Laptop LCD screen problems

[Thomarse]

Sorry for posting twice in a short time, but I have another problem, which probably isnt for this forum but someone may be able to point me to a decent forum that can help...

I have an Acer Aspire 3630 Laptop which has developed a screen problem. The screen will only work when I hold it in the top left corner and apply slight pressure down and to the right, as if to slightly twist the screen.

When this started it was less frequent and I managed to move the screen around a bit until it worked and then as long as I didnt move it again it was fine. But now it is permanant and the pressure needig to be applied seems to be increasing! To the point now that I can't even use it unless I plug it into an external monitor (my LCD tv)

When plugged into the tv the display is fine. When the screen "breaks" on the laptop the image freezes at that point in time, so I cant use the mouse etc as it is as if it has been paused! when pressure is applied it works again.

I have googled the problem and found no answer I have also looked into buying a new screen, which is my next option after asking on here, but they are around =A3100 and if i can avoid this I want to!

I have had the screen apart, and checked all connections, cables etc and found nothing loose and nothing that makes it work when "wiggled". So I am at a loss!

Any advice as to how to fix this without buying a new screen would be very very helpful. I have already resigned myself to buying a new one, this is really my last ditch attempt to save my wallet!!!

Thanks

[mark]

It sounds like you have a connection problem with either the LCD inverter or the backlight. If you can remove the bezel you should be able to narrow down which of the components responds to the application of physical pressure.

The bezel is normally removed by pulling out the rubber plugs around the screen and removing the screws under them.

The LCD inverted is easily replaced - it has 2 connectors which plug into it - and a replacement can normally be had for ~=A320.

Mark.

[Thomarse]

Thanks mark,

I have already had it all apart and couldnt seem to find any didgy connections. Teh components I could see were:

The screen itself

A circuit board at the bottom of the screen, whih had connections going in and out of it (inverter)?

And on the back of the screen, top left (where I have to apply pressure to get it working) is a circuit board, the connection lead to this is fine, however the board then goes "into" the screen via a ribbon?, which I cannot check as it becomes part of the screen itself?

[meow2222]

You've got a loose connection or a dry solder joint. Since the problem is picture freeze, the problem is not with the invertor, but with either the data cable that connects to the screen, or the data processing circuitry built into the screen. Best way to locate a loose or dry joint is to tap around fairly gently using a non-conductive pencil shaped thing. Hit the troubled spot and it should respond, working and freezing as you go.

Whether you can then fix it depends whats at fault.

NT

[Thomarse]

Its all just tiny circuits in the board, no way my soldering skills would fix it I dont think, it doesnt sound very hopeful!

Thanks

[Dave Liquorice]

That ribbon will be the problem somewhere. The connection to the actual tracks on the glass of the LCD is done by sticky stuff on the ribbon and pressure to push the ribbons tracks against those of the panel. Sometimes there can be a block of conductive "rubber" doing the connection.

You might be able to bring it back into life by putting a small wedge in the right place.

[Thomarse]

Thansk for all the advice.

I had the screen apart again over the weekend and double checked all connections and circuit boards, no problems. I also had a look at the ribbon which joins the circuit board at the top, back of the screen into the screen, and couldnt see how it could be pushed in any further etc.

The screen is still not working. I think it is terminal unfortunately : ( so I am going to have to buy a new one I think!!!

Any other last ditch advice/ideas would be good

Cheers

[meow2222]

Its not something youve got the skill to fault find or fix. You could give it to someone that needs a pc or a kid with soldering skills, or perhaps get another broken machine of same type and swap. You cant do whats needed, game over.

NT