouble to inspect ALL USB and Card Reader contacts with a flashlight for any signs of wear or direct short to case ground. (Laptop USB is supplied on the 5vdc core..and most desktops (but some legacy systems have 12vdc support or "high power")
jldiaz87
6 Posts
0
June 7th, 2014 12:00
jldiaz87
6 Posts
0
June 7th, 2014 12:00
N7U
615 Posts
0
June 7th, 2014 17:00
Hi JLDIAZ87,
It was not my intention to overwhelm you with details but more often than not, members that are in the midst of a troubleshooting quandry would rather have too much detail than not enough.
Without further ado, and in order for you to avoid further unnecessary delay and expense for "it might be this." I suggest purchasing a motherboard for your laptop. Use google search "Inspiron M5010 motherboard." to locate one for sale.
You've replaced everything display related and your technician should have suggested mainboard replacement when all else failed. They're much more affordable than a new notebook and since you're already well versed in disassembly you stand to save a considerable amount of money. essentially what you'll end up with is a new computer in the original case. Realistically you can expect to spend anywhere from $72-$137.