![laptop screen dims on dark background laptop screen dims on dark background](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JymPvwWoco8/maxresdefault.jpg)
The bottom picture shows the Inverter by itself. The Inverter is the part in orange in the top photo. However, if one has a dim display but has checked whether the CCFL works, one can be more certain that the Inverter is the culprit by process of elimination. It isn’t possible to test this part directly without the proper tools (see this website). If the CCFL Tube lights up, then there is nothing wrong with the CCFL Tube. One can also test the CCFL Tube, by turning on the computer with everything still plugged in (but disassembled). If burn marks are not apparent, then the cause is likely due to the Inverter. Visual inspection of this part can sometimes show clear signs of damage. It involves opening the LCD panel (see this website for instructions for a Dell Inspiron 1520).
![laptop screen dims on dark background laptop screen dims on dark background](https://applescoop.org/image/story/99972702334984105-71849372758035936.jpeg)
CCFL Tubeįinding the CCFL Tube on the laptop is a lot more involved than finding the Inverter. The second image shows the disassembled LCD assembly with the CCFL tube lying on top. The first image shows the laptop with the cover taken off. Different sized screws get used for different places and it is very easy to forget which ones go where. During disassembly, take note of what screws go where. Refer to instructions specific to the laptop in question to open up the screen assembly. It is not possible to to determine which part is the culprit without opening up the laptop. If one simply sees a dim display, it is due to either the CCFL tube or the Inverter. Some exceptions are when one has turned the brightness all the way down, but this usually isn’t the case for people. In general, if one experiences at least one of the problems above, there is a clear hardware issue. The CCFL tube burns out and leaves a dim display. The first problem tends to lead to the second one. Shining a bright light (such as a desk lamp) illuminates the screen slightly, but not to the brightness that the screen was at before.
![laptop screen dims on dark background laptop screen dims on dark background](https://cdn-belhb.nitrocdn.com/zJGivLmdYWcEdoQnDckZmJphsIXkOFrz/assets/static/optimized/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/eed7bdea426e537424c67862453fc2a0.How-to-Use-Laptop-as-The-Monitor-for-PS4-Gaming-Consle-380x260.png)
The black corner is also hot to the touch. The mouse can be moved under it, which shows that the LCD is just not displaying that part of the screen.