Laptop issue

[DADoES]

 
Dell Latitude E6420.  Bought as a refurb.  The LCD has gone all-white but the external monitor connection is OK.  I opened it to check if the cable disconnected from the LCD panel, which it had not.  I'd like to diagnose and fix the problem DIY if I can ... but I don't have a bench of test equipment and components to swap-in.  Anyone have advice?  Bad LCD panel?  Where to find a suitable replacement?

 

[henene4]

Given that all outputs run via the graphics card, that should be fine.

I guess the LCD has a sealed in ribbon cable? These like to break. Check again all connections are clean and tight, and that the LCD ribbons aren't bend&#92kinked.

Some Dell systems have a self test utility. Mash F2 (or was it F12?) during bootup. Or boot into the bios. That should check if its the graphics card or if the problem persists via the build in picture processor.

Oherwise I'd say it is the LCD. Given it is supposed to be refurbished, try returning it if the transaction happend recently.

 

[mattl]

I'd replace the ribbon cable to the LCD, it may look fine but could have a break.  Odds are you can pick one up cheap on ebay.  I had a similar issue with my HP years ago, popped in a new cable and it is still working well.