Laptop Display Blank unless lid is partially closed

[dmoore210]

I have an odd repair here. If I start the laptop with the lid open (90 degree angle). The display will not work. Computer turns on, external monitor works, everything operates normal. Even if I close the lid I can see the computer go to sleep, open the lid it comes backs on (except for the display) display remains blank.

Here's the odd part.

If I have the lid at about 45 degree angle, partially open, and turn the laptop on. Viola, screen comes on, I can then open the lid all the way and the computer boots up normal. I can even shut the lid, open it back up. It operates fine. The ONLY problem I'm having is... when I start the computer, the lid has to be partially closed for the first few seconds.

I am suspecting the reed switch is malfunctioning, but I don't see how? Any ideas?

[REO51ST]

Welcome to forum.

First thing we need to know is the model of your laptop?

Next do you see a light image on the LCD when it does not display?

I use a flashlight "UK torch" and shine it at a 45 degree angle to see if there is an image or not.

Let us know what you find.

[dmoore210]

Hm, forgot to mention that. It's a HP Pavilion DV5. The backlight is completely off, no LCD image either. Display is just completely off. If I do the other trick of starting it halfway open, everything works perfectly after that. Thanks for the reply.

[Bustariff]

So? How do you fix that problem? I have the same issue, the backlight works fine when the lid is open at 45 degrees, but shuts off when I open it all the way. Same Pavillion dv5.

[pllewis72]

I too am having the same problem.   Anyone have a fix yet?  Is this a bad cable or backlight?

[tigshlep]

I have a pavillion D\dv7-3165dx and just started having this problem last night. As I sit here crouched with my screen at an acute angle, did anyone ever get an answer ro this problem???

[Bustariff]

I found out what the problem was. The hinge on the left side when opening and closing pinches the video cable and after a while it will end up cutting one of the wires inside. I took the whole thing apart and removed the electrical tape around the video cable as it makes it s way around that hinge and there it was, a cut cable, which I soldered together and taped again with reinforcement and that did it, no more problems. You can also buy the whole cable on ebay, I didn't want to wait so I rigged it myself.