Member Avatar for pkettle

We have a dell flatscreen that went black after being on a short time today. The green power light on the front blinks. we've disconnected it from the original cables and connected it to other cables that we know work on another machine. The same problem. Is there a fuse or anything that could restore it? or is it dead? The monitor will not turn off even when I hold the button for an extended time. What to try next?

  • 3 Contributors
  • 2 Replies
  • 114 Views
  • 2 Months Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by z3n

Dani AI

Generated

Following 's report and the replies from and , below is a compact, safety-first diagnostic checklist and practical next-step options focused on board- and backlight-related faults (the most common repairable causes for a monitor that powers but shows no image).

  • Safety first: unplug the monitor and wait several minutes. Press the power button while unplugged to help discharge stored energy. If uncertain about mains or high-voltage work, stop here and use a repair shop.

  • Quick checks before opening: note the exact model and any PCB part numbers printed on the boards. Photograph connectors and screw locations so reassembly is straightforward.

  • Visual inspection (open only if comfortable): look for bulging or leaking electrolytic capacitors, scorch marks, cracked solder joints, or a visible fuse near the AC inlet. A blown fuse or visibly damaged capacitors are reliable indicators of a power-board fault. See background on electrolytic capacitors here: electrolytic capacitor.

  • Backlight test: in a dark room, hold a bright flashlight close to the screen at an angle; if a faint image is visible, the panel logic is working and the issue is likely the inverter/backlight driver or the tubes/LEDs. If no image is visible, suspect the main power/logic board.

  • Measured diagnosis (advanced): test the board fuse for continuity and measure DC rails at the power-board connectors (only if competent with a multimeter). Missing DC outputs point to a failed power supply board.

  • Repair options: replace obvious bad capacitors with low-ESR, 105°C parts (match capacitance and equal-or-higher voltage), swap the inverter or entire power board using the board part number, or source a used replacement board. Weigh the parts+labor cost against replacement monitor cost.

Agreeing with , replacement is often the most cost-effective route for older sets. As noted, board-level repair is possible but involves soldering and potentially dangerous voltages; proceed only with the right tools and experience.

Recommended Answers

All 2 Replies

Member Avatar for sparkax

Doesn't look good.
I think you need a new monitor.
You could try it on another PC but I don't think it will work.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.