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This guide will help you to remove the LCD screen and inverter board from a Sony Vaio VGN-SZ645 laptop display. I think these instructions will work for many other Sony Vaio models.
Do not forget to remove the battery before you start.
Related articles: In my previous post you’ll find how to remove the keyboard and replace the hard drive.
OK, let’s take apart the display panel.
STEP 1.
Using a sharp object (or small screwdriver) remove four rubber plugs. There is on plug in each corner of the display bezel.
STEP 2.
Remove four screws found under rubber plugs.
STEP 3.
Start removing the screen bezel as it shown on the picture below.
STEP 4.
Continue removing the bezel. Be careful, do not apply to much force because the the screen bezel is made of thin plastic.
STEP 5.
Remove the screen bezel.
STEP 6.
In order to replace the screen inverter you don’t have to disassemble the laptop any further. Simply unplug two cables from both sides of the inverter board. I pointed these cables with two red arrows. Carefully remove the inverter board and replace it with a new one.
STEP 7.
Here’s how you can replace the LCD screen.
Carefully remove the LCD screen from the cover and place it face down on the keyboard.
STEP 8.
In order to remove the LCD screen you’ll have to:
1. Unplug the video cable from the connector on the back of the LCD screen.
2. Unpug the LCD backlight cable from the right side of the inverter board.
Now you can replace the LCD screen with a new one if needed. Search for the replacement LCD screen here.
If you find this article useful, please consider making a donation to the author. Thank you!
November 20th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Do you have a procedure for replacing the fan in the SZ series. I have cleaned everything the best I can, and have replaced the keyboard using your procedure for the hard drive. Will probably replace that soon too. However, I have pretty bad fan noise. Sounds like a bad bearing. Cleaned repeatedly with compressed air, but does not change anything. Looks like it is in there pretty good and did not want to damage the laptop trying to fix it.
November 20th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
John,
The cooling fan is buried deep inside the laptop. You’ll have to remove the top cover if you want to replace the fan.
Here are links to laptop service manuals for some Sony Vaio models in PDF format. You’ll find step by step disassembly instructions in the manual.
November 29th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Thank you for the guide. We used this for the Vaio SZ340 and it was almost identical except that the model number of the removed screen was a Sharp LQ133K1LA4A. We replaced it with the Toshiba LTD133EX2A. They seem interchangeable except that the new inverter wasn’t compatible with the SZ340. However the old inverter seems to be compatible with the new screen so we kept it.
Removing the Bezel was significantly more difficult than the one step shown, but in the end it just required running a screwdriver around the perimeter (carefully).
December 13th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
R&R the LCD Inverter using these instrucions without a problem. Nice and clear. Salvaged a laptop that I was told, by a repair shop, would need a new screen and be more expensive than a new laptop. Thanks for the helpful guide to dissambly of the screen/top to access the inverter.
December 29th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I have a Sony SZ48GN_C with a noisy fan (u can hear the bearing when it stops) where can I get an upgraded fan and what model should I ask for? Also the screen on another has lost its backlight but I can clearly see the screen itself is not damaged. I bought a new LTD133EXBY screen when in China but it exhibits the same symptoms, ie no backlight. Both old and new screens seem to have their own attached inverter board attached to it…and there is only one connector…..surely the new screen cannot be faulty….does the screen get its backlight from somewhere I cannot understand?thanks
Charles
December 29th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
charles adams,
I’m not sure if there is an upgraded fan for this laptop.
The backlight lamp installed inside the screen. The backlight lamp gets power from the inverter board. The inverter board gets power from the motherboard via a cable.
I guss in your case it’s either bad cable or motherboard.
Also, do you have a lid close switch on your laptop? When the lid close switch is pressed down, it cuts off power from the inverter/backlight.
Make sure the switch moves freely. When the lid close is dirty it might get stuck inside the laptop case and the laptop “thinks” the display is closed.
January 4th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Have you ever seen a laptop screen that has faint color lines at right angles with black streaks and a “black hole”. If you work the screen hinge a bit you can see the normal desktop icons along the left edge. the laptop is a Sony Vaio PCG-7X2L
Thanks,
Frank
January 5th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Hi, Great info! I have a Sony Vaio VGN-TX770p that has a broken battery release switch. From my research online, it seems that I’ll have to go in from the top down and basically disassemble the whole computer to get at the battery release switch located under the mother board. Would you agree with this?
