Aspire 3000 backlight

kleefarr

Guys,

My screen has gone dark. I immediately thought it was the backlight as I could see that the display was working viewed at an angle, but it was completely dark.
I have opened the screen up and can see the Inverter but can't see a backlight. If there is an inverter is there supposed to be a backlight or is it one or the other?

kleefarr

Anyone?

When I say I have opened the screen up, I mean I have removed the screen from the housing, but can't see a backlight.

dazzday

The inverter is what is responsible for providing the backlight with the correct voltage. If the inverter is broken, the backlight wont work, but if the backlight is broken it wont work either!
The backlight is located in the LCD screen housing...you wont be able to see it unless you take apart the LCD screen, and even then you wont be able to determine if the bulb is broken from just looking.

Could be a few things but probably more than likely CCFL Bulb failure if the laptop hasnt been dropped or anything?

First off plug the laptop up to an external monitor, if you get a signal than the GPU is more than likely ok.

Next download the service manual for this model, take of the bezel using the instructions and reset any connections you may see. Make sure any wires are not getting pinched at the hinges etc.
Next locate the lid-switch button (on this model it should be a small mechanical switch on the left/right top corner). Check for dirt etc that could be blocking it and manually press it to see if you get any response.

Alas if these steps dont work, its down to one of 4 things in decreasing likelyhood

- CCFL Bulb failure ( = screen replacement ~€100)
- Inverter Failure ( = ~€25 replacement)
- VGA cable failure (= ~€40 replacement...unlikely)
- Motherboard issue (unlikely)

The big issue here is its hard to determine between bulb and inverter, and the only true method I know is if you have access to a mulitimeter to check frequency outputs. (easy if you have access to a GOOD meter)

The inverter is quite cheap to buy and easy to replace yourself, so it should be the first step you try. Try match the replacement with the model no of the old inverter.
If that doesnt work its most likely the bulb failing. Replacing a CCFL bulb is a challenging task and tbh most techicians wont even quote a price for it, instead reccomending a new screen. A screen is gonna cost around ~€100 (maybe less if you find a 2nd hand one), however they are fairly routine to replace and you should consider fitting it yourself if you are competent with a screwdriver!

kleefarr

Thanks for the reply Dazday.

I have the Inverter out and have a sourced a replacement (new - 1 year warranty) for a small out lay. I'll change that and let you know the out come.

Thanks again.

kleefarr

Hi Dazzday,

I thought I had better check out the external monitor test. That is working, so I should go ahead with changing the LCD inverter next then?

K.

kleefarr

Just fitted LCD Inverter €15. Screen perfect again.

Thanks.