Display not working after a drop

Question

Question

Display not working after a drop

by jc2c Mar 5, 2014 3:49AM PST

What happened: So, my Dell XPS M1530 laptop was in a computer bag that took a 3' tumble out a car door...car not moving. No external damage was noted.

What I did: When I opened the laptop, I noticed a slight bind on the left side and saw that the trim around the hinge area was dented/displaced...screen and everything else was intact. I put things back in place and the laptop turned on and booted up fine with normal display.

Problem as of now: However, after shutting and opening the laptop a few times, I noticed that it would boot up just fine but not display anything until I lowered the screen to almost shut and then the display would come on...from there I could position the screen however and it continued to work. Then I started noticing that the brightness control would not work. Then, a few boot-ups later...nothing...no display. I can hear the hard drive and all other components working and can even hear the Windows start up chime, however, no display.

What I checked: I dissembled the laptop to access the screen wiring, the screen hinges, and checked all connections and wiring conditions...especially in the left hinge area. No abnormalities were noted. Hinge worked better after assembly...however, still not display but still a seemingly normal boot up.

What I need help with: I am interested in any other leads or suggestions you may have.

Other questions: What mechanism makes the screen activate when it is opened up (when in hibernation)? Is there something that confirms the screen is opened that may be the issue? Can I plug in an external display (via hdmi or other) without having to configure it through my laptop (since I have no display; thought this would be good to know how that turned out).

Thanks!

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12 Posts

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PS. I would not repair it. Why? The 8600m.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Mar 5, 2014 4:22AM PST

Keep in mind working models of this can be found such as 400 bucks at http://www.amazon.com/Dell-M1530-15-4-Inch-Widescreen-Laptop/dp/B001CGN0D0

But here's the rub. This used the 8600m which you can google about its issues. I would decide if some used working model which I could slip my HDD into and carry on is a good idea. I bet that if it fails I can sell the dead pair for the 400 to get my money back.
Bob

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GPU previously addressed

by jc2c Mar 5, 2014 11:20AM PST

The infamous Dell/INvidia GPU issue was addressed/repaired on my machine. When that failed, I had blinking lights, no display, and no boot up. I don't have any of those issues presently. The used market is definitely an option is I can't keep the repair cost at a reasonable amount. Thanks!

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Found a few

by jc2c Mar 5, 2014 11:07AM PST

Great suggestion. I found a few that lend some insight. I really want to believe its in the wiring that passes through the left hinge that was probably at the point of impact. Its that or maybe a screen issue directly. We'll be digging into is soon. Thanks

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My thoughts exactly at this point

by jc2c Mar 5, 2014 11:13AM PST

I found a lot more info at Dell than I thought I would...thanks for the suggestion. I too am thinking a wiring issue and will probably start at that.

Money is always an issue and yes, I don't want to get too deep into an older system. However, it has done really well and was trouble free...until now. I am fairly comfortable inside the machine and will attempt this myself as a shop approach will take me beyond a reasonable pricing point. The new used machine, as many suggested, is also a cheap alternative...just swap the HDD!

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UPDATE...new evidence just came to light...literally!

by jc2c Mar 5, 2014 11:33AM PST

So, just as I set here reading and responding to the replies (of which I'm thankful for), my son opened the machine and turned it on to see if we could get a picture on his TV with HDMI. We did get a nice clear picture and then we noticed an image on my machine...the room light was shinning directly into the screen and gave it some light. When we flashed a flashlight into the screen, we could see it a lot better.

Without research, I believe this means a failure of the screen backlight or LED. I'm not sure if I have an LED or an CCFL (which has some sort of inverter board also). I'll be looking into that also.

Now, thinking ahead...assuming its a screen issue, do I buy a new screen or buy a $30 machine with no HDD or other missing parts but one that has a working display?

Ok, thanks to everyone for your help.

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30 bucks.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Mar 5, 2014 10:12PM PST

That's a no brainer UNLESS you are the type that must get it right the first time. Then the answer must be to get a working cheap so you can slip your HDD into.
Bob

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A 2for'

by Willy Mar 6, 2014 4:42AM PST

As these things go if the $30 provides a part you're in need of, get it. If anything else comes with it, that's a plus as it appears you're getting a lot more for that $30. GO FOR IT

tada -----Willy

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10-4

by jc2c Mar 6, 2014 7:15AM PST

That's the easiest and seemingly cheapest fix that could be covering most the issues I could have at this point. I let you know how it goes. May take a bit to get it in and situated. Thanks for the help!

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Is of concern

by jc2c Mar 6, 2014 7:18AM PST

Yes, I saw how that cable ran through the hinge and that was an area of concern. However, I think after noticing that I did in fact have a faint display, especially with external light applied, that my purchase of a used system and with a working display should cover all basis...and for $30 it seems like the cheapest and easiest way to fix it and not take stabs in the dark. Thanks for your input.

Back to PC Hardware forum

r. proffitt · Answer 1 · Mar 5, 2014 3:54AM PST

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Answer

You'll need to find a service manual.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Mar 5, 2014 3:54AM PST

That way you'll have part numbers which you need so you can order them. I'm guessing you want a technician to diagnose and tell you what parts to replace but I've never found such a tech in any forum. So let's send you off to find the service manual. Did you google for that?
Bob

Willy · Answer 2 · Mar 5, 2014 4:06AM PST

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Answer

Good and bad news

by Willy Mar 5, 2014 4:06AM PST

The good news is that this is a dell laptop. Dell has good support when looking for info on thier laptops, just check the Dell support website and use your "service tag# and allow it to help you. they provide many docs and the service manual should help narrow your queries. I suggest if the open/close of LCD is causing a problem then while you find no apparent damage, it really is present. That maybe resolved in eletronics or a real close inspection of the cabling involved. A minor crack or flex area could be broken and not allowing true contact to include any sensor or switch that does this job. Again the manual should contain basic info. otherwise, you need to contact a laptop service and allow them to service it if this is too much or unknown area to repair.

As for parts, once again use your model# and find what's available for repair sources. This may also help you because the listing could provide a clue to what could fix it or again narrow it down. if you can't prove either way, then allow a pro to do this. That basically sums up the good news.

The bad news, if you're incapable of the repair to an actual fix, the repair cost could make you decide it is worth fixing at all. Usually when costs are 50% or greater its better to toss or donate the laptop away. That's your choice of course. I make the effort that what is available if checking local Craigslist and eBay for possible replacement same model# and swap HD over to continue as if nothing happened.

tada -----Willy

mjd420nova · Answer 3 · Mar 6, 2014 3:27AM PST

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Answer

Ribbon cable

by mjd420nova Mar 6, 2014 3:27AM PST

The ribbon cable that goes from the main board (on the bottom) through the hinge area and up into the top to the display. There is also a small switch that senses when the lid/display has reached hte "near closed" point and it blanks the screen, some can even be put into hibernation by closing the lid without shutting it down first. The cable is prety simple to replace but requires the dissassembly of the hinge to insure the new ribbon cable can be positioned properly. Skilled hands could "maybe" repair the cable but not in place and maynot be serviceable afterwards.

Display not working after a drop

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