How to Change the LCD LED Backlight Bulb in a Gateway Laptop

Replacing a Gateway laptop's LCD backlight will improve display quality.

In a laptop computer, the backlight lamp is used as the lighting source for the LCD screen. Over time, as the backligh lamp wears down, the laptop's display quality suffers, becoming too dim to decipher images in a bright environment. Changing the backlight lamp in a Gateway MT6704 laptop will allow the LCD screen to display images with full brightness and clarity. The same assembly process may be applied to many other Gateway models.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement LCD backlight
• Screwdriver
• Anti-static wrist strap
• Guitar pick

Instructions

1. Turn off the laptop, unplug the power cord from its wall outlet, and remove the battery. Turn the laptop over to release the plastic casing over the battery chamber. Raise the battery from its chamber. Place the laptop on a steady, level surface.

2. Locate six screws around the display bezel (the plastic frame bordering the LCD panel), concealed by small rubber seals. Pry the seals loose with a sharp, flat-ended tool to expose the screws underneath. Undo all screws.

3. Separate the bezel from the LCD panel. With the screws off, place a flat implement, such as a guitar pick, between the plastic frame and the LCD screen, and work with your fingers to dislodge the bezel. Maneuver with your fingers to loosen the bezel from all sides, and then gently remove it.

4. Release the LCD support bracket, at the bottom center of the LCD screen, in order to access the inverter board. Locate screws on either side of the bracket, and unscrew to remove it. You can now access the inverter board glued to the bottom center of the screen. Gently raise the component, applying just enough force to overcome the glue.

5. Unplug the cable attached to the right side of the inverter. This is the power cable and connects the backlight lamp to the inverter board.

6. Separate the LCD screen from the laptop's plastic shell. Use one hand to steady the shell, and pull the screen away with the other. Place it face down on the keyboard. With the backside of the screen facing you, locate the video cable connecting the LCD to the laptop's motherboard. Remove sticky tapes holding the cable in place, and disconnect it from the LCD screen.

7. Remove the screen from the laptop. Release the mounting brackets from the screen by undoing two screws on either side of the screen. Locate the backlight lamp by following the power cable dangling from the LCD screen. Dismount the lamp and detach cables from either end of the lamp.

8. Attach the cables to appropriate ends on the new backlight lamp and mount it back on the LCD screen. Attach the mounting bracket to the screen and tighten the screws on either side. Connect the video cable to the back of the LCD, and secure the cable with sticky tape.

9. Mount the screen with its back against the shell. Reattach the inverter board and connect the power cable. Reassemble the display assembly by attaching the inverter bracket and securing the LCD screen with the display bezel. Make sure you have no leftover pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use the part number on the back of the LCD screen to order a replacement screen from Gateway.

• Use an anti-static wrist strap whenever you disassemble electronic components, as static electricity can damage internal components.

References

• Inside My Laptop: How to remove LCD screen from Gateway MT6704
• DND: How to repair your LCD backlight

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish