How to Replace a Backlight on a Dell Inspiron 8200

Replacing your Dell Inspiron laptop's backlight requires that you dismantle the screen.

Every LCD screen comes with a backlight, and like any light bulb, the backlight will burn out at some point. The backlight is a tiny, light bulb built into the LCD screen that gives light to the LCD, allowing you to view images and video on the screen. When the backlight starts to go bad in your Dell Inspiron 8200 laptop, the screen will slowly dim until, eventually, it goes out completely. When this happens, you will have to dismantle the LCD assembly to replace the backlight.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Precision screwdriver kit

Instructions

1. Shut down your laptop using your current operating system. Pull the display panel closed, and then disconnect all power, data and telecommunications cables. Set the laptop facing down on a flat surface. Remove the battery pack from the bottom casing. It is secured in place by a single, locking latch.

2. Set the laptop, so the LCD panel is facing up. Pull the display panel open. Pry open the hinge cover on each side of the laptop case with a flat-head screwdriver. The hinge cover is the plastic strip situated between the keyboard and LCD screen that protects the LCD hinges. Insert the flat-head screwdriver between the F8 key and the hinge cover. Pry the cover from the laptop and set it aside.

3. Loosen the two retaining Phillips-head screws on the back panel of the laptop. These screws secure the hinges in place. Find the LCD ribbon cable coming from the right side of the LCD screen. Trace the cable to its connector on the motherboard. Unplug the ribbon cable from its motherboard connector. Then remove the Phillips-head screw fastening the cable to the motherboard. Remove the display assembly from the laptop.

4. Remove the three Phillips-head screws from each side of the screen. Lift the screen out of the display panel until the back side of the screen is visible. Disconnect the LCD ribbon cable from the two connectors on rear side of the screen.

5. Place a precision, flat-head screwdriver into the holes along the outside edge of the screen. Pry the rear side of the screen from the LCD. Locate the backlight bulb inside the LCD screen. Remove the backlight from the screen.

6. Repeat this procedure in reverse to install the new backlight bulb.

References

• Dell Support: Display Assembly
• Laptop Repair 101: Dec 9 How to replace laptop backlight lamp