Screen flickers because cable caught in hinge--any permanent solution? (dv3t)

[typer2122]

My dv3t screen has developed a bad white flicker all over the screen, if I push down on the area by the right hinge (to the right of the wireless icon on the body "bezel") it goes away but it always comes back...I've been opening up the case and reseating the cable and it helps for a while but the problem always returns and I'm getting sick of taking out all those little screws (I had been wrapping some slivers of electrical tape on top of the cable so it wouldn't shift into the hinge where it's presumably getting pinched).

Is there a permanent solution to this? I've seen that others have the same or similar problem, and claiming that it's a design flaw (my laptop is no longer under warranty however.)

I was thinking some kind of small (hard) plastic sleeve, fitted around the cable maybe would protect it. I brought it to a pc repair store and they looked at it and said the cable was fine (no fraying); they recommended buying  a new laptop(!).

Open to any suggestions.

[AxshunJaxun · Accepted solution]

Hey typer2122,

Without being able to see it, I'm limited on suggestions. Would cutting a portion of a plastic straw, wrapping and taping it around the same area you've been putting slivers of electrical tape around be a viable option? It may have to be short and thinner in diameter than a regular straw to fit in that space. Feel free to send pictures if you have time.

Hope this helps! Let me know the results, if you get a chance please 🙂

[typer2122]

Hey thanks the straw idea was a great one and so far (one week) there hasn't been any flickering at all...I cut a couple 3/4" lengths of plastic straw and fitted them over the cable and slid them into the hinge as far as they would go.

[AxshunJaxun]

Great! That is good to hear! Well done 🙂

Please keep the thread updated with any news. I hope that can serve as a long-term work-around for you!

[typer2122]

I think I figured out the problem: there a long sliding "clip" inside the battery housing area with three extensions which secure the battery…the two on the right (see picture) have the corners broken off (this is why the battery is loose along the side)…do you know if there is any way of ordering a replacement part (what's the number?) and/or whether it's serviceable for an end-user (I've done basic repairs inside the computer before)…

Please lmk, thx.

P.S. If there's no way to get this part alone how did I find an authorized HP service place that might be able to do the job?

[AxshunJaxun]

Thanks for the picture! That sliding piece is going to be a part of the base enclosure. 

HP Pavilion dv3t-2000 Maintenance and Service Guide

See page 3-2 for the exploded diagram and 3-8 for the Base enclosure part number 531807-001. Unfortunately, that sliding latch isn't usually sold individually so it doesn't have its part number. You may be able to find the sliding latch by itself online but I would be cautious when purchasing from anywhere other than a reputable dealer. 

HP Parts Store

The replacement of that part by itself or the base enclosure would be very tedious. You would basically have to remove or disconnect every other part listed on page 3-2 of the manual just to get down to the base enclosure and then reconnect everything back together. Not for a novice but that may be something you're comfortable with though, since you've been inside it and done some repairs before. I looked through some videos (youtube) on plastic molding but didn't really find anything through quick searching that would apply to this situation. That may be something you look into though, if you've got the time. It would be interesting to see the results if you happen to take that approach 🙂 

[typer2122]

Any idea how much an HP-authorized service center might charge to do it (parts plus labor)?

[AxshunJaxun]

It's very dependent upon the availability of that part (the base enclosure). I can look up the cost for the service using a tool I have but I'll need your serial number for that. Don't share your serial number here on the thread, though. I'll private message you for it. 

Also just to give you a head's up, HP doesn't have any small local repair shop partners, so for the option of HP performing the repair/replacement, the notebook would be sent in to one of our official repair depot facilities. The cost of shipment would be included in the price of the repair. You would call HP to set up the repair, a phone agent could set up the order and a box  with a pre-paid address label would be sent to you. You would get it in about 2 days and then the repair time would be about 5-7 business days, then another 2 days to be sent back to you. So altogether, the repair time would be about 1.5 - 2weeks.

Once I have your serial number, I can get a quote for you and if that is acceptable, I can have one of my co-workers call you to set it up. I would let them know exactly what is going on and what price I quoted you so there is no confusion.

To check your private messages:  Look toward the top right corner of the screen. It is the envelope icon next to your username. You should see a message from me there within the next few minutes 🙂