backlight or inverter?

[johnnyzero]

I'm trying to repair a Sony Vaio PCG-974L lpatop which has the
following symtpoms: screen flickers, intermittently goes dark, and has
a pink- orange-ish hue.

I know it has to do with the backlight, but I'd like to figure out
whether it's most likely the inverter or the backlight itself before
trying to replace the wrong part.

Any experiences with this will be much appreciated.

JohnB

 

[fredman]

I'm trying to repair a Sony Vaio PCG-974L lpatop which has the
following symtpoms: screen flickers, intermittently goes dark, and has
a pink- orange-ish hue.

I know it has to do with the backlight, but I'd like to figure out
whether it's most likely the inverter or the backlight itself before
trying to replace the wrong part.

Any experiences with this will be much appreciated.

I have none w/ Sony VAIO, but certain DELL panels have come as an
assembly w/panel, inverter, and cable, which amounts to swapping out
the entire panel assembly in the top cover. I'd investigate if you can
find the repair manual/parts list. (Otherwise I'd take a wild guess at
the inverter- probably cheaper). Good luck.

regards,


=======
fredman
=======

 

[johnnyzero]

Thanks for your reply, fredman.

In the interim, I went ahead and ordered both the inverter &
backlight. Actually, of the two, the inverter is quite a bit more
expensive - $69.99 vs $9.99. I found a supplier that carries a large
assortment of LCD replacement parts (http://www.lcdparts.net).
Supposedly, they manufacture *improved* replacements for both parts -
their CCFL tubes are brighter than the original OEM's; and their
inverters are re-engineered to be more reliable.

Neither part looks like it's too difficult to replace, and their Web
site even has step-by-step instructions on how to do it. Of course,
the inverter is pretty much a no-brainer to replace (2 connectors &
some double-stick tape); but I *will* be a little nervous when re-
soldering the wires onto the CCFL tube ends - supposedly very fragile.
I'll let you know how I make out.

best,
JohnB

 

[johnnyzero]

Got it. Took me about 2 hrs because the CCFL tube was so buried under
the ribbon circuits for the LCD array; and they're covered with the
copper foil shielding, which you havta carefully peel away. I was able
to re-install the foil shielding and hold it in place with some
strategically-placed pieces of Scotch tape...god bless the good people
at 3M.

It was pretty nerve-wracking to desolder/solder the leads onto the new
tube - you just havta be careful because the tube is so tiny &
fragile.

The LCD now works like a charm, and is probably about 15-20% brighter
than it ever was. The tubes from http://www.lcdparts.net are
supposedly brighter than the original OEM's that they replace. Sure
looks that way to me.

Now I know how to replace an backlight inverter & CCFL - althought I'm
not anxious to do it again any time soon!

JohnB