Inspiron 1545 LED screen - no backlight?

Hi guys,

I have a problem and looking for your help.
Recently I broke the screen on my laptop and I have purchased and received a replacement Dell Inspiron 15.6" Matte 1600x900 LED screen from an internet retailer.
The problem is that when I connected it to the laptop first time it did not work, I figured out there was a loose connection for my flex cable (my bad), then I made the connection firm and I got my new screen working perfectly! I got happy and screwed back the screen. Before assembling everything back, just tried it again and damn - the picture became very-very dark. I mean, no colorful details on the screen - I do see a picture but it is shades of dark grey - i can hardly see something there but again, the picture is there. I don't know much about LED screens but I would say it looks like there is no "backlight" or something like that.
Note, when I switch to the external monitor - everything is fine. First I thought the culprit is the flexible LED cable that goes from the motherboard to the LED screen. I just thought that maybe I broke the cable or its connection when I was disconnecting/connecting my LED screen. I figured out the cable part number (R267J) and ordered a new one from Dell. Once it arrived, I tried it - the same problem . So right now I definitely know the following:
1. The replacement LED screen must be good cause I saw it working and it is actually showing something, just there is a lack of brightness or "backlight"
2. The LED flex cable is good (I have the old and new one - they work the same)
3. The external LCD monitor connected via VGA works well - so it looks like the video controller is OK

Guys, what should I try next?

Thank you in advance!

 

Can be a problem with the connector on mobo.
and btw did u got correct pictures with the led (even for once) ?
if u didn't then how could you say that the replacement LED is good...

 

Thanks for the comment.

The replacement LED screen is good, my actions were as follows:
1. Connected the replacement LED screen first time with a loose connection - no picture at all (my stupidity here)
2. Connected the replacement LED screen second time with the OLD LED flexible cable and firm connection - everything was fine, bright crisp picture!
3. Assembled the replacement LED screen (screwed it to the steel brackets and to the plastic lid), connected the OLD cable again, tried - no picture, just shades of dark-dark grey and I can recognize the picture.

Whatever I tried after (including a NEW LED flex cable) - nothing worked, still the same shades of darkness.
I can even add that I have tried my OLD cracked LED screen - before I had bright light cracks, now they are also very dark.

If it is a connector on mobo, how can I be sure and what can I do with that if this is a culprit?

 

Hi, I am just wondering if you ever found a fix for this issue. I have the exact same issue, new LED backlit screen to replace a broken one. Backlight no longer works on new or broken one (did work on broken one before removal). I ordered a new ribbon cable on the advice of Dell, but this made no difference. I have seen on a number of other forums that people are having this exact problem, so it seems logical that it must be either a simple oversight on our behalfs, or an inherent fault with the machines.

Any updates/findings would be great if you have any. Thanks.

 

I have the same problem. Any solutions?

 

Guys,

I was lucky. My laptop was still under warranty and coincidentally a new problem arose with permanently popping "USB Device Not Recognized" message even if no devices were plugged into USB ports.
After several hours of dealing with Dell support they accepted it is not a software issue and send a technician who replaced the motherboard.
And magically my laptop monitor started to work as well.
So I can confirm in my case it was a problem with the controller on the motherboard.
Though it looks like it was me who damaged it while trying to hook up a new flex cable.
No sure if it is the same problem for you but if you have a new monitor and flex cable then the only remaining culprit is the controller on a mobo...

 

Thanks for the reply. I guess there is a very remote possibility that the screen may have damaged the motherboard, as I initially just removed the lcd panel from it without accessing the motherboard at all (no parts or covers removed from the base whatsoever). I only took the keyboard off to gain access to change the cable after it had already failed to light up. Guess Dell will deny any fault even though there are a large number of forum threads all over the world with people having exactly the same issue, which looks to me like an inherent fault. They must have had an enormous number of calls about this issue. I fix laptops for a living, and have never had an issue like this before. By the way, they were quick enough to say it definately had to be the cable and sell me a new one of those! As if they don't know about this issue.... lol!

 

I also have this issue. I am fixing a laptop for someone who cracked her screen. The backlight was working on the damaged screen.

I purchased a new LED HD screen and fitted it but when I turned it on there was no backlight. Only a faint image. I connected back the old screen which had been working except for the crack and no backlight now.

