My Laptop Display Cuts Out When I Move It, What Is Causing This ?
This was one of the most common problems with laptops that were a few years old. 99% of the time it was the lcd ribbon cable that runs from the motherboard, through the hinge assembly and to the back of the lcd display.
The way to troubleshoot this is by moving the display back and forth. If the display goes on and off with movement, then the ribbon cable is the problem. Some Technicians and Management would say, oh the connector from the ribbon cable is loose on the back of the display. The only time I ever found this to be the problem was when someone had been inside the laptop before and never attached it properly.
The first step in repairing this is to look up a video on youtube for disassembling the laptop and display. Some displays have a number of screws and plastic latches involved. The plastic latches are very easy to damage. Make sure you have the proper tools for repairing a laptop computer.
Before disassembling, make sure the ac adapter is disconnected and the battery removed or disconnected, depending on the laptop brand and model. The next thing to do is disassemble the top cover assembly that holds the lcd display. Be very careful not to damage the lcd. Usually the hinges are attached to the display, so they will have to be removed. The ribbon cable is held in place to the display with a thick adhesive tape. Usually the new ribbon cable has the adhesive tape ready to use. Now you need to remove the connector from the back of the display. Sometimes they carefully slide out or they may have a gold metal latch that keeps it in place. If the battery is still connected and a pin shorts, you can damaged the lcd display.
I would suggest taking pictures of how the lcd ribbon cable is routed, especially through the hinge assembly. Next you will most likely need to remove the Keyboard and then the plastic from under the keyboard. This whole assembly is called the palm rest assembly, but there are models where the palm rest is a separate assembly. Now determine where the cable goes to the motherboard. Some are very easy and others are require removing the motherboard.
I WOULD MAKE SURE THAT WHILE YOU ARE DOING THIS REPAIR, YOU ARE WEARING A GOOD ESD WRIST STRAP. THIS WILL PROTECT FROM ANY STATIC ELECTRICITY DAMAGE. USE A PROPERLY GROUNDED ESD MAT TO WORK ON OR PLACE THE COMPONENTS INSIDE A ESD BAG. NEVER PLACE THE MOTHERBOARD OR OTHER COMPONENTS ON THE ESD BAG OR PINK ESD FOAM.
You may need to look at the lcd ribbon cable to determine what the part number is. There are many resellers on the internet where you can purchase a new lcd ribbon cable. I do not recommend a used one, as it may not last very long. Nobody wants to have to redo their work for free and you also have an unhappy customer.
Finally, you can reassemble the lcd assembly and the rest of the laptop. Make sure to test the laptop. If the lcd ribbon cable has no adhesive tape, you can use a piece of clear box tape. I have done this and never had a problem. I hope this helps in your repair.
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