Severe flickering on Aspire E15

JohnFrantzen

Hi so my laptop has some issues to say the least.

I made a short video showing the issue here:


Basically the screen is freezing/flickering severely unless I push it down in a certain position.
I've tried changing the display cable, but still the same issue so I'm worried it might be the connector on the display itself or on the motherboard.

Anyone think they might know what it is and a possible solution to it?

I first noticed the issue maybe a year or so after I bought the laptop, but it only happened super rarely so they could not reproduce the error at the store workshop and as I told them I thought it might just be the display cable being a little loose they checked that and returned it to me saying the cable was not loose and they could not find any issue with the laptop.

Frustrating of course as its now been over 2 years since I bought it and the warranty is expired.

JackE

First check if the HDMI output to a TV screen shows the same behavior as the laptop screen.  Jack E/NJ

JohnFrantzen

JackE said:

First check if the HDMI output to a TV screen shows the same behavior as the laptop screen.  Jack E/NJ

It works fine on a tv screen

JackE

Your graphics card is OK. If you've re-seated the new video cable at both ends a half dozen or so times to make sure the contacts are clean, then it's either (1) the mainboard connector's solder joints  need to be reflowed --- or -----  (2) the screen's inverter board or its connector have need to be replaced --- or --- (3) the screen itself needs to be replaced. I'm gonna guess it's the inverter board mainly because it's the cheapest and easiest part to replace other than the ribbon cable. Google keywords 'inverter board' and 'full ACER model number (eg E51x-xx)'  for vendors. Jack E/NJ   

JohnFrantzen

Thanks, yeah I think it's the connector part on the screen itself that's broken...seems to make most sense, I'll try changing that then, I don't have to solder anything do I? Hoping it's just screwed in :P

JohnFrantzen

Eeh oops 🤭 

I noticed the screen worked fine when I put pressure on the inverter board so I think I figured out where the problem was. 
But when I tried to disconnect and reconnect the display from the board it seemed like it was stuck pretty good in there because I wasnt aware you were supposed to flip up a little piece of plastic there to release the ribbon and so I guess I used a bit too much force and when that plastic thing suddenly flipped open I ripped the ribbon right off! 😬

Is it possible to fix this or would I need a new screen? 

JackE

If the other end of the ribbon looks like its integrated into the LCD panel's circuit board --- meaning no plastic ribbon release slider like on the inverter board --- then google the keywords 'full ACER model number' (E5-xxx?) and LCD panel or screen for a vendor convenient to you. Usually ~$50 new replacement. Jack E/NJ 

JohnFrantzen

JackE said:

If the other end of the ribbon looks like its integrated into the LCD panel's circuit board --- meaning no plastic ribbon release slider like on the inverter board --- then google the keywords 'full ACER model number' (E5-xxx?) and LCD panel or screen for a vendor convenient to you. Usually ~$50 new replacement. Jack E/NJ 

Does it have to be the exact same model number?

I was thinking I might as well upgrade to a 1080p screen then from a similar model number...there's no reason that it shouldn't work is there?
I mean as long as the inverter board comes with the new 1080p screen I don't see why it shouldn't work, but I'm no pro at this stuff.

JohnFrantzen

I mean it says to make sure it's the same resolution and everything as the old one, but why?
https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/model/Acer/ASPIRE~E15~E5-553~SERIES/

JackE

The R5 or R7 graphics should support even higher resolutions than 1920x1080. The only fly in the ointment for a different model other than the pin count (check if you have a 30 or 40 pin plug) may be the physical fit inside the lid frame & bezel even for the same screen size, primarily the thickness thing though some slight length and width variations might also be troublesome. Color coordinated duct tape usually can handle such imperfect fits. But if you're fussy and want an exact fit, you can always go to the ACER FHDs that are recommended for the E5-553 with part nos. shown below. They're all 1080ps May be a bit more expensive though than what you're looking at. I'd probably shop price  as long as I could return it if the duct tape is a bit too unsightly.    Jack E/NJ

JohnFrantzen

I'd like to use one of these, they're not 553 series, but hoping it's same size anyways...or maybe the bezels may have changed and thus they changed the size on the screen?
Would love to upgrade to a FHD IPS screen, would be quite the upgrade ;P

https://www.accupart.co.uk/collections/laptop-screens/products/acer-aspire-e-e5-575-15-6-full-hd-laptop-screen?variant=16658136137774
https://www.accupart.co.uk/collections/laptop-screens/products/acer-aspire-e-15-e5-575g-15-6-full-hd-laptop-screen?variant=16658136268846
https://www.accupart.co.uk/collections/laptop-screens/products/acer-aspire-e5-552g-15-6-full-hd-laptop-screen?variant=16658137153582
https://www.accupart.co.uk/collections/laptop-screens/products/acer-aspire-e5-574g-15-6-full-hd-laptop-screen?variant=16658137350190
https://www.accupart.co.uk/collections/laptop-screens/products/acer-aspire-e5-575-15-6-laptop-screen?variant=7409588600878

JackE

Your guess is as good as mine. The 552g series lists FHD part nos. KL.15605.028 & KL.1560D.016 so it shares at least one FHD with the 553. So I'd probably try the 552g first. Jack E/NJ

JohnFrantzen

I just installed the new display and it works

Only downsides are that it draws a hell of a lot power so my battery life went down in the dumpster and also the image isn't perfectly centered for some reason....maybe there is a way I can fix that with the settings tho?
If I could adjust the screen in a way that you can in some games, something like this:


I believe there is a way to do this, but I can't find this setting in Windows 10, do you know?

JackE

>>>it draws a hell of a lot power so my battery life went down >>>

So turn the brightness down on battery alone. Jack E/NJ