I sent back the screen and the supplier tested it and said it was fine. I am now thinking of replacing the cable but don't think the cable is the issue. I don't know how it could be the motherboard either as I only took the screen apart.
I priced a new motherboard and it's going to be quite expensive to replace. The user contacted DELL already and told them she dropped the screen so I can't get them involved. Does anyone have any ideas????

I also ran a boot diagnostics which gives me "Error Code 2000-0413 LCD Cable not detected"

 

Hi I have the exact same problem with the same laptop.
LED replaced no backlight..diags cable not detected..
would there be a fuse of some kind to protect the screen?

 

Just received new cable and fitted it. No joy!!!!!! Still no backlight. Am going to buy a new mother board and fit it. It's the only thing left I can think off. Dell are useless. This model is only a few months old.

 

Finally fixed this issue but an expensive fix. I ordered a new motherboard about 160 euro fitted it and backlight came up straight away. However the screen was green. I figured out that this was because i was using the new lcd cable (must be faulty) and swapped it out for the original OEM Dell lcd cable. Rebooted and perfect picture.

Moral of the story. Don't buy Dell.

Laptop Screen Repair Dublin Computer PC & Laptop Repair,Laptop LCD Screen Replacement, Virus, Trojan Malware Removal, Wireless Setup, Troubleshooting, Data Recovery, PC, Computer, Laptop Upgrades,Free Advice, Anti Virus, Affordable, Knocklyon, Tallag

 

With you on that one, my customer decided it's not worth paying for a new screen, cable AND motherboard so decided to cancel the job... leaving me over £100 out of pocket (though I don't blame her to be honest). What a shambles, and Dell don't even have the decency to own up to it being a problem. Con artists. Er.... rant over....

 

UPDATE: I read this whole thread as I too have the exact same issue (broke monitor, replaced, now really dim), although with a 1525, so I am not sure if it is completely different. Well, I called Dell and they said it is a known BIN problem and that it is 159 total with shipping. They took my address, are mailing me a box and once it arrives it will take 8-10 days to be back at my house. I hope this works. Call Dell hardware support, as I think they are now admitting what it is, and they said it is NOT motherboard replacement. I will let you know if they fix it properly.

 

bbalder, did you find out what the issue was? I'm having the same problem.

 

What do you mean by BIN problem? I'm having the same problem.

 

I am having same issue - new screen, backlight suddenly gone.

* Any response on what the "BIN problem" is?
* Any fixes other than a new mo-bo ?

Boy this is frustrating!
thanks.

 

I've been working on mine for months. I am not new to working on computers, But this is a royal pain. I checked everything to the lid switch,etc.
My screen only shows when it's in light or with a flashlight. I have checked everything. I have sent back screens so many times I'm sick of it.
Then on Dell forums I had already said I have an LED NOT CCFL. They keep saying about finding the inverter board. I think the thing is intergrated into the motherboard. If it is forget it. If it is a separate board that would be nice. I did a search for it and there's nothing, Not good.
So did everybody buy a new Laptop? lol Not funny I know.

 

I have been a laptop tech for over 10 yrs. I was having the exact same problem with a Dell 1750 "1545 is the same fix" that I bought off Craigslist. The original owner had replaced the screen 3 times and still no backlight. I bought the system after he was feed up with it. I tried a few different ideas I had and yes they are NO inverters on these LED screens If they are they are built in somewhere. I don't think the leds need the high volts. They operate on 36 volts. Not the high voltage needed by older lcd's. OK now the reason your here. You don't have to replace the board as Dell says, you don't have to replace your screen as most of you have tried. The fix is a problem with the board. You need extreme soldier skills to fix this problem or you will trash your board. If you are not able to replace a surface mount resistor "the size of a grain of salt"
you will need someone that has the right tools to do this fix for you. Drop me a line
[email protected]

 

Hi Guys, Hope this helps you all to fix this problem.

I am sure its probably not documented online as its a bit tricky to fix but within the range of someone thats handy with a soldering iron.

To clarify I am an alarm engineer that has worked in the electronics industry in surface mount manufacture and finds things like this a challenge. A friend asked if I could help with his sons 1545 with led screen. He had changed the screen as his son had cracked it and had a dim screen which you could just work out the Dell logo. I dived in with a multimeter and found the problem and fixed it.

