Hinge Movement Blacks out Monitor

EGarcia · #1 (**permalink**) 05-21-2010, 07:59 PM

Hi, everyone. I'm new here. I don't know what to call this problem, so I didn't search for a previous discussion. So, here goes...
When I open my eee 1005HA-P netbook, I have to adjust the angle of the monitor half to one of several precise positions or else the monitor stays dark. Actually, there is a faint shadow of what I should be seeing, but it is too dark to read.
This just started this week.
This netbook was purchased on 8/27/2009.
Does anyone know why this is happening?
What is my next step (other than waiting for there to be no screen)?

ThisIsNot · #2 (**permalink**) 05-22-2010, 10:12 AM

It sounds like the power is not properly running to your netbook's LCD backlight system. You can still see the display (the "shadows") but can't make out the image. That sounds like the backlights aren't coming on and illuminating the display.

You can't really go in there and replace the backlights or anything like that. You can try disassembling the netbook but that would require a certain level of skill. Another thing you can try is call around and see if there are any small time computer stores that offer repairs. They might have the knowledge and skills to disassemble the netbook and check out the power connectors. If worst comes to worst, you will have to take the current display out of the casing and pop a new one in there. Given the cost of doing this (about $120 for a replacement display that isn't going to fail after a month), you might as well just save up for a new netbook.

EGarcia · #3 (**permalink**) 05-22-2010, 11:45 AM

Thank you very much for the info. I just have one question (I think): so this is not a hinge problem per se, though the power is fed through the hinges? Please explain a little bit more to me. Thanks a lot.

ThisIsNot · #4 (**permalink**) 05-22-2010, 04:25 PM

The display power and video input are fed from the netbook's motherboard (and power supply) to the display through either a single hinge or both. These are just simple copper wires (often ribbon wires) and nothing special. It is no different than you plugging in a DVD player into your TV and just having the cables complete a 90 degree bend.

It appears that either there is a problem with the cord in the hinge area and/or the power connection for your display is becoming lose. Given what you have previously stated, it sounds like some type of cable issue near the hinge area with the display's power. Not the entire display's power but rather just the backlights.

It also might be a problem with the actual backlighting system. Instead of adjusting the display and relying on the hinges, have you held your netbook at different angles? Doing this would help to identify where the problem is. So flip open your netbook's display (with the power on) at a position where you can clearly see the screen while the backlights are off. Then grab the bottom of your netbook and, with the display open, try rotating the whole thing back and forth to see if the backlights ever come on.