Member Avatar for befitz

My notebook display brightens and dims until the power cord is wriggled where it plugs
into the notebook. From what I've read on this site, it is probably the power connection
at the motherboard, or the board itself. I have taken about 25 screws out, but can't go
further for fear of breaking something. Can anyone help with a step-by-step? Or, is there
somewhere I can buy a model specific manual to aid in disassembly? Any help would be
much appreciated.
befitz

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and have already started down the right path. The symptom you describe most often points to a problem in the DC-power path or the display backlight circuitry, so a short set of diagnostic checks will save a lot of pointless disassembly.

Start with simple tests before tearing the case apart: confirm the AC adapter actually outputs the correct voltage with a multimeter and watch that voltage while you gently move the adapter plug. Boot the laptop from battery only, then plug the adapter in and check whether the screen change follows the adapter. Connect an external monitor — if the external image stays steady while the laptop screen flickers, the fault is in the screen/backlight/inverter/DC-jack area; if the external image also flickers, suspect the adapter or motherboard power circuitry.

If you decide to continue disassembly, follow a disciplined workflow: power off, unplug adapter, remove the battery, take pictures at every step, and keep screws labeled. Use small containers and photograph screw locations. Typical safe steps are: remove service covers (RAM/HD), remove optical drive if needed, carefully release keyboard clips to expose ribbon connectors, then remove the palmrest/top case to access the display cable, inverter (if CCFL), and the DC jack area. Use a plastic spudger for clips and flip ZIF tabs before pulling ribbons.

What to look for once open: a loose or cracked DC jack or harness, frayed cable near the hinge, a separate inverter board (older CCFL screens), or cracked solder joints on the motherboard. If the jack is on a small daughterboard or harness it is straightforward to replace; if it is soldered to the mainboard the repair requires soldering skill or a shop. Replace the part only after verifying with the meter or by temporarily probing voltages while wiggling the plug.

Take ESD precautions, document every step, and if the jack is soldered and there is any doubt, consider a shop repair — motherboard replacement can be pricier than a professional resolder. Searching for the Gateway MX6955 service manual or a DC‑jack/harness replacement part by model number will help, but don’t proceed if you’re uncomfortable with delicate board work.

Member Avatar for waltwg2000

I'm Having the same problems with my mx6955 you pretty much have to unscrew every screw you see on this thing because the port it self is upside down on the motherboard so you have to disconnect the monitior and the screws on the little gold looking thing attached to the cpu

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