Assessing the Damage
If you’ve spilled water on your laptop, the first thing you’ll want to do is assess the damage. Don’t turn on your laptop if it’s wet – this can short circuit the system and cause permanent damage. Gently shake out any excess water and open up the screen. Look for signs of water damage like condensation under the screen, water droplets, fogginess or distorted images. If you just see a few droplets, you may be able to fix it by drying out the screen. But if you see condensation or fogginess, there is likely water that has seeped beneath the screen and you’ll need to do a full repair.
Things to Check
When examining your water damaged laptop screen, here are some key things to look out for:
- Condensation or fogginess under the screen. This indicates water has gotten beneath the display panel.
- Distorted or flickering images. If the laptop screen still works to some degree, see if the image is distorted, flickering or blurry.
- Dark spots or dead pixels. Check for black, white or colored dots where pixels have malfunctioned.
- Cracked LCD. See if the impact of the water has caused any cracks in the actual LCD panel.
- Corrosion around edges. Look for any water residue or corrosion along the edges where water may have seeped in.
Any of these visible signs of water damage means you’ll likely need to replace the laptop screen or at least fully disassemble it for repairs. If you just see minor droplets on the screen’s surface, you may be able to fix it with a thorough drying.
Drying Out Your Laptop Screen
If your laptop screen is only exhibiting a few water droplets and is not foggy, distorted or cracked at all, you may be able to salvage it by thoroughly drying it out. Here are some steps to try:
1. Absorb Excess Moisture
Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently blot any droplets or moisture on the screen’s surface. Do not rub the screen while doing this. Carefully dry around the edges and frames as well.
2. Dry with Low Heat
You can speed up the drying process by applying some low heat. Aim a hairdryer on a low, cool setting at the screen for 1-2 minutes. Or you can place the laptop under a fan or dehumidifier for 30 minutes to an hour. Just be very careful not to get the screen too hot.
3. Place in Dry Rice
Pour uncooked rice into a sealable bag or container. Place your closed laptop inside and ensure the rice fully surrounds it. The rice will help absorb any lingering moisture. Leave it in the rice for at least 24 hours.
4. Air Dry
Make sure to leave your laptop open and allow it to fully air dry before trying to turn it on again. Give it at least 24-48 hours to make sure all moisture has evaporated. Place it in a dry, well-ventilated area during this time.
5. Inspect and Test
Once fully dried, inspect the laptop screen again. If there is no more evidence of moisture, carefully try turning on the laptop. If the screen lights up and displays normally without any issues, your DIY drying method was likely a success.
Disassembling Your Laptop Screen
If drying doesn’t work and your laptop screen is exhibiting noticeable signs of water damage, you will likely need to disassemble the screen to fully repair or replace it. Here are the steps involved:
1. Remove Power and Battery
Fully power off the laptop and unplug the AC adapter. Flip the laptop over and open up the battery compartment if possible to remove the battery. This prevents any risk of electric shock.
2. Open the Bezel
The plastic screen bezel needs to be popped open with a pry tool. Slowly work your way around the edge, releasing the plastic clips. Be careful not to crack the bezel. Remove it fully once unclipped.
3. Detach Display Panel
With the bezel removed, you’ll see the LCD panel attached to the laptop’s frame. Carefully disconnect all of the tiny wire cables running along the edges. Lift the panel up and out from the frame.
4. Remove Brackets
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove any brackets or screws still holding in the LCD panel. This releases the panel fully for inspection and repair.
5. Dry Components
Thoroughly dry any wet components with a microfiber cloth. Be very gentle around wire cables and connectors. You may also use compressed air to blow out any water from crevices.
6. Inspect for Damage
With the laptop screen fully disassembled, you can now closely inspect each component for any apparent water damage. Check for things like corrosion, melted plastics, burned out circuits or frayed cables.
Repairing the Damaged Components
Once you’ve determined which interior screen components have been damaged by water exposure, you can attempt to repair them. Here are some tips:
Fixing Corrosion
Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently clean off any corrosion buildup from the metal plugs, pins or wires. Be very gentle not to damage connections. Allow to fully dry before reassembling.
Replacing Burnt Out Fuse
Carefully solder out the damaged fuse from the motherboard and replace it with a fuse of equal amperage and voltage based on schematic diagrams. Test with a multimeter to make sure connectivity is restored.
Drying Out Circuitry
Use an electronics-safe spray cleaner containing isopropyl alcohol to gently rinse and dry out any Internal circuitry that got wet. Allow to fully dry before turning on again. Be careful not to bend or damage small components.
Reconnecting Loose Cables
Press any loose wire cable connections back into place on the motherboard or LCD panel. If needed, reinforce the connection with electrical tape. Be sure cables are fully seated into connectors.
Testing Components
Before reassembling the laptop screen, test it by connecting it to an external power source. Power it on and check if display lights up properly. If issues persist, you may need a replacement part.
Replacing Damaged Laptop Screen Components
If any internal electronic components like the LCD panel, led driver board or wiring cable are too damaged to repair, you will need to purchase replacement parts:
Finding Part Numbers
Locate the manufacturer part number printed directly on each component you need to replace. You can also often find part numbers listed in schematic diagrams for your specific laptop model.
Purchasing Replacement Parts
Search online for your exact laptop screen part number to find replacement components from third party part suppliers. Only purchase from reputable sites that have your exact laptop model and part version.
Installing New Components
Carefully install each new replacement component into the disassembled laptop screen following removal steps in reverse. Reconnect all connectors and cables before reassembling bezel and testing screen again.
Recalibrating LCD
If you replace the LCD panel itself, you may need to recalibrate the laptop’s video output to properly configure the new screen. Refer to your laptop’s service guide for recalibration steps.
Reassembling Your Laptop
Once you have either repaired or replaced any damaged components, you can now reassemble your laptop screen:
Connecting Display Panel
Place the LCD panel face down on a soft surface. Reattach all connector cables along the edge and press gently into their ports. Set the panel into laptop frame.
Reattaching Brackets
Line up any screw holes or brackets and reattach them to secure the LCD panel back into the laptop’s body. Do not over tighten screws.
Snapping On Bezel
Starting at one corner, gently snap the plastic bezel back onto the display panel frame. Work your way around, pressing to engage all of the plastic clips back into place.
Reinserting Battery
Place the battery back into the compartment and reattach the battery cover if applicable. Reconnect the AC adapter as well.
Testing Repair
With the screen fully reassembled, carefully power the laptop on and test that the screen now functions normally without any issues. You may need to fully reboot the system if the repair was successful.
Conclusion
Fixing water damaged laptop screens takes patience and care, but is often possible with the right techniques. For minor wetting, thoroughly drying out the screen may allow it to work again. But for any evidence of water beneath the LCD, disassembling the screen and repairing or replacing components will be required. Take your time and follow safe electrical handling procedures. With the right replacement parts and proper reassembly, you can often revive a water damaged laptop screen successfully. Just be prepared for a time consuming repair process.