LCD Screen Problem On Advent Laptop

macman

I've been asked to look at a laptop with a display problem. Unfortunately it's an Advent Modena M200-one of the flimsiest laptop designs I have ever come across.
I thought it was the inverter from the description given, but having now seen it, the screen is stable except when the screen hinges are moved, then it flickers and dims, horizontal lines appear.
I assume this is a connector problem, rather than inverter or backlight failing? Is it repairable, or something more terminal? What else can I look for?
The problem is that at present I can't even seem to remove the screen bezel, as it's so incredibly thin and flimsy that the slightest excess force will snap it.
It's 15 months old, out of warranty, and already I can see that the area around the hinge mounts are starting to detach from the rest of it. Another quality product from PCW...

robmar0se

Sounds to me like a screen ribbon problem - see if you can clean & resecure the plug/socket at the motherboard end. Sounds as though the bezel will be difficult, but could slipping one finger nail around, "undo" the plastic catches?

Otherwise give it to a firm that regularly specialises in screen issues - the cost of screen has come down, unfortunately the cost of ribbons is still exorbitant - there are several for sale on ebay (search on modena screen cable) but really you need to check the part no, which comes back to the bezel.

I have used the guys at www.requreit.co.uk very helpful on screens/ribbons on 01473 742656.

Esqui

Sounds to me like the LCD cable has come loose. That sounds quite familiar with things like that

Figment

As others have said, the ribbon/cable between motherboard and LCD is the likely culprit. I've just replaced one on a Toshiba Satellite. The wires fracture where the cable bends around the hinge.

Search online for dismantling instructions to discover how the bezel unclips.

GunJack

I've done screen replacements on two M201's in the last 6 months, brother and sister's xmas pressies and only 18 months old at the time. Yes, VERY flimsy

The screen bezel will only come off by breaking a couple of the retaining clips :mad: ...it's almost like the rear screen cover has been slightly shrunk-to-fit around the bezel !!! In both cases, the screen had had it, they had started off with symptoms similar to yours, and degenerated until not readable at all, full of flickering horizontal lines. They are non-inverter models, and I must admit it did initially look like a cable fault (due to the intermittent patterns) but after trying one it became apparent it was the screen. At least they're only £40 for a new one, the blessed cable cost £30, way OTT but 'twas the only one available at the time.

So, both ended up with an inch-long bit of tape securing the bit of the bezel where the catches snapped (down a side on both, the design looks really bad there, even compared to the top & bottom edges) but both working again.....wouldn't want to do another one if I could help it

Lightspeed_2

It's really easy to get the screen cover off. Remove the stand off cushions covering the screws & remove the 6 screws. Using a credit card or similar slightly lever the screen bezel forward at one of the top side corners. Push the card in then slide it down. That should pop open the clips. Do the same along the top & down the other side & the cover is released.