My theory is that when the screen is damaged it draws to much current, possibly momentarily and it blows a fuse on the motherboard.

To find it look with a magnifying glass near to the screen connector. To do this you will have to remove the keyboard or move it to the side (assuming you have the laptop in bits with the screen already removed) fu. The keyboard ribbon cable connectors are well tricky to get back in place if removed fully.

You are looking for a small "surface mount 3amp fuse". It says F1 on it. Its a small oblong device with a solder pad at each end.

To confirm its blown get hold of a multimeter and touch the probes on each end. If you don't get low ohms reading or a beep if using the continuity test its almost certainly blown.

You can buy these from electronic supplies such as Farnell in the uk LITTELFUSE|0451003.MRL|FUSE, QUICK BLOW, SMD, 3A | Farnell United Kingdom

You will however need a friend etc with a small soldering iron, good eyesight/magnifier and a decent light source.

Unsolder and replace the fuse (or short out with a bit of wire for a quick test to confirm but don't leave like this as it could cause damage to the motherboard if the screen went again - fuses are there for a reason - protection)

No new motherboard needed or screen if its just gone off for no reason with the fault listed in the posts above.

PM or post if it works for you.

 

@ alarmrepairman

sounds like you are on to something here man. I already had the laptop in question apart and by the connector I see the white lettering F1 = 3A/32v but not the specific part you speak of. Now that said there are several resistors and such coming off the various pins on the lcd connector. You wouldn't happen to have a pic of the actual spot on the board with the part would you? If not could i possibly send along a pic of the board to you to help me ID the proper fuse?

I have done a bit of repair work like this before once on a small modem in a laptop so i know basically what to look for just not certain on this bit any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Drako

 

Sorry for delay in replay. Only just picked up on your thread.

If you can see the writing saying F1 = 3a/32v then your in the right area. Look slightly below for a small group of what looks like little resistors. You will see the left one says F1 in small writing. Thats the one. Only its a fuse.

Sorry don't have the laptop now, still working though.

Good luck.

 

okay, there isn't anything labeled f1 on mine. Is it possible it gone blown off the board or is this it here? Picture attached.

Thanks,
Drako

 

Yep, that the one. Our said F1 along the left side of it at 90 deg, ie up the side of the fuse. Presume yours has disintegrated. Swop it for a new fuse and see how it goes, assuming its open circuit when you meter between the top and bottom pads.

 

i am new to the laptop fixing world and do alot of fixes fro freinds but this sound like the inverter cable coming loose make sure both sides of the cable are slotted in right as a loose conection on the inverter can cause this problem, if you have been replaceing the screen this cable can come loose

 

Inverter on LED ?

 

I am having the same problem with my customer's Dell Insipron 1545. I found F1, physically it looks OK. If I test the fuse and it is open circuit, then I need to replace it, any idea where will I find a good one in US?

Any part no that I can search on the ebay for?

If I get a burnt fuse in a car, I would run a little thin wire across two terminals and it works. I am wondering if I do the same here, will it work?
Thanks for replay, in advance.

 

Try searching for 3amp SMF fuse (surface mount). Not sure if you will get this off ebay, its more likely to be an electronics supply shop. Temp fix you could use thin wire to try but wouldn't recommend leaving for any length of time.

 

Thanks for quick reply, can you please look at the pic and see if I am looking at the right fuse?

 

Yes that the one as far as I remember. The laptop I worked on was LED not LCD

 

Thanks,

I will post as I try to continue to fix it.

 

You are the Man. I had this problem and had order a new LED lcd and new cable and was getting ready to through it away when I read this. I am not skilled enough to do this repair but did manage to by pass with solder ball and it fixed it perfect and I have been using it ever since. I know it isnot the correct repair method but considering what I was going to do with it It was perfect for me. Igot me laptop back. Thanks for the posts.

 

What do you mean a solder ball? Did you just threw a huge ball of solder over the fuse to short it?

My replacement screen is coming for my 14z and I hope it's the screen itself not the fuse being blown etc..... even though I am having the same problem as the OP described

 

I wanted to say thank you, I have had a customers laptop for over a month looking for a solution and have gone through 3 screens trying. I finally got it fixed removing the bad fuse and I am very grateful for your help.

