VPCSB Screen backlight dead...any thoughts?

So i was trying to replace the 1368x768 screen on my SB with a compatible 1600x900 panel. First off the new panel didn't work, backlight came on but no image. So i unhooked the panel and put back in the original one, went to turn on the machine, the backlight and vaio logo appeared as usual and then poof! the backlight went dead. I can tell it's just the backlight by putting a flashlight against the back of the panel; it's still producing an image.

Nothing i can think of doing has worked. So far i've:

- verified that the both screens are perfectly functional, i tried them in another machine and their backlights work fine

- replaced the LVDS cable thinking it might be a short, still no backlight. It looks like your standard 40pin lcd connector so i'm assuming the lvds cable is also carrying the backlight signal.

I'm out of ideas here, unless something shorted out on the mobo but it'd have to be a very specific short seeing as how the machine works fine otherwise.

The only thing i can think of both in terms of the backlight issue and regarding the fact that the machine wouldn't recogonize the 1600x900 panel is that there is a block of dip switches right below the LVDS connector. 4 pins with the #1 pin in the on position (at least on my machine) Any of you who have opened your SBs could you let me know what the dip pin positions are on yours? Also any SA owners who may have opened their machines could you relate your dip pin settings? I think that might have to do with why the computer wouldn't recognize the 1600x900 panel in the first place.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

edit: after widening my search parameters, i found a few threads which make me think i may have blown a fuse. Am going to have to remove the mobo from the case and have a look under on the otherside of the lvds connector to check...

 

i hope this thread helps. i had posted a couple of images of the DIP switch that should be changed for the new 1600x900 screen. the OP in that thread managed to switch the screens.

but the backlight issue might as well be a blown fuse. idk!

 

I have this pdf file for you about DIP switch.
Anyway, Pin #3 is ON and all others OFF.

 

^ wow! thanks for sharing this. +1 rep for you.

btw, it says SONY Confidential. do you have more?

 

@ngvuanh

Thanks! I appreciate it! +1rep

@darxide I'm thinking i might have to do both - dip switches for the panel res and the fuse for the backlight. I found a few old vaio vgnF and vgnZ1 threads concerning blown backlights and what they're describing seems to mirror my situation; they resolved theirs by either replacing the fuse or bridging the fuse's contacts. In any case i'm going to try the dip sw's first. +1

 

@darxide Those pics you posted in the other thread (they kind of look like fcc filing pics) do you have any showing the underside of the mobo?

 

the last one in the other thread is from the underside. i've attached a couple more to this post:

 

^ much appreciated!

 

What else you need? Let me know if I can have it.

 

You got both back light fuse and DIP switch problems.
Just crossing the fuse, adjust the DIP SW and you are good to get it back on track.
Post front and back of the LVDS connector area here, so I can find where the fuse is.

 

^Thanks! I'll post the pics between now and the weekend.

Edit: Let me know if these work for you.

Thanks again

 

^Pics posted - my guess is that it's the one marked with a "N".

 

Yes, it is LCD fuse. You can either cross it or cross two unused pads next to it.
This cross will by pass mosfet and fuse in the circuit. It was designed like that.

 

^ thanks for confirming. I'll report the results in case it helps anyone who might chance upon this thread.

edit: success! Though the panel swap will have to wait, i forgot that i would need a 2ch lvds cable for the 1600x900 and only have a 1ch. I have just emailed a uk seller on ebay to see if he'll ship one to the US.

 

Ahh, that must be what happened to my SA when I tried the 1366x768 screen without changing the switch...

I'm not sure if this makes me want to try my 1080p screen more or less...

 

The 1080 panel from the Z? I've thought about doing the same but my concern would be that since there isn't any model of SA/SB with a 1080 panel that there isn't a dip sw setting that will drive the panel. Unless you only end up getting 1600x900 out of it as opposed to the full 1920x1080.

 

It won't fit since Z is 13.1 and S is 13.3

 

2CH LVDS Cable has P/N: A-1841-202-A
You can call Sony Parts Center to order it.
It is $55.52 + S&H&T and is available.

 

Thanks for the info, I had sent an email to the sony parts center in order to find out the part number and ended up getting an email back saying: " I apologize but unfortunately the item you requested is not available for purchase..."etc etc...

Now i can stop combing google and shady spare parts websites looking for the cable

 

You have to call this number 800-538-7550.
I confirm this part is available to order.
Or you can go here:
http://www.sparepartswarehouse.com/Sony,Laptop,Part,A1841202A.aspx

 

Called sony, got a bit of a run around, apprently they won't sell what's considered an "internal part" to an end-user/consumer. I'm not all that surprised, it's in line with a lot of other manufacturers but i remember not 5 years ago when you could call sony, get a service manual and basically order any part short of a motherboard without having to be an authorized dealer. Have you had good luck with sparepartswarehouse? Sony gave me phone numbers to their distributors and it seems like i can order the part through them.

Edit: went ahead and ordered from one of sony's distributors: Encompass.

Thanks for all the help.

 

No, I haven't ordered anything from sparepartswarehouse.
I always ordered from Sony Direct parts.
You can go here
https://www.servicesplus.sel.sony.com/sony-parts.aspx
then, create an account to be able to purchase.
Anyway, if you have any trouble, I can order one for you.

 

I appreciate the offer, either way it's already ordered but i'll report back once Encompass ships it.

 

Got the cable, it shipped in a timely manner and it seems to work with the screen. Now I'm trying to figure out how to re-snake the new cable, but other than that everything is working.

 

Just run it as the same way you remove the old cable.

 

Thanks, got it all worked out last night. Like niffcreature, I had to dremel off a little bit of the case in order to make the panel fit. Thanks again for all the help!