Laptop screen flickering and going black

middlearthimages

middlearthimages

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Hi all,

My laptop screen has started to loose image when the lid is in certain positions. It looks like it is off but the machine is on.

If I move the lid back and forth the screen returns to normal. It's as if there is a loose connection.

This has gradually got worse over the last few months but happening in more positions now.

Has any one had this problem before and if so how was it rectified? If I have to get a replacement screen can anybody recommend a laptop screen seller.

Regards,

John
 
When the screen flickers off does it completely go off? or is there a faint display and it just isn't lit up?

It could possibly be the connection that runs from the graphics to the screen. It passes through nearby the hinges of the laptop and into the screen. It could either be torn, damaged or loose. Manufacturer should take a look at it if it's still under warranty if not, shop around for best price on a repair.
 
Should be a really easy fix, the cable will be connected with a small ribbon cable. I expect its just come loose. If the lappy is out of warranty, then undo the screws holding the plastic screen casing (usually behind rubber) and you should then be able too see the connectors. Make sure they are plugged in well. You may need to undo more screws to remove the screen to check the rear connection.
If this doesnt work, then you may need a new inverter or screen, again which is super easy. You can get most screens on Ebay for £70 ish.
 
CHPhotography said:
When the screen flickers off does it completely go off? or is there a faint display and it just isn't lit up?

It could possibly be the connection that runs from the graphics to the screen. It passes through nearby the hinges of the laptop and into the screen. It could either be torn, damaged or loose. Manufacturer should take a look at it if it's still under warranty if not, shop around for best price on a repair.
Click to expand...

It has always gone completely black. Although I did notice the outline of the log-in box today although the screen was black.
 
If it's a Tosh it will be like the one I had. There's a cable made up of tiny weeny wire that runs through the hinge on one side. That cable will be broken. Trying to fix it is near impossible due to the size of the wires.

Have a look on ebay for a scrap lappy or someone who has stripped the same model for spares. It's unlikely Tosh will sell you a cable.
 
middlearthimages said:
It has always gone completely black. Although I did notice the outline of the log-in box today although the screen was black.
Click to expand...

Sounds like it's a problem with your back light. If you can still see the log in box, or the windows logo when the screen is black then the screen isn't completely dead.

It's more likely to be a damaged or loose screen cable, or damaged sensor that detects if the lid is up or not. It could possibly be a completely faulty back light. But more likely to be a loose cable from wear and tear.
 
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middlearthimages said:
It has always gone completely black. Although I did notice the outline of the log-in box today although the screen was black.
Click to expand...

does sound like the backlight to me if you can see a faint but black image.

if youre confident enough in taking items with a lot of screws and fragile plastic parts apart then replacement screens can normally be found on ebay for a good price. i suspect if you take it to a shop it would be more economical to buy a new laptop.
 
If I move the lid back and forth the screen returns to normal. It's as if there is a loose connection.

This has gradually got worse over the last few months but happening in more positions now.
Click to expand...

Methinks this is a bit of a giveaway. Why would moving the screen backwards and forwards make the backlights fail. As said it's more than likely the cable that runs through the hinge.

Easy free test, take the hinge cover off and wiggle the cable. Bit of a fiddly job but answers the question of whats causing the screen to go off when moved backwards and forwards.
 
ChrisH said:
Methinks this is a bit of a giveaway. Why would moving the screen backwards and forwards make the backlights fail. As said it's more than likely the cable that runs through the hinge.

Easy free test, take the hinge cover off and wiggle the cable. Bit of a fiddly job but answers the question of whats causing the screen to go off when moved backwards and forwards.
Click to expand...

true, it could be the connector cable thats worn through effecting the backlight. but its certainly the backlight thats the issue if the image is still there but extremely dark. if it is the cable then its probably also a new screen as "usually" theyre soldered on at the screen end.
 
I was going to comment further but it's not worth me getting worked up.

The cables that join the mainboard to the screen do go. All other cable can't move because they are always taped down.

I'll bow out of this and all other IT threads now it's not worth the hassle.
 
middlearthimages said:
It has always gone completely black. Although I did notice the outline of the log-in box today although the screen was black.
Click to expand...

If the screen goes dark but you can still see what is being displayed, then it's either the backlight or the inverter that has failed. If it was the actual connection from the mainboard to the LCD you wouldn't be able to see anything.
 
