Need advice - Backlight issues on Acer V173

[xgamer99]

Hello all,

I have a 17" acer v173 monitor that has been sitting around doing nothing for about a year and a half now because it had been giving my backlight issues. I'm trying to fix it now, but need some advice.

It started to go black randomly, and I would have to cycle the power to have it display again. The backlights eventually would shut off after 3 - 4 seconds after being powered on (it would show the acer logo, and MAYBE a split second of the desktop, before going black).

These are the symptoms:
- Goes black after 3-4 seconds after being turned on
- Very rarely shows the desktop for less than a second before it goes black
- The computer detects the monitor even though the monitor shows nothing
- If I disconnect the monitor from the computer, the backlights stay ON with the message of "Cable not Connected". This, to me, is very weird. Seems to only have problems if it's trying to display something from the computer.

I should also mentions that the CCFLs have a bit of grey/black coloring near the ends. I don't know if this means they are bad or what

I don't know much aout hardware, but after searching around I foun that there could be two issues: bad bulbs (I can buy a replacement pack on Amazon for $20), or bad inverter. Based on the info I gave, which seems to be more likely? The bulbs can be replaced, but I don't want to spend $20 on them if it's the inverter (of which I would have no idea how to fix / replace).

Andy help is GREATLY appreciated. =)

 

[matteos]

Dunno, but you can probably pick up a 17" LCD for about $20 used, wouldn't you be better off doing that rather than trying to fix it? Because if you buy the bulbs and it is the inverter or a cable connection or none of those then you're just wasting money guessing at the problem. Take a look on craigslist, nobody uses monitors that small anymore, people practically give them away

 

[wtourist]

If you are handy with circuit boards "dIsassemble" and look for simple fixes. It might be loose connections or bad capacitors.
But, not cost effective.
You can score an open box monitior from newegg with sufficient patience and perseverance.
OTOH, education has a life of its own.