Stephen
January 6th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
stephen light,
Most likely yes. I’m not familiar with your model but I’m pretty sure that’s hot the latch is assembled. I’ve fixed a few of them on Toshiba laptops and has to remove motherboards.
January 20th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Thanks for the step by step instruction. My screen was barely visible so we suspected either the backligth was gone or the inverter was not working. Luckily, the latter was the case.. A 60$ investment and this page saved my laptop.. THanks so much!!! Btw, Sony asked 100$ only to look at what the problem is. I fixed this by less than half of what they would have charged me.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:11 am
Thanks… great instructions, very easy to change a vgn-txn lcd display.
January 25th, 2009 at 1:52 am
Great step-by step instructions, I was able to dis-assemble the lcd of my vaio vgn-fj270 to check for possible loose connections, but unfortunately the problem is still there…
There’s a black strip on the right hand side of my screen which has effectively reduced the resolution to 1000+ x 780+ or so… meaning the entire desktop is still visible on the remaining part of the screen at that reduced resolution most of the time. Strange thing is, when I lift up the screen at a certain angle or push it way back, the screen would sometimes become complete again.
Have you encountered a similar problem before? Thanks
Leo
January 25th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Leo,
Not sure what’s going on. Sounds like a bad LCD screen. I guess could be a bad cable too, but I think most likely it’s related to the screen.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Hi, my little brother recently dropped his laptop, although seemingly very light, the screen cracked. I want to replace the screen for him because it is so incredibly expensive to have sony fix it. His laptop is a VGN-NR498E/S. are the procedures the same? do you think I can personally do it? I’ve never dealt with fixing non-software problems for laptops before. Thank you for helping me out.
January 28th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Nancy,
The LCD screen removal and replacement procedure is very similar for most laptops.
1. Power off the laptop.
2. Remove the screen bezel.
3. Unplug cable from the LCD and inverter.
4. Unscrew the LCD from the hinges/brackets.
5. Replace the LCD with a new one.
I don’t know, it depends on your technical skills.
February 5th, 2009 at 4:54 am
Hi, I have a Sony Vaio VGN-CR220E the screen turn white when I turn on the laptop, only works if I press the top of the screen (the border). When I release the screen many white points appears and go intesifying until turn white all screen. In addition looks like in standby mode because if I move the mouse or press the keyboard nothing happend.
The notebook have 1yr and 1 month and doesn’t have warranty.
February 6th, 2009 at 3:25 am
Hi, thanks for the instructions, they’re really useful. I have recently cracked my VGN-SZ4XWN screen and would like to replace it. Do you have any recommendations on where to purchase a replacement?
The model number is LTD133EXBY and most companies seems to say it has been discontinued. There are a few screen floating around on eBay but some of them quote a different resolution (not 1280×800). Is this the best place to get one?
Thanks!
February 6th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Jenny,
This description sounds like a problem with the LCD screen.
February 6th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Dan,
If you cannot find a new screen anywhere else, probably eBay will be the only place to buy it.
Just make sure to buy a new screen with the same resolution as the original one. I’m not sure, but if a new screen has a different resolution, it might require a different video cable. Just a guess.
February 22nd, 2009 at 5:20 am
Hi,
First, great instructions. You have no idea how happy I am now that i found this site. I had my SZ220 inside my messenger bag and dropped it slightly as I was trying to pick it up (~1 foot drop). It situated and dropped in a way that the laptop was closed, standing up, hinged-side of the laptop was on the bottom and it dropped right in the middle of a platform about 6-in wide (side of my car). I thought I cushioned the laptop really well with 4 layers (bag, notebook bag, and 2-layer cushion that came with the laptop originally), but it seemed like it did not hold up.
Yesterday, I turned on the laptop. I could hear the booting and barely the screen. Basically, the backlight did not go on (you know the computer booted windows but you can’t see too well).
My question is this: Do you know if the backlight of screen is the problem or the inverter? I have not opened up the screen yet, but the initial assessment did not show any cracks (I can barely see the text on the dark background). If opening it up, can you tell even if there’s no apparent/obvious sign of the problem? I am pretty sure that this SZ220 screen is based CCFL, not LED. Thanks in advance for your opinions.
