Dell XPS L501x LCD Display Swap

We have confirmed the ribbon cable is needed to make the screen swap work. I will be adding the links to confirmation posts as they come.

Required part:
FullHD Ribbon cable from Dell
Dell Part Number - 0V73D3
Description: Assembly,Cable,Low Voltage Differential Signaling,Full High Definition,Light Emitting Diode,NIMOY


Confirmed Screens that Work:
LG LP156WF1 (TL)(B1) - by NoSlow5oh
AUO B156HW01 v4 - by chanman
LG LP156WF1 (TL)(B3) - by jnguye13

---- Screen Swap Tutorial ---
Read the Technician manual for information

Steps are:
1) remove battery

2) remove palm rest


Under the palm rest are two cables. flip the black tabs up and the ribbons should slide out.



3) remove keyboard



If you have a backlit keyboard, there is a second ribbon cable you will need to remove. Arrow is showing the main ribbon cable for the keyboard removed.



5) remove bezel
To do this. Start at the top on either the left or right side of the webcam. Using your fingers pull the inside of the bezel a bit away from the screen and pull outward. Once it bezel is out enough, use your (thumb) nail and separate the bezel by putting it between the bezel and the back cover.


Then you should remove the webcam cable


6) remove the ribbon cable

There is a black plastic piece you can pull up on, this will detach the cable.


There is also a ground screw that you will need to remove. The new ribbon cable should come with its own screw for the ground.





7) Swap LCD

Unscrew the the 4 screws on each side of the screen that is attached to the bezel. 3 on bottom, 1 on top for the left and right side. There are then 2 screws that hold the bracket to the screen on each side. Remove those and install the brackets on your new screen.

8) Now reverse the instructions to put it back together!
---- ORIGINAL POST BELOW ---
So it didn't go out as planned. I initially had the 720p LP156WH2 display.

I purchased the AUO B156HW01 v4 as the upgrade.

Looks like the issue is with the ribbon cable. It's missing some wires that is required to display the 1080p panel correctly.

Does anyone know where I can buy the correct ribbon cable for this?

* edit * I just chatted with a Dell rep and they said the ribbon cable is the same for the 720p screen and the 1080p screens. So I guess the AUO B156HW01 v4 screens are not compatible.

*edit 2* Please read through this thread, we now believe the ribbon cable was the issue. I have the AUO B156HW01 v4 screen, jnguye13 has the LP156WF1 (TL)(B3) screen, and paul-home has the B156HW01 v.0 screen. I'll will be posting pics of my swap after I get the ribbon cable. I want to thank Cap and conscriptvirus for all the help they provided! To order the cable, call Dell Spare Parts (1-800-357-3355). The item details for the cable is

Item No: V73D3
Description: Assembly,Cable,Low Voltage Differential Signaling,Full High Definition,Light Emitting Diode,NIMOY

Please note we haven't received our cables so this isn't verified yet...

 

Hey,
I got my B267HW01 v.7 screen today and the technician came to replace it for me. i THINK i have the same problem as you.

how do u know its a ribbon cable issue?

 

I read some where else on this forum that the ribbon cable is missing some wires to display the 1080p screens (there were some pics). In my the pic, you can kind of see the gap between the wires.

But, I'm talking to a rep right now that says the ribbon cable is the same for the 720p and the 1080p screens they have.

And it does look like you have the same issue I have. White vertical lines every other pixel.

 

let me know what they say. i already have a screen being sent as a replacement, so i'm hoping its just a defect in the screen and not something else with the laptop.

 

Just got done with the rep, assured me the ribbon cable is the same. I asked them if they had any 1080p screens in stock. The have refurbished ones for $364.99 each....a little too spendy for me.

If we have the same issue then I hope it really is a ribbon issue. I rather spend a few bucks on a ribbon than return the screens I got. Let me know if the technician had to replace your ribbon cable!

 

The ribbons are not the same. Went through this same thing but Dell sent a new ribbon with the new 1080p screen. The Tech did not originally change the ribbon from the old 720p with the new one that shipped with the 1080p and the screen looked all washed out. He went back in a put the new ribbon on and that fixed the problem.

 

Did the screen look like the picture in the first post?

