Fixing a non functional LCD Monitor

I have a pair of matching LCD monitors that have been “ON” constantly for five years plus.  About a month ago one of them basically quit – it would show power and but not link to the computer.  A week ago the second one failed in the same way.

The first question I had is can you take a LCD monitor apart without causing serious damage?  The answer is yes but you have to be very careful.  There were short connecting wires and plugs that connect the LCD part to the power and signal boards.  There is almost no room to get them unplugged.  I was able to separate the two halves of the monitor – unconnected the wires and cables and open up the metal case that has the power and display board.

I knew that the most common thing to fail are the capacitors on the power board so I ordered all new capacitors (in this case Digi Key) total cost $19.46 plus $5.35 for shipping.   (that was for both monitors)  It used to be that Radio Shack had electrolytic capacitors – not any more.    It used to be that de soldering parts from circuit boards was pretty easy – now with all the tiny surface mount components it had made this type of thing really difficult.  I was able to remove all the old capacitors and put in the new ones.

I then carefully put the first monitor back together – turns out it is more difficult to put the cable connectors back than it was to disconnect them.  Plugged it in and turned it on and IT ACTUALLY WORKED!!!  So I took the second one apart – did the same thing – took out the old capacitors  and put in news ones – put it back together and it also is working.

I was able to fix both monitors for $12 each – so these did not end up in a landfill – at least not yet.  (you cannot just throw monitors in the trash – you have to pay a $10 recycling fee) – there are some very helpful You Tube videos – if you can solder you might just be able to f ix a non functioning LCD monitor.

Tags: capacitors, Digi Key, LCD monitor repair