XPS 13 2-in-1 Screen/Display Issue

[astrohip]

My wife has an XPS 13 2-in-1. It has a screen issue that I can't diagnose, nor fix. See pic. The bottom 80% of the screen has very small horizontal lines running side to side, that seem to slightly flicker. The top couple inches are normal.

 

I don't believe it's software. Drivers are updated, nothing new has been installed, no physical damage (dropping, etc). Which leads me to think it's a hardware problem.

 

What can I do that might help diagnose this better? And if it is hardware, what are my repair options? It was bought in Feb 2020, so it's three years old.

 

Thanks!!

[Aaron44126]

Go to BIOS setup (tap "F2" while the system is showing the Dell logo at boot).  Can you reproduce the issue here?  If so, it seems to be a hardware problem and not a software problem.  Windows and system drivers are not loaded at this point.

 

Also, you can try this.  Power the system off fully.  Turn it on while holding the "D" key on the keyboard.  This will start a display test (the screen will flash different colors) — if you see the issue here, yet another indication that it is a hardware problem.

 

...Assuming that it is a hardware problem, you could try to reseat the display cable but I rather doubt that will fix anything.  Most likely, the entire display will have to be replaced.  Dell should have directions to replace the display assembly at dell.com/support.  For example, here is the one for XPS 13 9310 2-in-1 but you'll want to find the one for your specific model.

 

The problem will be finding a replacement display assembly.  Dell will probably sell you one for an inflated amount, but you can also check eBay, PartsPeople, and other aftermarket sites to see if they have one cheaper.  Also at dell.com/support, if you put in your machine's service tag you should be able to pull the parts list.  Having the Dell part number for the display assembly might make it easier to search for a replacement.

[astrohip]

Thanks @Aaron44126 for the detailed and very helpful reply. My wife left yesterday to visit grandkids, and took her laptop 😒. I'll try these when she gets back.

[astrohip]

It's the screen. Found a local laptop guy who can order & replace for me.

 

Thanks again for the help!

[astrohip]

As an FYI point for anyone reading this in the future...

 

It cost about $250 for a replacement screen, and $150 for labor. $400 to get it back to normal. A little disappointing to have it fail, especially after only three years.