Laptop display very dim + no external monitor dsplay

Vaggelis Skodras

Honorable
Oct 9, 2013
3
0
10,510
Hello!! I have an HP Pavillion Dv6000 and the screen display is very dim. I would suspect an inverter or backlight problem, but when I connect it with an external monitor, it shows nothing... Any suggestions??

Thanks in advance!
 
Just a dim screen would not be a sign of a video card issue, make sure you are using the right steps to get the image on the external monitor, check the cable, connections, input selection on the monitor. If you can see it pretty well, it's probably the backlight. If it's so dim you have to look at the thing from an inch away to see an image, could be the inverter.
 

Vaggelis Skodras

Honorable
Oct 9, 2013
3
0
10,510


I am pretty sure I am using the right steps but the external monitor doesn't work... The image in my laptop is so dim that I can only see it from a close distance, using a flashlight... Before some time It had the same problem but happened sporadically and it was fixed by opening/closing the lid.. Can this be a video card problem? I am thinking of buying a new inverter but I don't know if this will fix the problem...
 
No, that is not a video card issue. Try an inverter first, they are cheap (check on ebay for your model) if you can do the work yourself. Then can try a new LCD screen or backlight.

In some cases, it may be easier to buy the whole top assembly with the lid and screen already together, so you just have to remove the whole thing and screw the new one in. Simpler than cracking open the whole thing to remove the screen, although since those things are sold used, there is a chance the buyer is selling a bad one. Like with anything used you get without testing first.

To test the external monitor, hook it up with the laptop turned off, attach a mouse/keyboard to it if you want. Turn it on, and immediately close the lit. The default screen will go to the monitor in this case.
 

Vaggelis Skodras

Honorable
Oct 9, 2013
3
0
10,510
So I will buy the inverter and if this doesn't work I will go for another screen. I tried what you suggested for the external monitor but neither this worked...

Thank you very much for your help!!
 
External monitor has always worked for me with this method if the card was good, does the monitor detect a signal at all? Maybe your timing is off with closing the lid? If you wait too long, it goes to the internal display. Of course it could also depend on the model of laptop, it could be that yours does not work with this monitor trick. I've seen it work a lot, but not often enough to be sure it will work with every model.