Swapping LCD panels on a Inspiron 6000

[BigEd1977]

I have two Dell Inspiron 6000 notebook computers. One had a bad LCD screen. The top half of the screen is black, and it was missing a key on the keyboard.

The second has a problem with the power socket on the main board.

I had a great, at least I thought so, idea of swapping the LCD and the keyboard from the second notebook to first one.

I found out that both of these processes are really easy. Six screws and they are out. There is a wire from the LCD that goes to a plug that plugs into the mainboard. Then a wire from this plug to a screw that screws into the case. I'm assuming this is a ground wire. There are two wires that plug into a small circuit board. I assume these wires are for the wireless antenna.

I'm pretty sure everything is hooked back up properly. (Not 100%, but 95%) Again, it is not a very difficult procedure.

Now the problem. When I power on the notebook. I get no display on the LCD. It worked just before I removed it from the other computer. There are three lights above the keyboard. The one with the "A" flashes for about 20-30 seconds, then the computer shuts down.

I reconnected the old LCD, and get the same problem.

Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[G0AOZ]

Did you do all this with the battery still plugged in? Is the keyboard swap part of this equation, or haven't you done that yet? Recheck your connections to make sure a pin in the video connector hasn't got bent over, etc. Try removing the battery, disconnect the mains power adaptor, then hold down the power-on button for a good 10 seconds. Then replace battery and try switching on. If that fails, try removing the mains power adaptor and battery, and clear CMOS. You could also try powering up the laptop without the screen connected at all, with maybe an external monitor plugged in.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[wahnula]

Does the donor machine still work with the battery? If so, try it with its original screen. The only thing I can think of would be a reversed cable (no keyway) or some inadvertent static damage. I like Roger's idea of trying it with another monitor too.

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[BigEd1977]

Thanks guys. I disconnected the power and took out the battery before I started any of this. I also grounded myself against our stove before starting. I swapped both the LCD and keyboard at the same time.

AH!

I put the donor machine back together with the LCD and the keyboard from the other notebook and got the same problem.

The "Middle" light above the keyboard, looks like a box with an arc on the top, and an "A" in the box, flashes on and off for about 5 seconds. Then the computer powers down.

I pulled the CMOS battery out of the "Good" computer and let it set for a couple of minutes. I reinserted the CMOS battery and got the same results.

I hooked up and external monitor to the good computer and didn't get any display in the 5 or so seconds that the computer was powered up.

Next step?

 

[gbaughma]

I would double-check my connections.

You might not have the ZIF-connector for the keyboard plugged in properly, or it's "cocked", thus shorting a couple of pins together.

You *can* try unplugging the keyboard completely and powering up the unit; you should at least get a display then.

Process of elimination. Since you changed displays, it's also possible that you unplugged something and forgot to plug it back in, or that you pinched a wire when snaking the control cables back where they go, or that you inadvertantly knocked something else loose while swapping parts.

Double check your work. The keyboards don't usually just "pull out" the ribbon cable; you need to use a small jeweler's screwdriver or dental pick to "release" the cable mechanism to freely pull out the cable. Then, the new cable should go straight in *** WITH ZERO FORCE ***, and you lock down the connector again.



Just my 2¢
-Cole's Law: Shredded cabbage

--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com

 

[BigEd1977]

Removed the keyboard.

Unplugged and re-seated the connector that goes into the Mainboard. Double-checked the grounding screw for tightness. Pulled the wire that connects the LCD to the mainboard and just let it hang there instead of snaking it through the case.

Still no display.

I'm beginning to think that there is something I need to do to reset things. With BOTH computers doing the same thing. Chances of me screwing both of them up the same way are small. I took extra care putting the "donor" computer back together.

Hmmmmmmm.