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Solved blank screen and 8 beeps Dell inspirion 5555

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Lucianp

PCHF Member
Apr 29, 2018
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North Texas
#1
I have a Dell Inspirion laptop model 5555.
earlier this week I replaced the back cover because of a broken hinge problem. (Not uncommon on Dell laptops apparently).

I very carefully followed online instructions for the replacement but when I reassembled, I had a blank screen and 8 beeps, indicating an LCD problem. I went back through the procedure several times making sure everything was seated correctly and still have the same issue.

I connected to an external monitor and everything seemed to be ok.

Suspecting now that it's either an LCD cable or the monitor, I bought a new cable and fitted it yesterday. Same problem.

Further research suggested I run Dells Built-in Self Test (BIST). I could only do this on an external screen.
The first test asks if I can see the coloured bars. I run the test twice, once saying Yes, once saying No. The results were the same.
The test showed a USB device failed and battery end of life and at the end of the test it said "Testing completed: One or more errors were detected". I assume that refers to the USB and battery? No mention of LCD problems.

So my first question is: Was a true test conducted with an external monitor attached?
My second question is: What should I do next.

I'm losing cred points with 'her indoors', it's her laptop.

All help appreciated. Thanks
 
#2
#3
thanks for getting back to me Rusty,

I removed the CMOS battery for 5 minutes and replaced. No difference.
I had already done the checks offered in the links.

I cannot do the colour check on the LCD so don't know if it is the LCD or not but I did speak to a service tech this morning (not Dell) who thinks the LCD panel should be okay as it is only two years old.

He suggests it may be a mother board problem possibly the connection to the mobo where the solder has come loose but they don't do that type of work as it is too close to other components!

So it looks like finding someone who can do a complete test or just fork out for a new mobo. Not sure what else I can try. :unsure:
 
#4
Lucianp said:
He suggests it may be a mother board problem possibly the connection to the mobo where the solder has come loose but they don't do that type of work as it is too close to other components!
Click to expand...
If this is the issue that some of the connections solder has come loose what about the printed circuit board any damage there?
Personally best thing to do is replace the motherboard with the same make and model so then all you have to do is transfer the hardware over. Other wise you may be replacing all of the hardware.

Lucianp said:
So it looks like finding someone who can do a complete test or just fork out for a new mobo. Not sure what else I can try. :unsure:
Click to expand...
What would it cost to do this compared to replacing the motherboard compared to replacing the system?
 
#5
Lucianp said:
Suspecting now that it's either an LCD cable or the monitor, I bought a new cable and fitted it yesterday. Same problem.
Click to expand...

8 error beeps on a Dell notebook to my knowledge means that the LCD panel itself has failed, the fact that you have already replaced the video cable supports this.

Just a btw, I reckon that being you are competent enough to have successfully dismantled and reassembled the notebook yourself you would surely have noticed if the video cable port was coming away from the MB.

As to what to do next, pain in the proverbial I know but checking that the video ribbon is securely connected to the MB and the screen itself needs to be done, if both are secure when you get to them when dismantling then it more or less confirms that you need a new screen.

Lucianp said:
I did speak to a service tech this morning (not Dell) who thinks the LCD panel should be okay as it is only two years old.
Click to expand...
The screen may have had a manufacturing fault.
 
#6
Well, I was unsure whether it was the mobo or the LCD panel so in the end I decided to bite the bullet and fork out for a new laptop. The pressure is off getting it fixed, the one who matters most has a newer, faster machine and I have a project machine to play with so it ends up as a win win all round. :thumbsup:

thank you for your input, much appreciated.
 
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