Sounds like the cable to me. Just had the same thing with my advent. Bought a cable off Ebay, googled specific laptop dismantling instructions and changed the cable. Now sorted. If you are careful and are quite handy with small screws, shouldn't be a problem. Just watch out for the 'hidden' screws that can sometimes be there such as under the hard drive, under the ram module etc.
P.S. the cable cost £20.00 second hand.
 
I have a spare satellite screen if it's of any use.
 
admirable said:
I have a spare satellite screen if it's of any use.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer Admiral.

The spec for my screen is,

Toshiba equium A210-1AS Screen / screen is 15.4 inches (39.12 cm) diagonally measured internal corner to corner.

MAXIMUM RESOLUTION TYPE WIDESCREEN

1280x800 WXGA YES

If yours is the same then how much would you want.

Regards,

John...

PS to you all. I am still using the laptop and am typing this message with it as was with all the other posts. So that shows the screen is not dead, so surely its a wire connection issue or worn wire as suggested in some of the replies. But as the wire in question would be soldered then I will need a replacement.

So yes please Admiral if its the same spec.
 
middlearthimages said:
Thanks for the offer Admiral.

The spec for my screen is,

Toshiba equium A210-1AS Screen / screen is 15.4 inches (39.12 cm) diagonally measured internal corner to corner.

MAXIMUM RESOLUTION TYPE WIDESCREEN

1280x800 WXGA YES

If yours is the same then how much would you want.

Regards,

John...

So yes please Admiral if its the same spec.
Click to expand...

The part number for the screen I have is LP 154WX4 (TL) (C8) which seems to be a fairly standard sreen for most laptops and not restricted to Toshiba. It is a 15.4" screen and WXGA. I have the complete lid with the webcam, wifi wires and all the screen cables complete with the hinges and plastic surrounds although the colours (balck and silver) may differ from yours. You can have it for £20 plus whatever the postage will be.

Let me know what you think and I'll put it in the For sale section if you want to take it further.
 
admirable said:
The part number for the screen I have is LP 154WX4 (TL) (C8) which seems to be a fairly standard sreen for most laptops and not restricted to Toshiba. It is a 15.4" screen and WXGA. I have the complete lid with the webcam, wifi wires and all the screen cables complete with the hinges and plastic surrounds although the colours (balck and silver) may differ from yours. You can have it for £20 plus whatever the postage will be.

Let me know what you think and I'll put it in the For sale section if you want to take it further.
Click to expand...



Hi Jim,

As I'm not certain the cables will fit mine I will pass until I have spoken to a help line. I have looked on ebay and all the cables are different. If I find yours will fit then I would be interested, but as you have someone else interested in yours then I think its best for you to take his offer as you know you have a sale.

Thanks,

John
 
middlearthimages said:
Hi Jim,

As I'm not certain the cables will fit mine I will pass until I have spoken to a help line. I have looked on ebay and all the cables are different. If I find yours will fit then I would be interested, but as you have someone else interested in yours then I think its best for you to take his offer as you know you have a sale.

Thanks,

John
Click to expand...

No problem, I'll give you until tomorrow afternoon to make some enquires before I list it in the classifieds for Skywalker.
 
If you are going to get a cable, it will be fitted with a plug at each end but you will have to get the specific cable for your laptop. The plugs sometimes look strange with the socket body being fitted to the board and the plug ( on the cable ) being held in to this body with a clip that must be released first. As I said in an earlier post, browse the internet for the specific instructions for chaning the cable in your laptop. Odds on someone else will have done it and posted instructions, possibly even with pictures.
If you get to the cable, it will have a sticker on it with a part number which should help you locate the correct one on ebay or where ever. The number will most likely be on the section of the cable nearest the screen so you will have to dismantle the lid ( carefully !!!! ) as the screen will not tolerate any twisting at all.

If you are worried that you will get to a position that you can't use it, connect a standalone screen ( crt or tft ) to the port provided on the laptop and use therelevant function key to swop to either using just the external screen or both. This will give you some time to find the correct cable, find a different solution, or get it booked in for repair elsewhere.

Hope this helps a bit.
 
My Toshiba has just done exactly the same, £105 for a new screen for mine if that's what has gone. :-(
 
Screen now listed in the classifieds here.
 
Well I've had no response from Skywalker despite sending him a PM, so that's where it might end up.
 
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