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:04 am
hello there thanks alot for the instructions. i went ahead and removed the screen just as stated on this site. Everything worked great until i turned it on and no backlight. However the screen does come on for a split second after window loads to the desktop. Also After closing it for a few seconds then reopening it will force the backlight to come on and also in the display adjustment resolution screen if you change resolutions it will also come on for a seconds. I initially thought it was the door switch after removing the bezel again and completly taking the screen off the hinges i found no switch whatsoever only see the metal hinges exposing from the body, i notice it going to hibernate mode as it should wen the screen closes aswell. If it is the hinge why does the screen come on for 1 sec after desktop loads and help would please and thank you for such a great tutorial.
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:57 am
Cam,
I think it’s either one of the cables got loose or you’ve damaged the backlight lamp.
First of all, I would try reconnecting the video cable. Remove the screen bezel and make sure that cables on both sides of the inverter board are plugged in and secure.
If reconnecting the cable doesn’t help, most likely it’s the backligth lamp.
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:00 am
Kevin Manotham,
Why did you remove the screen? Did you have any problems with the backlight before removing the screen?
It’s possible that you have a problem with the inverter board.
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
thank you so much for your response. what had happened was the original screen got closed when there was change on the keyboard and it cracked the screen, the screen worked just big blotches everywhere from the screen being broken. this screen i purchased from ebay it has dual connectors blue and pink the one in the illustration has i plugged it in the same way as the old screen reused all the tape except the big copper tape that was on the back of the old screen to the wire that connects to the back of the screen, i just taped it in the bottom corner. Thank you so much for your assistant.
March 3rd, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Kevin Manotham,
OK, if I understand correctly, let me restate your problem.
You accidentally cracked the screen and it still was working fine except the cracked area. You purchased a new screen, replaced the broken screen and now there is problem with the backlight on the new screen. The image is on the screen but the backlight works only of a moment. I hope my description is correct.
First of all, reconnect all cables on the new screen. Maybe it’s just a connection related problem.
You can try connecting the old cracked screen back and see if it still works as before. If the old screen works as before and the backlight is on all the time, apparently the backlight lamp inside the new screen is defective.
I assume the new LCD screen is compatible with your laptop. Right?
March 9th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I have a Vaio VGN-SZ370P with a bad monitor. The laptop computer works because when I extend the screen to an external monitor, it works fine. The laptop monitor itself has a screen full of colored horizontal lines. It would be great if I could send you a JPEG of what this looks like. I took apart the monitor cover but no loose wires. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
March 10th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
As a volunteer, I refurbish laptops for our school system for kids who can’t afford them. I’ve replaced/repaired quite a few SONY’s but this last one has me stymied. I replaced the LCD and the inverter, and the TXN-15P works great. Problem is that when the power block is removed and the laptop operates on battery, the LCD screen light goes out! The laptop still operates fine, just the screen light goes out. In a good light, you can see the normal operation and also on an external monitor.
Suggestions as to where to look? I’m comfortable completely disassembling these small SONY’s.
March 15th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Ian Shuman,
Sounds like either a bad cable or LCD problem. It’s hard to tell without testing the laptop with another known good working LCD screen.
March 15th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
J Edwards,
Here’s what you can try. Find where you can change the LCD brightness settings and reduce brightness for the battery mode (when AC adapter is unplugged). Let’s say set the brightness to 50%. Does it help? Will it still go off when you unplug the adapter?
March 16th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Great writeup.
I was wondering if you would be familiar with upgrading displays. I have a VGN-FW370S with the XBRITE-ECO Display. I know that there is a superior, optional display, the XBRITE-HD from the factory on a different model number FW series. They are the same size displays, but different resolutions, plus the HD display has 2 lamps vs. the 1 in the ECO-Bright. Do you know if I can simply upgrade mine by changing out the LCD display and inverter and any sequential drivers?
Thanks,
Bryan
March 17th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Dear Laptop Tech,
I am just wondering whether is it possible if I were to attach a 13.3″ LCD of SZ series to a Sony T2XP/S(UK model equivalent of VGN-T in US) model of 10.6″ lcd series.
I tried to look for replacement of 10.6″ but they are too expensive compared to 13.3″ which are more common.
Assuming the port is the same, is it possible in term of motherboard power or graphic card power or of whatever reason that I do not know of. I am no expert of computer by the way.
