I'm considering an attempt to fix a failing backlight for an old Dell Laptop. Symptom is that the backlight doesn't stay on. It will turn on momentarily, ranging from a fraction of a second to several seconds, when the lid switch is pressed and released. I don't think the switch is at fault. Same results when using software to turn off/on the backlight.
The backlight is CCFL. The display itself is Dell part number Y0316, a "LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY, Wide Extended Graphics Array, NO-SPWG, 15.4, SAMSUNG". Here's a link to what may or may not be the original manufacturer part:
http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=3383
Any advice before I dive in? My suspicion of course is that the inverter has had it. Another possibility is that the CCFL tube(s) has had the biscuit. If it's the inverter, is there a possibility of repairing it instead of replacing it? If so, what should I look for? A cranky cap somewhere?
I had originally considered using this busted backlight as motivation to replace the CCFL with LEDs, and I may yet do that. However I'd like to at least give a simpler repair a chance before a complete refit.
No, the machine it's in is not worth the effort. This is more of a "I wonder if I can" project.
Thanks for any feedback.