topic Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen in PCs & Accessories

Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

Kei — Tue, 02 Aug 2005 23:22:45 GMT

After having VAIO-Link repair my faulty LCD connectors in early July 2005, the problem is beginning to redeem itself again.

When you close the LCD screen and then reopen, the screen blinks a little, and it's like a flashing light bulb which is trying to emit itself (like those you see in movies and cartoons).

This is very scary.

How do you close your LCD screen anyway? Close it relatively quickly, and with constant speed? Or close it slowly and without a big click at the end?
And how are you supposed to open it? Open it with constant sped quickly or gradually unlock the hatch and raise the screen slowly?

I might have to take my VAIO back to VAIO-Link again, and this time with a charge, because my warranty expired this mid-July already.

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

robpaxton — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 00:01:58 GMT

It doesn't really make a lot of difference how you open & close the lid as long as you take reasonable care.

If Vaio-Link were supposed to have fixed the problem early last month and failed to do it properly then you have got very good grounds to have the repair done properly for free even though the notebook is out of warranty now. . . .

If Vaio-Link refuse to accept the above then (If you live in the UK) take Sony to the small claims court or contact trading standards.

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

Kei — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 13:58:15 GMT

I've reopened my case on the defect as before.
The thing is that VAIO-Link had repaired it last month (July), and I tested it all and it was working fine.
But now, as of late July 28th- to present date, the screen is showing the same signs. Same thing when I reopen the screen (flash like a light-bulb). Could it be that they used cheap material/connectors to repair the fault?
I mean I haven't been throwing the machine around my home all day, just moving it around when I need to take it to the other table 3 yards away, whilst plugged in and on. I mean that can't be "wear and tear" could it? Perhaps the connectors they used to replacement were shabby to being with.

I don't know about how to contact trading standards etc. nor am I familiar with court claims. But do you think I can get a warranty extension for free? *slim chance I know*

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

Twisted-Rizla — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 16:24:26 GMT

I don't know about how to contact trading standards etc. nor am I familiar with court claims. But do you think I can get a warranty extension for free? *slim chance I know*

Simply call Directory Enquiries and ask for the number of your local trading Standards office.

The Citizens Advice Bureau will help you with everything else.

As for the warranty extension - forget it!:smileysad:

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

robpaxton — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 16:43:50 GMT

Sony warrant their repairs for 6 months. If the problem is the same as the one that they were supposed to have repaired then the following clause from Sonys repair terms of service should apply: (See the bit I've made red)

Sony ITE warrants that Services will be properly performed and the repaired Product will function properly and in accordance with applicable Sony ITE specifications, for 6 months after repair, replacement or other Services (as applicable). This warranty does not apply to a) periodic maintenance and repair or replacement of parts due to normal wear and tear, b) any consumable supplied with the Product, such as batteries or chargeable batteries, c) physical damage to liquid crystal displays, d) damage to or loss of any software programs, data, or removable storage media, and e) any damage resulting from adaptations, changes or adjustments, which may have been made to the Product, without the prior written consent of Sony ITE. Further, this warranty does not cover damage due to the following: a) misuse, including failure to use Products for its intended purpose in accordance with the relevant Sony group company¿s instructions on the proper use and maintenance, b) installation or use of the Product in a manner inconsistent with technical or safety standards of any country of the European Economic Area and Switzerland in which the Product is used or installed, c) connection to incorrect voltage supply, d) use of the Product in conjunction with third party accessories, products or ancillary or peripheral equipment not authorized or recommended by the relevant Sony group company, e) attempted repair by any party other than by or authorized by Sony ITE, and f) accidents, lightning, water, fire or any other such cause beyond the reasonable control of Sony ITE.