Thank you.
March 20th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I have a vgn-sz230p that the dog knocked of the coffee table. The screen looked fine but when I turned on the laptop it goes from bright white to black and back over and over again. I had a new screen so I put it in but it does the same thing.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Mohd Bahij Ahmad,
I’ve never done it myself, but I really doubt that you can do this replacement.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Kevin,
It’s possible that something got loose inside the laptop. I guess you’ll have to open the case and reseat internal cables and components.
By the way, did you have a chance to test the laptop with an external monitor? Will it work?
March 27th, 2009 at 7:53 am
I have a VGN-TX770P. Screen cracked. Replaced it and now it’s dark (even putting back in the old cracked one is now dark). My tech thought is was the cable, got one, still dark. Now he thinks it’s the inverter. Three weeks looking and I can’t find an inverter. The guy in this thread had a similar prob, solved with a $60 inverter. Where can I find this part? I’ve looked online for two weeks, found one, when I went to order it they said it only came with the screen. Any help finding an inverter?
March 27th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I have sony vaoi SZ23GP series from hongkong..13.3′.
due to bang on the screen towards hard pencil box we managed a crack in inner layer of screen.
Outside glass is fine.
I am in netherlands and everything cost hell except sun and air..appreciate if someone can guide me how to get 1st lay my hand on LCD screen …
your steps to fix thereafter seems will work..
thks
Rajesh
March 29th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Rajesh Singhvi,
Search eBay USA for SZ23GP screen. I found a few for about $75. They ship worldwide.
March 31st, 2009 at 8:14 pm
I have a vaio sz660 and the lcd screen has a crack in it because of my brother and was wondering if its possible to replace. If yes, is the procedure similar to that of the one you have posted.
March 31st, 2009 at 8:31 pm
thanhster,
The LCD screen replacement instructions will be almost the same for many different laptops, not only Sony laptop.
Yes, it’s possible.
April 1st, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Sorry i have another question. I was searching to find the screen replacement and could not find one, and was wondering if you know where they sell lcd screen replacement. Thank you.
April 1st, 2009 at 10:18 pm
thanhster,
I searched on eBay for Vaio sz660 screen and found a few of them, but it looks like this LCD is very expensive.
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 am
This site is great!!! Finally somebody devoted to SONY!
Here is my issue, I bought a SONY VAIO VGN-N365E/B from a friend of mine because it had a single pixel vertical line on the screen. Tested the video card using an external monitor, beautiful picture. So I figure it’s the LCD screen. My question is, is there much difference between the model you showed in your demo(VGN-S) and the VGN-N series?
Thanks in advance.
D
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:31 am
DMike,
Yep, that’s a bad LCD screen.
I don’t know but the LCD replacement procedure will be very similar for many different laptops.
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Thanks, and you were right. Other than support brackets for the LCD screen, it was quick and easy! Swapped out the screen in about 20 minutes. Thanks for the demo, A+++!!!!
April 27th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
DMike,
Thanks to this site, I just got done replacing an LCD on a VGN-N365E. The tutorial listed here is pretty similar. The main difference that I noticed, was that once the screen bezel was removed, there are a few screws that actually secure the lcd screen to the back of the bezel. These screws go through arms that are actually screwed to the right and left sides of the LCD. So basically, remove the screws that go through the arms, and at that point you’ll be able to lay the LCD down on the keyboard, like listed in the tutorial, then disconnect the cables as listed in the tutorial, and once you have the old screen free, you can remove the arms from the right and left of the LCD screen, and re-attach them to the new LCD screen. That’s really about the only difference from what’s listed here. I got my new LCD from a merchant off ebay for around $55 after shipping, and after I finished the replacement, it was all good, well, save one dead pixel, but hey, I’m not bitching. This site kicks ass, and whoever wrote this tutorial . . . you’re uber-awesome. Thanks very much for the help, and DMike, I hope that helps.
April 27th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
DMike,
Sorry, I’m dumb, I didn’t notice your post about successfully performing the replacement.
May 13th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
i have a vgnsz240p it fell to the floor and the screen wont turn on
May 18th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
I do have vgn-s460 laptop, and got a white screen recently. How should I identify if the problem is from the video cable or LCD screen itself?
Thanks!
