How to Fix a Laptop Screen

Posted on January 1st, 2009 by monsterguide

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Laptops are complicated devices, but repairing a broken laptop screen is something you can do by yourself. Most modern laptops are built to last, and even the most sensitive of laptop screens do not get damaged easily. Heavy impact, moisture, and power surges can damage screens. While the safest thing to do would be to take the laptop to a qualified service technician, replacing a laptop screen is something you can do at home.

Diagnosis

Replacement parts for laptops are rather expensive. Before you buy a new LCD screen or disassemble your laptop, you first need to determine whether or not your screen needs to be replaced. LCDs should only be replaced when you see the following signs:

Cracks on the screen
Shattered screen
Leaked liquid crystal marks on the screen

It’s very important to check that the notebook’s parts still work, and that only your screen is the problem. Connect a conventional computer monitor to the VGA/CRT port of the laptop, and check to see if your notebook still works. If the notebook works fine, chances are that you only have a screen problem.

Warranty Checks

Before you start disassembling your notebook, make sure that you’re not violating warranties or product guarantees. For older laptops past the warranty or guarantee period, you may be able to fix the screen on your own. Depending on the manufacturer or the dealer, you may be able to have your laptop screen fixed or replaced at no additional charge, as long as the damage is covered by the warranty.

When you do need to replace your screen, it’s best to stick with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products instead of aftermarket replacement parts. If you do need to buy third-party replacement products, take down the code number of the original part and buy parts with a matching code number. Unless you’re into laptop modding, you can’t modify incompatible parts to fit into your computer, especially screens.

Tools

For laptop screens that are cracked or shattered from heavy impacts, you need to replace the entire screen. The replacement parts themselves are rather expensive, but they are all needed to ensure that your laptop works properly:

Replacement LCD screen
Replacement inverter
Replacement backlight

Inverters and backlights are used by older laptops. Newer laptops integrate the backlight function and the inverter with the LCD itself. Replacing the screen on a newer laptop is more complicated, and the screen itself is more expensive.

Here are the tools you’ll need to replace your laptop’s LCD screen:

Cross-head and flat-head screwdriver
Swiss knife or pin screwdriver
Thin file
Soldering iron

Steps

Before doing hardware repair on a laptop, make sure you’re working on an anti-static surface like an anti-static mat. Static electricity can destroy many of your machines electrical circuits, particularly the motherboard assembly. Never, ever repair your laptop on a carpet or on a tile floor.

Remove the battery and the AC power connection from the laptop.
On some laptops, the screws that hold the screen and the laptop cover together are covered by a small rubber tab that can be easily removed with a thin file. Make sure not to completely damage, cut, or chip the rubber tabs. You’ll need to replace them once the LCD has been replaced.
Remove the screws that hold the screen component to the CPU/keyboard component. The screws are located on the hinge. Remove the screen by swinging it away from the bevel.
Remove the screws that hold the screen to the case.
Gently push back on the front of the laptop case to remove the front cover holding the screen. Be very careful, because you may end up cracking the case or destroying some of the delicate circuitry.
The backlight assembly is secured to the back of the screen; on some laptops, the backlight is a small strip on the top bevel of the case. Depending on the brand of the laptop, the screen and backlight assembly are held either by screws or by copper tape. Remove the screws or tape, and disconnect the LCD screen from the backlight chassis.
Remove the inverter from the case. The inverter is held down by two thin plastic strips that serve as guides. Take note of the wiring of the inverter, and follow this guide for the replacement inverter board.
Replace the old inverter with the new board. Remember to ground the inverter on one of the metal screw receptacles.
Secure the new screen and backlight assembly to the back of the screen case, making sure to wire the backlight, screen, and inverter are wired properly.
Re-assemble the laptop, and test to see if the new screen works. Protect the screen with a thin acetate film.

Replacing a broken laptop screen may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but it’s something you can do yourself. With these simple steps, you can repair and replace your LCD screen for a much lower cost than what professionals will charge you.