 

Hi there, Im having the exact same problem with my laptop at the minute. I have replaced the screen and I have tried to test the fise in question.
I have replaced the lid switch and this is the last thing i can test as i have swapped the screen lead and inverter to another dell laptop and it works fine. What is the best method of testing as I tried to cross the fuse witha paper clip with no luck.

Any thanks would be most appreciated

 

Great to see it worked for some of you - one less for the scrap heap.

davieo_04 We are talking about shorting out the fuse with a small carefully placed blob of solder off the soldering iron. Please be aware we are talking LED screen on my repair not LCD. It may be the same but I cannot confirm.

 

This worked for me, bridged the fuse and up she came...

Top man

 

I have the same problem as you guys described, Definetly that F1 fuse is done, not too comfortable trying to solder something that small, any takers

 

I had a go and with the soldering iron and shorted that F1 fuse, worked like a dream, thanks to all on the forum, was ready to buy a new motherboard previous to reading this info,

 

I had the same issue with a Dell Studio 1458.

There is an SMD component in a spot labeled F8 close to the video connector. It has the letter N written on it. There are no other identifying information like current rating etc. This component is shown circled in the attached image.

The component measures open. To test I soldered the 0603 size zero ohm resistor on top of the original fuse as I didn't have a 3A, 32V 0603 size fuse on hand! When installed the backlight worked.

UPDATE: The digikey part arrived. The zero ohm resistor and original fuse were removed. The solder pads on the board needed to be cleaned as the the original fuse was almost melted to the board. You really need a tiny solder tip, a steady hand and great eye-sight or big lens to see what you are doing. Once the new fuse was installed the backlight is working great.

SCREEN:
I had some problems finding a replacement screen for this laptop. The original screen is a [INNOLUX BT140GW01 V.0]
I purchased a new screen [B140XW01 V.8]from a company that claimed this replacement screen was totally compatible with the installed screen. Well it wasn't. When the replacement screen was installed, on boot-up the laptop BIOS beeped a number of times indicating a problem with the video system. Therefore I must assume that the replacement LCD is NOT compatible.

So I returned it (at my expense!) and they refunded the purchase cost.

I still needed a screen. I turned to ebay to get an original OEM screen. I got an identical part number screen from benngehman-upperedgetech. They shipped it out right away with super safe packaging. The screen installed like new and as you see above is now working great.

 

Worth a try, especially if its open circuit. I think if its a "f" label its a good chance its a fuse. Any clues from any other ident text on the pcb indicated the value ie "f8=3amp" etc.

 

guys you ppl rock this is why the internet rocks lol i was trying to fix mine for like 5 months to no avail then finally this forum popped up on my search and it fix everything Thanks to everyone on here

 

HI thether i used the following fuse to repair the baclight issue is there any difference in the fuse you have listed as the one i have replaced it with has had no effect on the backlight issue

http://uk.farnell.com/bourns/sf-0603f300-2/fuse-smd-0603-3a/dp/1652135RL

thanks

dieselsurfer

 

This is worth trying. See if the fuse you installed is still working, check the continuity of the fuse. The part you reference below is 24V max. The fuse mentioned earlier in this thread is rated at 32V. It may be blown?

 

I am a computer tech with the same issue and have a question:

in regards to the solder ball solution, was the fuse removed first or was the solder ball placed over the top of the fuse?

Thanks!

 

registered to say thanks.

had the same problems with a sony vaio laptop with led screen, this thread pointed me in the right direction,
tested the fuse on board with a multimeter and replaced it.

all working now!

 

I damaged the surface mount component to the right of the fuse while replacing the fuse. Anyone have a schematic of the board or info on the component that I damaged so I can find a replacement?

 

I broke the fuse glass. The 2 ends were left on the motherboard. Used solder to bridge the ends together. Worked GREAT ! Screen is back

 

I CONFIRM that this method works.
1. Disassemble the keyboard so it will reveal the motherboard.
2. Purchase the fuse as directed or you can just bridge the fuse with a solder iron ball.
As for me, I bridged the fuse, and it worked.

 

Hello, I have this problem with a sony laptop but there does not seem to be anything labelled F or fuse like around the connector. Can anyone help??

 

Found fix.. this thread pointed me in the right direction Thanks. Jake.