Laptop backlight/inverter?

Afternoon people,

Got a bit of a problem with a DELL Inspiron 6400 laptop (about 4 years old now). The backlight doesn't seem to be working and hence I've got to shine a torch on the screen to be able to see what I'm doing, but if you close the lid and open it again the backlight comes on for about 1 second then goes off again. When it does this I hear a spark like sound, initially I thought it'd be the inverter but upon closer inspection it could be the wiring from the inverter.

An orange flash is emitted from this end of the screen when it attempts to switch the backlight on...

http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr359/In_Kontrol/DSCF0354Large.jpg

I think I'm going to need a whole new screen (I hope not), the part in the picture is the bottom right hand corner.

 

In most cases, the backlight power supply (inverter) can be replaced separately from the display screen itself.
I would consult a professional Laptop Repair Service.

Good Luck,
The Shadow :cool

 

It looks inverter related but it's that initial orange spark/flash which is strange, and I don't want to take it to a repair shop as I don't have the money to pay for repairs and I am fairly clued up on IT related stuff anyway so it can only be two things...

Time to narrow it down me thinks...

 

If the wiring was not pinched or otherwise damaged, I would not suspect the wiring. You describe classic BL/Inverter problems, so I think it is that. Parts are normally $50 - $150 depending on model and screen size, and labor should be 1 hour, 2 tops. Call around to local shops - some may have a flat rate.

If you feel confident you can replace them, go for it. Plug "replace inverter" into Google and you will find many tutorials.

Otherwise, if you don't want to spend any money, use an external monitor.

 

Turns out it was the inverter, got one off eBay for £5 and fitted it earlier this morning. :cool

 

£5? Wow! That's great! Thanks for the followup!