Laptop Repair - Damaged Screen |  | Firstly. it is not wise to presume the laptop screen is actually dead unless you can actually see damage such as dead pixels, cracks or complete row or column is out (IC driver failure). If the screen is completely dead visibly it would be prudent to check the video output from the laptop by plugging it into another monitor. If you get a picture then the screen is probably fine and it's the integral graphics that needs attention. | | | | Laptop Screen replacement is pretty much standard across the wide range of manufacturers these days though tend to be a little more complicated than the demonstration photos of this task. Before attempting any removal, battery and power supply must be removed to avoid short and possible damage to the motherboard. Also, screen invertors can pack up to 700volts when powered and believe me, it hurts when you forget this point. | 
| | All screens are supported in a case which consists of a front bezel and a rear casing which can be separated to reveal the LCD screen. Modern laptops seem to clip together with plastic lugs which can be quite fragile so care is needed not to damage these when separating the front from the back. Never force them apart. If you do, you could crack the bezel or break the plastic lugs and this will not look so nice when you try put the two together again. | 
| | Once separated, the screen and its mounting bracket will be visible. The mounting bracket will be fixed to the case back. To remove the screen fully from the case, remove all fixings. Be careful to keep the screws in order. Some may be longer than others and if these go back in the wrong place you will break or bulge the back of the case when you re-assemble. | 
| | Laptop screens are manufactured by third part LCD manufacturers, who may also supply all of the control electronics for the screen. This Sharp LCD is held in place by four screws at the corners. The power comes in at the right (white wires) through the right hinge, and the video signals come in on the flat ribbon cable through the left hinge. | 
| | There are at least three different connector technologies used with ribbon cables in this PowerBook 180. The video connectors are simple push-ins without latching, but there is a lip on the connector that gives you and easy way to remove it without pulling on the cable. The ribbon cable connector on the back of the LCD screen is easily removed by twisting a flathead screwdriver between the connector and the lip on the ribbon cable. | 
| | Here's the complete LCD screen as it would arrive from a parts warehouse. The ribbon cable connectors show on the right edge of the picture, the power connector is off to the left. We show the power connection (below) as we start to install the replacement LCD. | 
| | Installing a new LCD is exactly the same way as you remove it, very few tricks. The LCD power connector is the last connection to make, after the video cables on the back are in place and the LCD is secured with four screws. All that's left is to replace the plastic bezel, which turns the laptop screen into a monitor:-) The final step below, before the bezel snaps into place, is making sure the wires and in this case, the ferrite slug, won't get pinched. The finishing touch is restoring the little rubber bumpers over the screws, a little shock absorption for when the laptop screen is folded down over the body for carrying. | 
| | Care should be taken not to crimp any power, speaker or data cables when finally ready to close the front and back. Before closing the two together, check to see that all the cables are clear and if required, use a plastic rod to move cables to a safe position. That's it done. Plug in and test. | 
| Laptop Screen Considerations:There are dozens of screen type, size and manufacturers. It is essential that the correct part is used when replacing a screen. On all screens there is a part number and normally a revision number. Believe me, all have to be exact. We have seen exact part numbers with different revision numbers that would be impossible to fit because the data lead was installed on the opposite side from the original part. Screen replacement is quite expensive. Especially when you are replacing an X-Brite or similar. Older screens are getting harder to find now because laptop prices have come down significantly. Our standard charge for screen replacement is £40.00 plus parts. This applies to screen invertors and back lights too because the work involved is exactly the same. |
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