How to Troubleshoot a CCFL Display
Laptop LCD screen failure can cause stress and anxiety, especially if you don't know what's causing the problem. In situations where the screen has gone dim or completely dark the culprit is likely the Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) back light. This component functions much like a light bulb, providing power to the computer screen. There are ways to troubleshoot the back light to see if it needs to be replaced.
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Instructions
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1
Check your LCD settings according to the instruction manual and make sure that the the background lighting isn't set to dim or dark.
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2
Turn off your laptop and remove the screws on the plastic frame around the LCD screen.
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3
Remove the screen to expose the rectangular inverter board. This is a green circuit board mounted below the screen. The cable that plugs into the right of the board is the CCFL back light cable.
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4
Unplug the cable and plug it back into the port, making sure it is secure.
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5
Power on the computer. If the screen is still dark proceed to the next step.
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6
Turn off the computer and tilt the screen itself forward to expose the back of it. You will be able to see the rectangular CCFL back light attached to the rear of the computer.
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7
Remove any tape covering the back light.
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8
Unplug the cable connecting the back light to the rear of the computer, as well as the cable connected to the inverter board. Set the back light aside.
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9
Place a new back light where the old one used to be and plug the cables into the ports. Place the tape over the back light.
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10
Replace the screen frame and screws.
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