 

^ Yes, exactly like it.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...-screen-transplant-success-3.html#post6938250

Also, the B156HW01 v4 is an exact copy of the "B+RG" screen minus the glossy layer.

 

We need someone that has a 1080p XPS 15 to give us the part # off of their cable or when someone calls Dell and the order we need the exact dell part # associated with the cable.


C'mon someone out there help us out !

 

I just got off a chat with another dell rep. She said the ribbon cables are not in stock. I asked if she had a part number and she says no as its not in the system when its out of stock. I don't know how much I believe that but she said she would send me a quote. I'm waiting for the email right now.

 

Here is all the info off of mine, pulled my palm rest for ya.

GM6 LVDS CABLE FHD
P/N DD0GM6LC110
WANSHIH 10/10/12
REV: 3A

Hope this helps!

 

Dell tech came today to replace my screen. wow that was fast..

swapped screens, same problem.

used new ribbon cable that came with the screen..problem resolved!

so ur right. i think the ribbon cable is at fault here, but the tech was still doubtful and said he never had to do something like that before.

anyways..the screen is niceeee but everythings soo smalll. xD

 

That's what my Tech said too. He say's "hmmm, never had to change out the LCD cable just for a screen swap so, I might be fixin to learn something" We both did.

 

Thanks for the info Cap and conscriptvirus! now I just need to get my hands on those ribbon cables.

My best guess is that when Dell was only selling the 720p screens, they got a different cable to go with the screen. When they got the 1080p screens back, they used the updated cables.

 

Well I've found a carrier that has the V.7 screen in stock, they are located in Taiwan.

Now I just have to find the connector or call dell and order one, this will be a I'm sure...

 

When you get your quote defintely enlighten all of us with the spec info, it would def be appreciated!

 

I chatted with 3 reps.

Rep 1 said the cables were the same and quoted me 364.99 for the 1080p screens

rep 2, after I said I needed to purchase the cable only, said she would send me a quote. I never received the quote.

Rep 3, after giving the part number Cap gave, she said they only sell the ribbons with the LCD screen. I asked her if my ribbon became faulty, would I have to purchase a whole new screen? I stated she couldn't answer that and I would have to call tech support. I asked her about the quote I was suppose to receive and she stated she couldn't find it in the system.

So...I'll have to call tech support to find out more. If someone else wants to call also that would be great! tech support number is 1-800-624-9896 (US).

here are bits of the chat log:

Code:

me:  no, I have a new LCD screen for my laptop ready to be
     installed. But I need the ribbon cable that is compatible
     with the 1080p screen.
rep: I see, let me check if we have that part here

...(some other stuff)

me:  here is the part I need:
     GM6 LVDS CABLE FHD
     P/N DD0GM6LC110
     WANSHIH 10/10/12
     REV: 3A
rep: Thank you for that information. Please give me a minute or two here.
     May I also know where di you get that part?
me:  I got the information from another customer that had his
     LCD upgraded. The tech first installed the LCD and it
     didn't work correctly, then the tech replaced the ribbon
     cable and the LCD worked.
rep: I see, cause what we have here is the replacement for the
     LCD screen, and we do not gave the ribbon only.
me:  are you sure? I talked to a rep previously and she said
     she would send me a quote. I never received the email so
     I'm back again to get a quote for the part.

...(asking for info to check the quote)

rep: Upon checking, there were no quote for any part for your
     LCD screen replacement
me:  If the ribbon cable becomes faulty I would have to
     purchase a whole new screen?
rep: you need to speak with a technician first, and they can
     provide you also part number
me:  could you transfer me over to a tech?
rep: You can call them directly ar The Technical Support
     number for your reference is 1-800-624-9896.

 

I have the exact same problem with a v0 panel I bought, looks just like the photo. I am very pleased to hear that it is the cable. I'm guessing that its missing a couple of wires. I wonder which ones..

 

Man, sounds like a nightmare...

Hopefully you get a hold of the right person, I'll be attempting to order one tonight myself from Dell.

 

Bah, so frustrating. I was transfered 5 times:

Sales > Warehouse > Tech > XPS support > Sales > Spare Parts (probably the warehouse)

Each time they said the part number for just the ribbon cable is not in their system. When I was transfered to spare parts I was on hold for 20 minutes waiting for a rep. then just got disconnected...

Hope some one else has better luck.

