Backlight replacement

Replacing a backlight is a relatively simple task. A standard #1 Philips head screwdriver should be sufficient for most steps in this repair, though a #0 Philips head will be needed for removing the actual backlight. A container is helpful for storing screws during disassembly, though parts taken off the XO can serve as temporary containers. This repair can be done within 15 minutes, even with little experience. Begin by taking out the screen, as in Screen replacement.

Before we begin

Taking off the front panel

Open the laptop and flip the screen up. Rotate it a 90 degree angle as shown in the sequence below. Next, remove the screws from the bottom of the screen - there are two on each side (right/left) of the XO, so make sure to get all four.

Flip screen up

Rotate

Unscrew - remember, there are 4.

Step 2

Remove the two green panels from the side of the XO. Slide them upwards and lift them off as shown.

Slide up

Lift off

Step 3

Finally, pull off the front panel. It is tabbed, so it can simply be pulled out. Pull the bottom out (where the screws came out), and gently slide the piece downwards and out.

Taking out the screen

Step 1

To get the screen out, remove the four screws highlighted.

Unscrew

Step 2

Next, carefully slide the screen out, pulling the bottom out. Do not tug it or let go, as it will still be connected to the motherboard by two cables.

Slide out gently

Watch out for cables!

Unhook the cable

Watch out for this little cable, too.

Good to go!

Taking out the backlight

Step 1

Remove tape from backlight connection cable to expose the back of the display.

Peel off tape

Remember tape on the sides, too!

Step 2

Disconnect the backlight from the display by removing the two screws shown below using a #0 Phillips head screwdriver.

Take out two screws where indicated

Lift the backlight up and out.

Separated backlight

Replacing the backlight

Replace the backlight by attaching the new backlight to the display. Ensure the backlight connection cable is attached and lying flat along the display.

Gently put the new backlight in place

Reattach tape to the center of the backlight

Place the two screws back in

Reattach the tape on the small cables

Now you're all set to put the screen back in!

Replacing the screen

Step 1

Reattach the screen by sliding the connection cables into place and clipping them back down (it is generally easier to clip the thinner one that has a longer tether first). Reseat the screen, making sure that it sits flat and that none of the spacers are gone.

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Clip little cable in

Clip big cable in

Gently slide screen back in

The screws with the large heads (4) go back in

Step 2

Slide the front panel back on, making sure that it sits flat. Note that there are hooks on the side of the panel (highlighted in blue) that need to slide into place; pushing the top of the screen flat and sliding it upwards works well.

Watch out for these hooks

The rest of the panel slides into place

Step 3

Slide the green side pieces back into place. Then, rotate the XO 90 degrees and put the remaining screws back. Don't forget that the screws go in on both sides (right/left).

Side panels slide back in place

Almost there!

Rotate

Put screws (4) back in.

And you're done! Yay! :D