How to Fix Dimming Lights on Your DVD Player

If your DVD player's display is dim or totally out, the most common cause is that one or more of the tiny light bulbs on the display have burnt out. Replacing these light bulbs is not too difficult, as long as you are mechanically apt and don't mind the risk of voiding your warranty.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ohmmeter
• Light bulbs

1. Turn off the power to your DVD player and unplug it from the wall. This is important to avoid possible electrical shock.

2. Gently open up the DVD player and find the little light bulbs. They should be located in the front of your DVD player behind the display.

3. Test the bulbs with an ohmmeter. If any are in fact burnt out, you will need to replace them.

4. Measure the voltage across the light bulb connections.

5. Replace the light bulbs with new bulbs of 25% to 50% higher voltage. The lights will not be quite as bright, but should last the life of the DVD player.

6. Install the new light bulbs. Be careful to install them exactly as you removed them. Do not force any light bulb into place; you do not want to break the bulb.

7. Replace the cover to your DVD player and plug it back in. Turn on the power and test the lights.

Tips & Warnings

• Only attempt to change the light bulbs if you feel confident in your ability. If you mess up, you might have to purchase a new DVD player.
• If your DVD player is still covered under warranty, do not attempt to change the light bulbs yourself. Take it to a service center and have it fixed. Opening the cover to your DVD player yourself can void your warranty.
• To avoid shock, make sure that all power is cut off to the DVD player.