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November 16th, 2024 21:20
xps13 9360 no post, lcd error, but lcd works
XPS 13 9360
Dear all,
I have a very curious problem with my dell XPS 9360. It's a very old PC, but it's still working great.
Unfortunately, recently my PC fell and now I have some booting issues.
The LCD screen cannot start for BIOS, i.e. both the logo and the BIOS do not show on the screen.
The led blinks 2 amber 7 white, showing LCD issue. However, the LCD actually works perfectly: after my KDE linux distro boots, I'm able to use the screen. Unfortunately, my computer shut off automatically after a bit, making it unusable.
I tried the power + D, and the LCD test works perfectly, showing all the colors.
I tried removing the battery and the CMOS battery but didn't solve the issue. I also disconnected the screen and touchscreen, and again it was useless.
I managed to make the system boot properly by closing the lid just during POST: this doesn't trigger the LCD check, and I'm able to boot Linux without automatic resetting. However, this is definitively not a reasonable way to use a laptop.
Using this trick and an external screen, I was able to recover the BIOS, with no success, following this guide:
I'm running out of ideas, but I think the damage should be pretty minimal (as the system works properly). Does anyone have ideas?
Best,
Davide
ejn63
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November 16th, 2024 21:34
Check the cable that runs between the mainboard and display -- if it's damaged, the screen assembly will need to be replaced. If it's OK, the mainboard is the faulty component (everything other than the storage drive inside the system is part of the mainboard.
Service manual is here
https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/xps-13-9360-laptop/docs
Davide Tateo
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November 18th, 2024 11:37
@ejn63 Thanks for the manual. I'm pretty sure that the cable is fine. Indeed the screen works perfectly when doing a screen test. However, if you have better ideas on how to check the cable, I'm happy to test it.
I have the impression that the issue is related to the Bios or to a damaged condenser that prevents the screen from starting when the system is powered on. I was wondering is anyone had any idea why this weird behavior is happening. Indeed, if it's just a broken condenser or a broken pin, I may be able to repair the board without taking another motherboard.
Of course, if you believe it's worth it, I can buy another mainboard (I hope they are still available) and replace it... But I would like to identify the issue as much as possible before buying new parts...
ejn63
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November 18th, 2024 13:45
I would compare the cost of a complete used 9360 before deciding -- the value of the system is about what (if not less than) a mainboard replacement will cost.
You should also evaluate the time you expect to continue using the system in light of the repair/replacement cost.
Davide Tateo
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November 19th, 2024 18:14
@ejn63 thanks for your response. I plan to buy a new computer nevertheless, but it would be nice to have a backup system, as the current one is still quite usable...
ejn63
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November 19th, 2024 18:33
Complete, used 9360s run between $80-200 depending on the CPU/GPU and memory quantity -- any professional repair attempt is likely to run $300+ with the labor included. It sounds like there is a mainboard fault -- and at more than $150 an hour for a competent technician, the diagnosis fee is likely to exceed the value of the system, and that's if it can be repaired short of a board replacement.