E6500 Screen goes out

I have a E6500 with the 1900 x 1200 screen. When I powered it up today screen was dark. I hooked it up to an external monitor via a docking station and it works fine. Through much trouble shooting I discovered the screen on the laptop will work if the brightness is turned down.

There for I am suspecting something is wrong with the back-lights in the screen. I don't want to buy an new screen if that's not the problem. When I turn the brightness up it does light up good and looks fine for a few seconds then it goes black. I can try to turn the brightness down but it will not come back on until I reboot.

So does anyone have an opinion? Is it the LCD or something else?

Can anyone suggest a trouble shooting technique which might verify what the problem is?

I can get a new screen for 80 bucks so I may just do that but hate to spend the money if that's not the problem.

I have ordered a new M6700 to replace it but its still a good laptop and one of my kids could us it if I can fix it.

 

There are inverter boards and replacement backlights for the E6500. They should have a part number and you can find them on ebay. They way you describe it seems like something may be pulling too much current at the higher setting. A new tube or inverter might just fix it.

Edit: Check out the link. Seems like that user had the exactly the same problem. Probably one of your CCFL tubes is blown.

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3519/t/19487311.aspx?pi239031352=3

Bulbs are $14 per set of 2 on ebay. Inverter board $14 as well. It may be better just to grab a new screen.

 

I've found that the dual CCFL E6500/M4400 displays generally blow inverters more often than bulbs - so you have a good chance of just having to change the inverter - but yeah, it could really be either.

 

Thanks guys I just ordered a new inverter board if that doesn't fix it I will get a new screen. I just can't let it go to the junkyard yet.

 

I have the same problem. Did the new inverter board fix the problem?

 

The tubes also get dimmer with age so it might be worthwhile replacing both the tubes and the inverter.

John

 

The inverter board did not resolve the issue. I ordered a replacement LCD and replaced it and the display is like a new laptop. I bought the screen from Laptopscreen.com. The price was good ($88.00 Shipped)