May 21st, 2009 at 11:42 am
Just got the same white screen today with my Sony VGN Z 11XN..
On E-bay the screen cost 460GBP :O
Actually my lap top fallen form the desk, after I switched it one it had one vertical line. During another session the desiplay perfomance deterioated , first the half of screen beacome blurred, then I got a rainbow like on TV when no program is on air, then I got fully white screen.
In the corner it looks like leaked ink, does it mean LCD is physically damaged?
When PC goes out of temoparary dispaly off regime, when I touch the touchpad, then before truning white I still can see for the moment Windows screen.
My laptop still on warranty, but has been bough in Europe, but I am now in Asia still for a month.
May 22nd, 2009 at 7:51 pm
hello i have a Sony vaio vgn sz470n/c i open the bizell but there is in not a inverter , I checked your step by step the laptop is very similar the difference is mine has cam and mic the LCD looks that like just one piece
May 25th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
SU,
Yes, if you “leaned ink” inside the screen, it means the LCD is physically damaged and has to be replaced.
If you have a regular warranty the physical damage will not be covered.
May 26th, 2009 at 3:20 am
Thanks. Good clear article. Have just successfully changed a screen of a VGN-SZ4MN/B using it as a guide.
June 11th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I have a vaio and under the panel with the speakers and power button there are 2 cables that go the the card reader and one that goes to the power button and speakers from the mother board…anyone know where i can find these cables? they are hair thin and about 6-8 wires in each one. i will paypal over $20 if someone can point me in the right direction. TwilsonD7@yahoo.com
June 11th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Thomas Drake,
You you want someone to help you at least mention the laptop model number. Do you think there is only one Sony Vaio out there?
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I like the tutorial, really helped me get the bezel off my VGN-FE550G. Now my problem is that my new screen only has one plug coming from the LCD and the stock inverter and the old LCD has two. Any suggestions on what to do? Can this be made to work? Anyone know where to find eitehr an LCD that has two plugs or a new inverter that has one plug??
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Looter,
That’s the way it should be. The LCD screen should have only one plug. There should be two wires coming from the LCD and they are connected to one plug. Another plug is on the video cable. Take a look at these pictures, you’ll see what I’m talking about.
July 4th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Hi,
I have got a vaio vgn A115B laptop and after a gentle knock the bottom third of the lcd screen is white (horizontal white stripe). It is constantly there, no changes after turning off on etc..
Otherwise laptop works fine and displays the top as usual.
Is this the lcd screen or could it be another problem? (dont have a second monitor to check)
As a total novice would you think it is ok to follow your steps to replace the lcd and give it a go? Found a screen on ebay for around 90US..
Thanks already for all the great information,
simone
July 6th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Simone,
Could be connection related issue. Try reconnecting the video cable on the motherboard first. If it doesn’t help, most likely it’s bad LCD.
July 12th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Have vgn-sz240p and screen become realy dark. What should i do first. LED light, inverter or screen replacement? Thank you
July 16th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
I have a vgn sz680 and i the screen just went white with vertical streaks then it went blank…is it the lcd that is dead or do you think the hard drive is fried? thanks
July 19th, 2009 at 12:03 am
Brian,
I don’t think that your problem is related to the hard drive.
Test your laptop with an external monitor. If external video works fine, most likely it’s either bad LCD, bad video cable or poor connection between the cable and LCD.
If external video doesn’t work, there could be a problem with the video card.
July 20th, 2009 at 12:37 am
Still waiting for response… Sony Vaio VGN-SZ240P
Dark screen (just went dark – and dark all the time, when you have light over / close to the screen you can see that screen is working but is totally dark), and when connected to external monitor everything works fine
What should i try to replace first LED light, inverter or screen?
Thank you in advance and please reply.
Erik Says:
July 12th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Have vgn-sz240p and screen become realy dark. What should i do first. LED light, inverter or screen replacement? Thank you
July 30th, 2009 at 6:52 am
I have a Sony Vaio VGN-TX770P, I need to remove the hard drive. I am guessing it is under the keyboard. Does anyone know where I can get instructions on how to get it it? What screws, etc. to remove?
August 8th, 2009 at 1:42 am
Melissa check guide at http://home.comcast.net/~nw_systems/vgnTX.pdf
I’m still waiting to response…
August 8th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Erik,
If I understand correctly, the backlight is off all the time but if you look very closely you still can see the image. Most likely it’s either bad inverter board (power supply for the backlight lamp) or bad backlight lamp (mounted inside the LCD screen).
