Suggestions for getting rid of stuck lines on an X21? [IMG]

[bhtooefr]

I've got a nasty stuck line.

It used to be that I could apply pressure immediately to the right of the stuck line, and it would go away. Also, it was a green, one subpixel wide line.

Now, it's two lines, one three pixels wide and white, and one that has two white pixels wide and one green subpixel wide.

Here's an attempt at sketching the stuck lines:


I've tried reseating the LCD connector at the motherboard.

I am going to attempt reseating the LCD connector inside the LCD.

However, I'm afraid that it's something worse.

How much would it cost to get a replacement panel for this thing? Basically, I need to decide whether to live with the ANNOYING line, or repair it.

Note from Moderator: Good job! This message is a great example of how to post an image in this forum.

[tfflivemb2]

I would try reseating the cable at the LCD, if that doesn't work, then try replacing the inverter. Save the LCD as a last resort.

FYI: You might want to change the title of this thread to warn people of the image, even though it is a small image.....or use a link instead.

[bhtooefr]

The thing is, I've looked at the HMM, and the inverter is at the TOP.

When I put pressure on it to clear the line before, I pushed on the BOTTOM of the bezel...

Oh, and thanks for reminding me about the image... I forgot about that rule here...

[tfflivemb2]

hmmm..might be the LCD then. I didn't realize that the inverter was at the top.

With regard to the pressure on the screen, I was thinking that the pressure to the LCD in general would create a change in the angle of the display, causing a connect/disconnect with the inverter.....rather than actually causing a direct effect with the LCD itself. make sense?

[dmdsoftware]

I can shed some light. I have a similar problem with one notebook with a red line around in the same area.

Problem has something to do with the display panel. Can it be resolved? Don't know - don't think so though. Definately has nothing to do with the LCD cable, inverter, etc because I've tried the panel in two separate outfits that both test okay with other panels.

[dmdsoftware]

The thing is, I've looked at the HMM, and the inverter is at the TOP.

When I put pressure on it to clear the line before, I pushed on the BOTTOM of the bezel...

Oh, and thanks for reminding me about the image... I forgot about that rule here...

It would make sense that applying pressue to the bottom may have an effect. The panel's driver board is connected at the bottom of the unit for the vertical lines. Maybe disassembling and reassembling the metal frame of the panel will correct whatever pressure problem that is causing the line.

I've done lots of work on LCD panels before (replacing backlights etc) that involve disassembling the panel. I may give it a try.

[bhtooefr]

Something to think about...

I think I know how the problem developed.

I had stretched a network cable over the top of the LCD EVERY SINGLE DAY back when I was having my network jack problems, so that the network jack would connect. I think that's when I first started seeing the stuck line...

[dmdsoftware]

There is a bunch of folks who claim that rapidly changing screen colours may resolve the problem. It's mostly for fixing stuck pixels, but some claim it worked at resolving stuck pixels/lines on their notebook LCDs.

http://www.psp-vault.com/modules/UpDown ... V56052.zip

It's a video file that you leave playing. It "exercises" your screen.

I'll give it a try.

[bhtooefr]

And, the saga continues.

Touching the back of the screen to the left of the stuck line, especially near where the HMM shows one of the LCD connectors, causes the whole thing to go nuts.

That tells me that there's a loose connector in there, so I'm going in.

Wish me luck...

[bhtooefr]

Well, I was going in, until I found that I COULD NOT loosen the screws AT ALL.

Any hints?

Also, how much would a ready-to-go XGA LCD assembly for an X20/21 cost?

[bezomo]

last years compaq models had that exact probem. My friend brought in a giant black paper clip to school and clamped it onto the top of his lcd. This had the same effect as pressing on the bezel. It turned out his lcd was just a mess and needed replacing. Good luck

[dmdsoftware]

Well, I was going in, until I found that I COULD NOT loosen the screws AT ALL.

Any hints?

Also, how much would a ready-to-go XGA LCD assembly for an X20/21 cost?

Which screws? All the screws should loosen just fine. Use a thinner phillips screwdriver.

The LCDs are expensive.

[bigtiger]

Sorry to bump this old post. But I think my experience might shed lights on this general problem.

For vertical lines, there are many reasons. I have used many laptops. and one common problem is loose connection.

But, a big BUT, it is not always the case. Today, my wife's X24 developed some vertical weak lines. They might be caused by dropping or what ever reasons that we do not know. I thought it is caused by loose connection. So I dismantled the whole system, only to find that it is the LCD that is at fault.

I downloaded the move mentioned above. No luck. But I didnot find that the screen looks ok under SOLID WHITE and SOLID RED. So I am pretty positve that the LCD is at fault.

For those that want to mess with the LCD, I have to tell you that be careful. I had a Dell 8500 with vertical lines. That was a loose connection problem for sure. But it is the LCD itself not with the video or the IO card. I dismantled it many times trying to fix the loose connection somewhere.

Then, the last time I tried, it fried the whole LCD. I had to buy a new one.

I have warn everybody that there is a while area near the top of the LCD that should not be touched or pressed. I accidentally pressed it and that fried the whole LCD.