Diagnose Dell D620 LCD crazy multicolor failure

Hi all, I'm glad I've stumbled across this fantastic forum. Hope you can help.

I have a Dell D620 with a 15.4" WXGA+ on 945GM Intel on board graphics. Centrino Core Duo, with Vista.

The LCD was running beautifully until about three months ago (after I dropped it hard). The display very gradually dimmed and there were eventually two wide sections that ran vertically up and down the screen: one in the middle and the other at the right edge of the screen. These three inch wide strips got to 30% of original brightness and tinted red. The rest of the screen dimmed to 50% original brightness with no tint. The display is completely readable and I am using this display now (in a pitch black room). The bands are just variations in how dim and how hued the screen is.

In addition, when starting a cold display up, the screen breaks up into this crazy multicolored pattern with horizontal and vertical lines. When I move my mouse around, a vertical band shows and tracks where the mouse is. I manually cycle the display by closing and opening the lid 5-10 times and the display returns to normal (except for the screen dimming mentioned above).

Well, needless to say, I haven't found anyone with a similar problem on the 'net.

The dimming and red tint points to a busted CCFL tube, which I think I can replace myself. But what is going on with the crazy streaking?

TIA

 

Sounds like the actual LCD panel is cracked. Replacing the CCFL tubes is no easy task and can be quite dangerous as they very likely contain poisonous gases. I would consider replacing the entire LCD panel unit (hopefully the inverter is fine), which you might even find sources for on eBay--will probably be cheaper in the long run and more likely to work.

 

OK. Not good. I think I'll just buy a new external 20" panel. But can I leave the cracked LCD in there? Is it safe?