It’s hard to tell which one is causing the problem without testing the laptop with a known good inverter or backlight. Both have very similar failure symptoms.
I would definitely try replacing the inverter board first because they fail more often. It’s easier and cheaper to replace the inverter board than replace the LCD screen.
If replacing the inverter board doesn’t help, try replacing the LCD screen. The backlight lamp is a part of the screen, so you are getting a new lamp when replacing the screen.
In short, try a new inverter first. If it doesn’t help, move to the LCD.
There is a very slight chance that your backlight stopped working because of the motherboard, maybe it’s not putting out correct voltage for the inverter or something like this, but this is a rare failure.
August 24th, 2009 at 4:19 am
Hi,
Does anyone know where the inverter is located on a Vaio VGN-SZ4VWN. I thought it would be located near the screen but is not as I have the spare inverter ready to replace the duff one.
September 1st, 2009 at 11:44 am
hi,
I have a sony vaio VGN CS26S. all the function works well in the laptop, but when i connect the ac adapter to charge the battery the screen goes dark.
Dark screen (just went dark – and dark all the time, when you have light over / close to the screen you can see that screen is working but is totally dark)
i bought the laptop on 5th april this year and the problem started just after using it for a month.
what should i do? please help
September 12th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Hi. I need to replace a screen in vaio VGN FE-31H. Does anyone know what other series can use for replacement? Thank you.
September 18th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
This is a great site-thanks for the info. I have a friends Sony vgn-sz370p that seems to be working just fine, except that the screen is dark. I can barely see the Windows logo that comes on at boot up, but it is very dim. Am I right in thinking that the inverter needs to be replaced?
September 19th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Macdan,
Could be bad inverter or faulty backlight lamp inside the screen. Both have very similar failure symptoms.
I would definitely try replacing the inverter board first. If replacing the inverter doesn’t help, most likely you’ll need a new screen.
September 19th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Agata,
You can remove the faulty screen, find the LCD model number on the back and google it.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I busted the LCD on my VGN FE790. I bought a new LCD, and had no problem getting the old screen off. However, the new screen has ONE wire set that comes out to go to the inverter. The old one had two. When I plug in the new LCD, it’s dark. The screen works, I can read things, but it’s not lit up. What do I do? The old LCD is actually backlit just fine, it’s just smooshed up, which is why I replaced it.
September 24th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Chris,
I’m not familiar with your model but it sounds like your new LCD has only one backlight lamp inside but the old one has two backlight lamps. Is my guess correct?
Do you have inverter with dual connector for the old screen?
If that’s the case, you’ll have to purchase the right screen.
October 5th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Hi guys,
I have VAIO VGN-FW140E. I was looking through your guide and it is really great, but it seems like my laptop is a little different from the one in the picture above. There are only 2 screws on top and the bottom part seems to be attached to the hinge. If you can provide me with any hint on how to remove the bezel from the hinge, I would really appreciate it.
October 28th, 2009 at 6:54 am
I saw your article on the Sony LCD screen replacement. Cool.
Question: any difference if the laptop has an inbuilt cam on top of the screen?
My model is the SZ43GN
thanks
October 28th, 2009 at 10:05 am
yan wong,
Shouldn’t be any difference. The webcam is a separate module mounted above the LCD screen.
November 8th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
[...] one of the previous guides I explain how to remove the LCD screen and inverter board from a Sony Vaio VGN-SZ series [...]
November 12th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I am trying to replace the screen on my Sony Vaio VGN FW450J/T but I can’t even find the
screws (or rubber plugs) on the four corners of the screen bezel. Could they be someplace
else and exactly what do those rubber plugs look like? Any help you can provide would be
greatly appreciated. Many thanks.
November 13th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Susan,
I’m not familiar with this model but if you cannot find any screw covers or screws, it’s possible that this model doesn’t have any.
It’s possible that the screen bezel is secured by plastic latches under the bezel.
November 14th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Hi, i have a VGN-18Gp which has a LED backlight LCD, Can it be exchange with the VGN-55GN which has a LCD backlight model ? I plan to change the complete LCD housing….Just wonder LED and LCD connector are can be plug in ?
