Check the power indicator lights. If your monitor won't display an image, turn it on and watch the lights at the edge of the monitor. If one or more lights turn on, continue to the next step. If the lights won't light up, the power supply is broken or one of the attachments leading to the power supply. This is usually caused by a blown capacitor. You may , but be aware that the power supply includes dangerous, high voltage components. Unless you have significant electronics repair experience, take your monitor to a professional repair service. If the problem is more serious than a blown capacitor, the price of repair could be considerable. A replacement may be a better idea if your monitor is getting old. Rub very gently over the stuck pixel. Rubbing too hard can cause further damage. These conduct rapid color changes to jolt the pixel into working again. Attempt to fix spiderweb cracks or black splotches. These are signs of physical damage. A monitor at this stage is often beyond repair, and attempts to fix it can end up causing more harm. If you feel any broken glass, do not attempt repair. Replace the monitor instead. Wipe off the eraser whenever residue builds up. If you're using a standalone LCD monitor, consider purchasing a replacement. This may be more cost-effective than having new components installed in an old monitor with a shorter lifespan. However, if you have a laptop or a relatively new device, purchase a replacement LCD display panel. Hire a professional to install it. Use this to order a new panel from the manufacturer. Follow a guide devoted to your specific model, to maximize safety and success rates. There are many ways an LCD monitor can go wrong, but the diagnostics above cover the most common problems. Try the suggested fix that matches your problem first. This is usually a rectangular circuit board located near the audio and visual cables. Replace obviously damaged parts using a soldering iron, or order a replacement board and carefully install it to the same screws and ribbon cables. Clean them with a metal cleaner, or jostle to attach a loose connection. If necessary, locate the circuit board they are attached to and re-solder any broken connections. If necessary, inspect the circuit board they are attached to and re-solder damaged connections. The capacitors may hold a major charge even after you disconnect the power. If you handle them improperly, you can receive a dangerous or even lethal electric shock. If you have never replaced a circuit board or handled electronic equipment before, hire a professional. This is not a good repair for beginners. Keep the area clear of wool, metal, paper, lint, dust, children, and pets. A humidity level between 35 and 50% is ideal. You can do this by touching the metal chassis of the monitor, while the monitor is off but plugged into a grounded outlet. Before working on carpet, treat it with an anti-static spray. If the monitor is attached to a laptop or other battery-powered device, remove the battery. These steps will reduce the chance of an electric shock. Follow an online guide for your laptop model. Use caution and do not touch any component until you have identified it. Keep careful track of your progress. Work on a large, flat surface cleared of all other objects. Use small containers to hold each screw and other removable components. Label each container with the name of the component the screw held down, or with the step number from this guide. This will help you fit the monitor back together again. Unscrew the plastic case at each corner, or wherever you see screws holding the back and front frames together. Pry it apart using a thin, flexible tool. A plastic putty knife works well. A metal object is relatively safe for this initial step, but do not use it for any further steps. Locate the power supply board. This circuit board usually sits near the power socket. You may need to unscrew additional panels to find it. This circuit board is the one with several cylindrical capacitors, including one large one. However, these capacitors are usually located on the other side, and are not visible until you finish disconnecting the board. They may deliver an electric shock. Disconnect the circuit board. Remove all screws and ribbon cables holding the circuit board in place. Always disconnect a cable by pulling directly out of the socket. If you pull a ribbon cable vertically when it is in a horizontal socket, you can easily break it. Locate and discharge the largest capacitors. Carefully lift the board by the edges, without touching any metal pins or attached components. On the other side of the board, locate the cylindrical capacitors. Each one is attached to the board with two pins. This is much safer than using a screwdriver, which may create sparks or destroy the board. Touch the two resistor leads to the pins for several seconds. Use resistor again if significant voltage remains. The smaller cylinders cannot typically cause serious harm. Identify and photograph broken capacitors. Look for a capacitor with a domed or bulging top, instead of a flat one. Check each capacitor for leaking fluid, or a crusty buildup of dried fluid. Before removal, photograph or record the position of each capacitor and the markings on its side. It's very important that you know which pin attaches to the negative side of the capacitor, and which to the positive. If you are removing more than one type of capacitor, make sure you know where each one goes. These rarely break, but check to make sure none are bulging outward. Any electronics supply store should sell capacitors at very low prices. Use your soldering iron to attach the new capacitors to the circuit board. Make sure to connect the negative striped side of each capacitor to the same pin that was attached to the negative side of the old capacitor. Check that all new connections are solidly connected. These glass lights should be just behind the glass display. You may need to unscrew additional panels or gently pull back flexible covers in order to find them. Do not touch any circuit boards during your search, unless you are wearing rubber gloves. If the monitor still won't light up, the problem may be with the circuit board powering the backlight. Order a replacement and carefully replace this component. For best results and minimum risk, follow a guide dedicated to your specific model. If it has stopped displaying an image entirely, you may have not connected it correctly after the light replacement. Check thoroughly for loose connections. Your monitor could be broken, the cables could be broken or the power source might not be active.