 

Dang, I'm gonna try tonight and see if I can get anywhere with them if I get the chance to.

 

To my knowledge, DELL has a policy not to sell the small parts which would allow major upgrades. This is to avoid people buying a lease expensive part from DELL and source a major part from else where and sell it for profit. Many ebay sellers do this.

In this case it exactly matches with what they think they would be loosing the money. I have recently got into this situation when upgrading TV card. They wouldn't sell the back plate to me (which is a small plastic costs only £1 or £2) but I would rather buy a whole bottom plate. Aslo I asked for Bluray Bezel and answer was the same.

If that part in question, has or develops a fault they will replace it under warranty or pay more if it is out of warranty.

This is what I have been told in the UK. But it can be possible only if some one finds a very helpful person in tech support.

 

I have this same laptop and got a LG LP156WF1 (TL) (V3) in hopes of upgrading to higher resolution. I have the same problem and my monitor shades a red or green tint across the whole screen most of the time. I've been told many different things and it appears to me that no one I have spoken with knows how to deal with this. Some have said that it may be display driver issue or a finding a different video cable and another said it cannot be done unless you get a new video chip specifically design for that particular screen. The ribbon you guys are referring to is a video cable? Will someone order an extra one for me please!! We can deal here! =) =) =)

 

Okay guys, let me explain to you what a technician from XPS said.

He said the cable cannot be purchased alone by itself, he said it is only available in a service repair kit, X7C4C is the part # for the service repair kit which includes the LCD and cable for $360 !!!!!!!!!!

That is the only way we are going to get the cable until a 3rd party provides the parts.


Tough luck as of right now.

 

We need to work out what the difference is with the working cable. Thats the only way this is going to get sorted out.

 

the v.4 of the screen is a lenovo part correct ? Someone who done some digging on the V.4 of the LCD said that a particular line of lenovo laptops used this exact LCD panel, it that could be another place to look for the cable; if both ends match up of course.

Has anyone seen if Lenovo provides a cable to match the panel ?

 

So supposebly the W510 has the v.4 of the LCD as an option when you purchase it.

According to Lenovo parts lists and forums posts I've read the cable used with the W510 works with both FHD and standard HD screens....This makes me skeptical of whether or not it would work with our laptops.

Sources here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/537858-w510-screen-upgrade-hd-fhd-possible.html

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=91529

NEW - Lenovo ThinkPad T510 T510i W510 LCD cable 45M2895 - eBay (item 280629074076 end time Mar-14-11 06:34:04 PDT)

An new replacement cable that works with the Lenovo W510, but now we have to find out if the cables connections on the laptop side are the same as ours.

 

I wonder if anyone has considered if the xps 1647 RGB-LED cable would work. It sure looks like the same cable but Im no expert. Found one here.

Dell Studio XPS 1640 1645 1647 16" Full HD RGB-LED (1920x1080p) LCD Ribbon Cable - W281F

 

i noticed that the cables u guys posted above are missing the part that connects to the webcam.

and i also want to add that replacing the cable is no easy job. u pretty much disassemble your laptop, and to take the keyboard out isnt fun. you kinda have to pry out the plastic part just like with the plastic part with the screen. ive never felt comfortable with that.

 

It's looking like we are gonna have to wait for a bit before the parts are widely available... Bummer...

 

anyone with a 1080p screen can get us a screen part # or thier lcd cable part #? might help out a lot.

 

^Page 2 of the thread. I gave the cable part number and Dell will not sell it as a stand alone part, according to chanman. If you buy the screen,the cable is part of the package deal.

 

sorry missed that. Appreciate the info. Got mine from the outlet and the only 2 things its missing in my opinion is the blu-ray drive and the 1080p screen so looking forward to any progress here.

 

As mentioned earlier, I do not have the same LCD screen as everyone else here. I ordered mine from laptopscreens.com and got a LP156WF1 (TL)(B3). That's a 1920x1080 full HD screen matte. It did not work on my xps, but I was able to order a ribbon from dell with the help of CAP's p/n above. I hope I ordered the right part and that it fixes my issue.

 

How were you able to just order the ribbon? I provided the info Cap gave to 5 defferent reps. Each time they said they couldn't locate it or I had to purchase with the LCD from Dell. I ordered a Matte screen from MythLogic.

