LCD Monitor Repair...

[Flybrian]

My girlfriend's 17" Dell flat-panel LCD monitor went out yesterday. Well, not 'out' but darkened almost completely. I think its the inverter or CCFL lamps and I've seen a couple of sites showing how to replace them with a soldering iron. My question is - is this something doable ourselves or what?

[ToniCipriani]

I've only replaced the one in my old Thinkpad. Not sure about desktop LCD monitors. It's probably doable, but the problem is locating the correct part. It was easy for my laptop because I could just order the correct FRU for the part from IBM. But LCD screens, I'm not sure.

[z28luvr01]

Check and see if it's under warranty before you bother. I'm not sure how they do warranties on monitors, but since you have to call them anyway,ask them if it's still covered. If it's under warranty they'll either ship you another flat panel or come by and replace the defective part. I've done a couple of LCD replacements on laptops, it's really not that difficult as long as you remember what screws go where. If you have a small Philips screwdriver with a magnetic tip, it'll be your best friend for this job. Also keep in mind that these days 17" flat panels can be had for anywhere between 300 and about 450, just in case Dell tries to rape you on the cost of replacement parts.

[bowtie_dude]

With something like that, you're better off just replacing the thing. Its too expensive to repair monitors these days, best to just trash and replace.

[ToniCipriani]

Well given the high cost of an LCD monitor, even if they really have gone down these days, they're still a bit expensive (at least in my terms). And the panel is functioning, repairing it does make sense, if you can find the the correct inverter for it.

[capriceman]

Just hit it a couple times. Thats what I do first, sometimes it works! I take it you no how to solder, right? Use about a 40 watt pointed tip. Or if owned use varible temp. and place it near cold. (Funny I give tips and i use a trusty 60 watt flathead bit on computer borads. ( If you use hi heat be fast and let cool down time.) Also Lead for electronics. Tin for Audio. Only because i have to put in a new Varible nob in my varible temp soldering iron) If you need tips ask!