Reparing LCD Monitors

   I have seen quite a few lcd monitors being thrown out in the trash or recycled. I have pulled some from the trash and opened them up to find out that they just had bad capacitors. You can tell because the capacitors are usually popped up on top and leaking in the center. I have also seen some where they are bulged out at the bottom of the capacitor. This is sometimes hard to see. Here is an example of damaged capacitors.

  I did some research on the internet and found that there were problems with bad batches of capacitors from the manufacturers. What you can do is determine the manufacturer of the capacitor and use google as the search browser to see if they are from a bad batch.
  What I do next is look at the capacitor to determine what the voltage of the capacitor is and the the microfarad value is. I also look at what the temperature value is. All of these are visible on the capacitor itself. I also measure the diameter and height of the capacitor with a caliper.

                  

  There are two examples of calipers above. The top is a standard caliper and the bottom has a digital readout. I my self prefer the digital readout as it is easier to read. These can be easily purchased at Home Depot ,Lowes or Harbor Freight.

  The most difficult part of the process can be opening the lcd to get at the carious boards inside. Some manufacturers use screws to hold parts together. While other manufacturers use the plastic catch and lock assembly with some screws. I would recommend looking on the internet and finding the assembly and disassemble process for the individual model lcd. Here are just a couple of videos to show how to open a lcd display. I would also recommend that you use some esd protection such as a static wrist strap so you don not zap any parts while handling the pc boards.

    
  The place that I go to once I know what the capacitor values are is Digi Key, because they always have the parts I need and the prices are very good. I have never had a problem with them. Here is a link to their website http://www.digikey.com/ so check them out.
  The other tools you will need is a soldering iron, desoldering tool, solder wick and the solder. I also use a Phillips Head screwdriver and a thin flat blade screwdriver. I did notice in some video that the person used a putty knife. I myself have never used one for this. There are also some plastic tools for this and can be purchased on the web.
  If you are replacing just a cracked lcd itself or an individual board ,then I would research on the internet the various resellers out there. I would look very closely at their prices and polices. I have seen where some have no return polices. One place I have found on the internet when looking at resellers is a website called reseller ratings. Here is a link to their site http://www.resellerratings.com/ this can be very helpful. You can find reviews with good and bad information, then make your choice. 
  I have repaired at least six lcd monitors this way and they are all still working properly. Sometimes you may also find a capacitor replacement kit for the individual lcd monitor. Just remember to go by the manufacturer and model number on the monitor itself.

 There are examples of how to open the lcd case . I would look for videos of repairing lcd displays on youtube.

  Well I hope this information helps anyone out. Thank You for reading and stay safe. All comments and additional information are welcome.