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

kee-lo_ — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 19:27:42 GMT

Sony warranty the new part they fitted, so if it's gone duff tell them - they should replace it

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

Kei — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 13:27:02 GMT

I got a reply from the case I reopened:
"The last repair was for a faulty cable connection which was rectified. Please restart the computer. When the Sony logo appears press button F2. You will enter the BIOS, the basic hardware setup of the machine. Does the screen display correctly here? If not, you will need to contact Vaio-Link for a possible service of the Vaio. Please contact SONY VAIO Link by telephone from Monday to Friday 08:00-18:00 on TEl. 0870-2402408. It may be that the backlight needs replacing on the machine.
If the Vaio displays correctly in the BIOS, you will need to reinstall the video drivers. When in Windows, right click on My Computer->select Properties->Hardware->Device Manager->choose the Display Adapter, right click and select uninstall. When you restart the computer Windows will redetect the device and install it with the default settings. Please note, you may need to adjust the resolution after reinstalling. "

I did what he said, and I do have a proper display when I go to my BIOS.
I've also thought about something. Could it be the graphics driver?
Because I have a non-digtally signed graphics driver.
Here's what I have, I've taken screenshots so help yourself and see what I mean:

Could the non-signed driver be interfering with the hardware? Is this possible at all? Because it is rather strange, as the screen was indeed fixed when I received it back from Germany (VAIO-Link). I've had this non-signed driver installed before the repair and still have it installed now. But everything looks authentic.

Look here:

Thank god that they have a warranty on the repairs! I'm half relieved.
So what do you guys think?

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

robpaxton — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 17:24:36 GMT

If you're not sure that the driver is correct then download & install the most recent one from the download area of Vaio-Link

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

Kei — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 11:42:02 GMT

Okay I've reinstalled the drivers which came with my VAIO. Version 6.14.10.6436

But still I'm getting the flashing. It's not as severe as before I took it for repairs, but noticeable. I'm going to wait this out when it gets serious, because I need my notebook for building my website.
I do still have that 6 month repair warranty, don't I? So I still have at least 5 months before that warranty expires.

I can use that warranty issue to negotiate with VAIO-Link. (?)

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

robpaxton — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 18:11:02 GMT

You should really report the problem ASAP.

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

TygerTyger — Sun, 07 Aug 2005 11:12:23 GMT

This is one of the common problems with Vaios. The flickering is often attributed to faulty power inverter, but if it flickers when you open the screen it's almost certainly a loose connection in the hinges somewhere. I say that because mine had the same, and like yours it wasn't repaired properly. I suppose it's just not constructed quite right, so that when the connection is checked and fixed, the opening and closing of the notebook lid just wangs it back into a dodgy connection over time.

If you've tried what the email suggests then I'd ignore it otherwise, it's the standard pre-written 'try this' for the situation. Give it a try, then move on. I can't think of a reason that drivers would be causing screen flicker when you open the lid anyway :smileywink:.

You are almost certainly not going to get a full warranty extension. The guarantee on repairs covers exactly that - the repair. No more. For a full warranty extension you're asking them to cover the whole computer for an extra 6 months, no way is that going to happen.

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

Kei — Mon, 08 Aug 2005 12:27:27 GMT

I suppose it's just not constructed quite right, so that when the connection is checked and fixed, the opening and closing of the notebook lid just wangs it back into a dodgy connection over time.

Okay, so you've also a K215B, and I presume it wasn't fully repaired and it still isn't now, am I correct? I also assume that you're not using the K215B as your primary PC, correct?
So, did you just leave the K215B like that, flickering when it gets open and closed?

I'd like to make full use of this repair warranty, as I have a lot of work to do on my VAIO, and I can't keep on sending it back to them every 3 weeks or so.
If I do this, i.e. wait it out, use my machine to a point near the end of the 6 month warranty, or use it longer to see if the problem worsens, will it void my 6 month warranty? Because I've already reported this case to "e-support", so I've the case all logged.

I mean, if this like fate for the notebook, and it can't be resolved permanently, then Sony should really have my entire laptop replaced with a new one.

Re: Defective LCD connectors and how to open/close screen

TygerTyger — Mon, 08 Aug 2005 16:34:45 GMT

K115S. It is indeed my primary computer. I actually left it until outside my warranty period to ask for a repair, doh, so it's still like that. It doesn't do any damage, it's just a minor annoyance really. What's more annoying is when the screen gets stuck 'mid-flicker' without moving the lid. The brightness just suddenly drops for no reason then after a while sets itself back again.

I wouldn't recommend waiting, I seem to remember there's something in their Terms of Service which says they don't like you doing that. If it's not fixed the next time it comes back you're probably entitled to a complete replacement. They'll probably give you a fight since it will be well out of warranty, but you know where the Trading Standards phone number is.