LCD backlight issues

Hi, I am having a problem with the LCD backlight operates on my laptop. Under normal circumstances, the backlight is supposed to turn on once the screen is opened and remain illuminated for the entire range of motion of the screen.

Starting today, I noticed that the backlight turns off after the screen has been rotated too far. This happens usually around when the screen has been tilted approximately 80-95 degrees where 0 degrees is the position of the screen when the screen is fully closed.

What could be causing this issue and how can I fix it?

 

It sounds like either the inverter is failing or, more likely, the inverter wire that feeds the backlight with power is damaged (perhaps as a result of opening and closing the screen).

The only way to know is to open it up! Parts such as inverters can be found on eBay, where the prices are far lower than what manufacturers charge.

 

which notebook is this?

 

Sorry, I forgot to mention that this is a Sager NP2090. Sager notified me that it would cost $80.00 for the labor in addition to the price of the parts. Do think it would be worthwhile to have them do it or do it myself? How easy or difficult is it to assemble/disassemble this laptop, and what might I have to actually do? I'm experienced with replacing parts and building desktops, but I have never done this with a notebook.

 

its pretty simple to swap a LCD panel.

the service manual for the Compal IFL-90 is floating around here... you can use that to know how to dismantle the LCD section.

you are probably going to need to replace the LCD backlights... or the whole LCD itself if the backlights are just faulty.

the LCD panel is pretty cheap for 15.4" notebooks... depending on resolution.

 

I believe the problem is related to the backlight because the contents of the screen are visible (clicking start menu button responds, etc.), but very faintly illuminated. Is there an easy way to tell whats wrong? My screen resolution is 1680x1050, but I'd replace it with a 1920x1200 if that was possible.

 

you can get the LCD backlights replaced which may not be worth it when a LCD panel goes for $100-200

or it may not even be that if the LCD cable or inverter might be loose.

In any case, you can upgrade the LCD panel to a higher resolution if it ends up that you have to replace the panel.

 

I recommend finding the manual (for disassembly), and checking the cable for proper connection and or damage before doing anything else. Once you have verified that the cable is connected fully and not damaged, then start looking for replacement parts.

 

I've disassembled the relevant parts, and I can't see any place where the cables look damaged. However, poking the cables does makes the back light turn on and off. I can't seem to find what them problem is.

 

If wiggling the cable around while its plugged in causes the backlight to go on and off, then that's a pretty definite indication that there's a short inside the cable - one of the leads inside is broken, even if it doesn't show any external damage. It might also be a loose or damaged connector that's making and breaking contact as you wiggle it. All that suggests that a new cable should fix you right up.