[dboiler]

I have a 17" Dell SL1 Flat Panel LCD Monitor that displays just fine when I turn it on for maybe 1 second and then blanks out. I know it's the monitor because I've connected an Optiquest to the computer and it works just fine. Has anyone else seen this with Dell monitors and what can I do to fix it short of sending it in (cost prohibitive) or throwing it out (don't want it in a landfill)?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

 

[erick295]

When it goes blank, shine a flashlight on it and see if it's still displaying an image. If so, it's probably a failing backlight.

 

[JohnWill]

You can replace the backlight and/or inverter for not too much money if you're handy with tools. I wouldn't bother trying to get a shop to fix it, that will cost more than a new one.

 

[dboiler]

You are right, when I shine a flashlight on it, it is still displaying the image. Cool. Thanks. Guess now the thing to do is to figure out how to replace a backlight and, more importantly, what a backlight is. I am handy with tools, so I'll figure this out. Thanks again both of you.

 

[JohnWill]

DIY Monitor Backlight Repair