November 14th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Anthony,
I’ve never done it myself.
I guess you cannot replace the LED backlight LCD with a regular LCD screen. But it’s only a guess.
December 16th, 2009 at 5:39 am
Hey, I have a sony vaoi thats sitting at my house been meaning to find a site like this. I used to treat the laptop really rough. One time I grabbed the screen from the top and a black line came down..then i touched more areas of the top and the whole screen went black from every area i touched. ( i grabbed it from the middle, solid black line in the middle, then from the side top (to see if anything else would happen) and the other half went black lol)
Should I replace the whole screen? if i do does it come with the video cable part and the connections (i’m scared that that might be the thing thats damaged)
This laptop is pretty old now, is it even worth replacing? It also makes intense fan noises, and when i tilt it to the side its u can hear the fan randomly cutting something lol
December 21st, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Mike,
It sounds like you damaged the LCD screen and it has to be replaced.
Replace just the screen, do not replace the cable. I don’t think it’s necessary.
Find our how much is a new replacement screen. This will answer your question.
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Thanks for your time on these LCD screens for all of us who need it. I am also having some difficulty removing the bezel from my VAIO SZ-370P. Unlike your SZ-645, I have plastic coverings (or could be stickers to the best of my knowledge) where your bottom rubber plugs are located. I have removed the plugs and screws at the top of the screen, however am reluctant to remove the bottom part since I am afraid of hidden screws. Are there any screws hidden under there? Thanks again for your time.
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:17 pm
should I replace the sony VGN lcd with lcd from sony also? can I use other brand as long as they are same size?
if not, what are the differences between them?
thank you
December 28th, 2009 at 2:32 am
i hav VGN-SZ430N, there is a problem with my LCD, dead cells are appearing continuously. Can any body tell me how to prevent from dead cells on LCD????
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:19 am
Hi & Happy New Year
I have a Vaio VGN-SZ4XWN/C and it shows similar symptoms to many mentioned above…the screen is very dark but slightly visible (in a strong light) so I guess the inverter or backlight is dead. I opened the screen but didn’t notice the backlight. I assume this model carries a backlight as I see one for sale on ebay.
However I cannot find an inverter available for this model. Is there a generic inverter that would do the job ? Also, I see above that these problems could also be a faulty Motherboard….could the Motherboard be the problem ? I have the Laptop attached to an external monitor and it’s perfect…does this mean the Motherboard is OK ?
Thanks,
Lorcán.
January 3rd, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Lorcán,
The backlight lamp is mounted INISIDE the LCD screen. It’s very hard to remove and replace.
I cannot tell if your problem is related to the inverter or backlight failure without testing it.
Here’s what you can do. Test your laptop with a known good backlight lamp as it explained here: http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2009/05/04/how-test-lcd-screen-inverter-in-laptop/
If the test backligth lights up, you have a faulty backlight lamp inside your screen. If that’s the case, I would suggest replacing the entire LCD screen. Again, it’s very hard to replace the backlight. Just in case, here are instructions: http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/09/replace-laptop-backlight-ccfl-lamp/
January 5th, 2010 at 2:49 am
Thanks very much for your detailed reply.
I’ll try your recommendations.
Best wishes
Lorcán.
January 25th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
I have VGN-SZ75GN, it has no problem with inverter. But seeing your post, I have question regarding the LCD position. My SZ75GN LCD screen viewable area is not centered, a little bit to the right site. (only about 1mm I guess). But it annoys me each time I look the screen, espesially with light color wallpaper. Can I reposition the LCD panel a little to the left? What does hold the LCD panel from the body? Thanks.
January 26th, 2010 at 10:45 am
LimLim,
I cannot answer your question without looking at the laptop. It’s necessary to remove the screen bezel to find out what’s going on. Maybe screws on one left side of the screen got loose and the entire screen moved to the right. Just a guess.
March 16th, 2010 at 10:28 am
I am trying to repair a sony SZ645. It has no picture but works with an external monitor. I pulle the bezel off and the screen but your photos show a video cable taped to the back of the screen. Mine does not have this. I have had several people tell me this screen has no inverter and they have tried to sell me a bulb. There is a small board taped to the bottom of the screen and I am assuming this is an inverter. Can you confirm this unit is a LCD and not a LED screen?