Help!!! Working on a Dell E171FP LCD

[ComputerGeek]

Hey Guys,

I just signed up great to have help here. I need help working on A Dell E171FP LCD. It turns on and the backlight lights up however it is a very pink color. And after about two seconds it flickers, and changes to the normal color of the monitor, and one second after than it it just goes black. However, the green light still stays on and if I put a flashlight on the screen and you still can see windows desktop, so the actual panel is still staying on. I have a few pictures of the inverter board below. The power supply looks fine, however I can take pictures upon request. So what should I start testing.

OH, two red HV caps read

2A154J
H2810S

And the green one reads,

220uF
25V

Nothing looks burnt or bulged, well with the exemption of the clear plastic covering for the inverter board, but I think that's from heat.

Also, Sorry the pictures aren't the greatest my real camera is broken right now.

Thanks!

[shovenose]

Re: Help!!! Working on a Dell E171FP LCD

If the images is a pink/red color that means one or more of backlights CCFL tubes are worn out and need to be replaced.

[ComputerGeek]

Re: Help!!! Working on a Dell E171FP LCD

But why does it change to its normal color after a 2 seconds. If the HV line was weak wouldn't it cause the backlight to be discolored?

[PlainBill]

Re: Help!!! Working on a Dell E171FP LCD

But why does it change to its normal color after a 2 seconds. If the HV line was weak wouldn't it cause the backlight to be discolored?

There are two sources of light involved. In normal operation the gas inside the CCFL generates UV light, which activates phosphors on the inside of the tube, which produces the color you see. An old tube produces a red glow inside the tube which initially overrides the glow from the phosphors.

Shovenose is correct, the initial pink tint is due to a failing CCFL.

PlainBill

[ComputerGeek]

Re: Help!!! Working on a Dell E171FP LCD

Ok does anyone know where I can get a set of ccfl lamps? I am not sure of who is a reputable source for this type of thing.

Also, is this thing even worth fixing, What is this thing worth for resale provided it works?

[retiredcaps]

Re: Help!!! Working on a Dell E171FP LCD

Ok does anyone know where I can get a set of ccfl lamps? I am not sure of who is a reputable source for this type of thing.

Also, is this thing even worth fixing, What is this thing worth for resale provided it works?

Ccflwarehouse.com has good feedback from forum members, but the cost of new ccfls + shipping for a 17 inch monitor will likely be uneconomical to fix. Also, be aware that replacing ccfls is a very delicate and fragile operation. The aforementioned have a tutorial on their website on the steps necessary to replace just bare lamps. Alternatively, you can buy them "pre" assembled/harnessed.

If you get another dead monitor for free, you can transplant the entire ccfl assembly or just the ccfl lamps. That is what I do instead of buying new ccfls.

In addition, if I'm patient on watch my local kijiji, I can get a newer working 20 inch or larger widescreen monitor for $20 to $40.