Repair a Malfunctioning LCD

This Instructable will show you how to repair a LCD that has dead rows and\or columns using a minimum of time and tools. The example shown here is a small LCD in a cordless telephone, but the same principle can be used in other devices as well.

This fix can be performed using a minimum of tools. You need only the tools necessary to disassemble the device (in this case only one screwdriver was necessary), a hot-air gun (a powerful hair dryer may work), and a pencil eraser.

Disassemble the device to expose the LCD. Obviously, this step will vary by device. If you are having trouble getting your particular device apart, try Googleing "'yourdevicename' disassembly".

Prepare the screen for repair by exposing the ribbon cable on the backside of the screen. In this phone, there is a plastic clip holding the LCD that must be temporarily removed. A plastic-coated paper clip is a handy for holding the LCD down while you work.

Using LOW heat (you do not want to melt the ribbon or the solder on the board), slowly heat the ribbon cable where it is connected to the mainboard to soften the glue. At the same time, gently but firmly rub the connection strip with the pencil eraser.
Tips:
1. Try to avoid directing too much hot air onto the LCD itself as this could damage it.
2. Apply enough heat to melt the glue holding the ribbon connection, but not enough to melt the cable itself.
3. If after the first try the problem is not resolved, try rubbing the connections down with something firmer. I repaired two identical phones using this method, and the second one required that I use the back of a plastic screwdriver to force down the connections.

With any luck, your results will be something like this. This repair, including disassembly, took approximately ten minutes to complete and the results are excellent; the screen is 100% functional again.