 

I don't know if this will be irrelevant, but here's what happen. Maybe I got lucky or just called the right department. I'm from California and I called the Dell spares department and the rep I spoke with was from India (Just like most of them). I read this thread about how they do not sell the ribbon separately or have "trouble" finding them so I was careful not to mention I bought a screen from a third party (Just in case). Dell is all about business and if they knew you bought a third party screen I'm guessing they will either say it's not in stock, cannot be found, or only available if purchased with the screen. Chanman, I see that you got disconnected when waiting for the spares department. It did the trick for me so give them a call directly. The number for the guy who placed my order was 1-800-999-3355 ext 4163362. Otherwise the spares department is 1-800-357-3355.

All I said was that I needed a video cable for my laptop and they ask me if I was referring to a HDMI cable and I told them its a ribbon cable for the laptop screen not an external screen (I don't think you need to explain that you are trying to upgrade the screen). I told them if it would help if I provided the part number and they said yes. Put me on hold and started asking if I wanted a dell credit card. I listened and then kindly decline their offer and ask if they have found the cable. He said yes and it cost about 20 USD shipped. I am not sure if this is the right part or if it will solve my particular issue, but it's worth a shot before returning my screen. I will update you guys! Good Luck!

 

I'm surprised they didn't ask you for your service tag. If you received an emailed invoice and receipt, it should have a Dell part number on there. Could you see if you got that and post the DP/N?

I'm going to try this tomorrow, thanks for the info!

 

I did not get an emailed invoice though I can request it. The part number I used was indeed from cap. I did get a item number and description.

QTY:1 Item No: V73D3 Description: Assembly,Cable,Low Voltage Differential Signaling,Full High Definition,Light Emitting Diode,NIMOY

I will get the item on the 17th and I do hope its the right item and that it fixes my problem. I will update you guys that same day.

 

Sounds like you got the right part, I believe that "V72D3" is the DP/N!

Low Voltage Differential Signaling > GM6 LVDS CABLE FHD

 

Just bought one from Dell parts. The total cost was £68.44 including delivery.

 

Just called and was able to order 2 cables from them.

Subtotal: $23.98
Shipping and Handling: $8.99
Sales Tax: $2.39
Total: $35.36

wow, seems expensive. Must be because of shipping?

 

Well now, this is shaping up to be a happy ending!

 

Ordered one as well today, they told me the part number that I gave didn't exist that it had changed. The part ordered is a cable service kit and I asked him 3 times to make sure it was the lsvd cable and he reassured me it was.

Crossing fingers! I've also found a vendor for the glossy v.7 of the LCD. You wont believe the price .....$90.

 

can someone tell me where are you buying this cable online?, can't seem to find it on dell parts with the part number given here.

 

Cannot be found online I dont think. I used online chat to get a phone number, called it, got transferred 5 or 6 times and finally found a really helpful person somewhere in Asia.

 

You'll have to call in to get the part. Their spare parts Dept does not have their inventory online. Read my first post for the number and item number. When it asks you what you want to do, say "spare parts".

 

Will anyone provide the part # of the screen itself, or a compatible one? Where is everyone getting them?

 

The Dell part number for the screen is X7C4C. I was quoted $364.99 from them. No one else but Dell are selling these screens.

I purchased a similar screen through MythLogic, which posts in these forums. You can email them at [email protected] to get a quote for the screen I got (it's a lot cheaper). Read the first post, I compiled most of the info on which screens people got.

You can also read this thread for reviews of each screen. The ones that should be compatible are:

B156HW01 v0 <- paul-home bought this one
B156HW01 v4 <- I bought this one
B156HW01 v7 <- this is the screen Dell sells
LP156WF1 (TL)(B3) <- jnguye13 bought this one

Nothing is verified 100% yet though. We are receiving the ribbon cables this week and will post an update.

 

It would be great if some user with the 720p version of the ribbon cable posts the part number of it.

If you don't want to take apart your laptop, I think you can use:

Dell - System Information

... and type your service tag, then click on the "Original System configuration" tab.

Take note that the ribbon cable would be something stated like this:

V73D3 Assembly,Cable,Low Voltage Differential Signaling,Full High Definition,Light Emitting Diode,NIMOY
^ that one matches the 1080p cable.