DSi XL Spots on Top Screen

[apf3l]

I bought a used DSi XL and recognized some dark spots on the sides of the top screen. Is it possible to fix this without replacing the top screen or should I order a new one before disassembling the DSi?

 

[KIlly728]

I don't have the most experience with that, but if I had that console in front of me, I would pop off the top screen lens with a suction cup and try and clean the lens and the LCD display with some IPA so see if anything changes.

Hopefully, those blotches are just the result of some overzealous cleaning from the previous owner and some fluid got between the lens and screen.

Worst case is it got into the LCD display and those blotches are on the light diffusion layers. Also not an impossible fix, but not one I tried with any sort of success. That requires prying apart the LCD with some force without damaging it.

 

[Deleted member 709158]

Is there any chance that it has got a screen protector film fitted?

The spots look a lot like the air bubbles that get under screen protectors, especially as they seem to be round the edges of the screen.

 

[apf3l]

I didn't know the display cover can be pulled off with a suction cup. I pulled it off but unfortunately the spots seem to be inside of the display layers. When top screens are available again, I will order a new one and replace it. Thank you for your responses.

 

[KIlly728]

I didn't know the display cover can be pulled off with a suction cup.

Yeah, I've seen it mentioned a few times but didn't try it until a week ago. It works like a charm and saves a lot of work.

I pulled it off but unfortunately the spots seem to be inside of the display layers.

I would say that is the worst case. If you're up to it, there is no harm in trying to pull the LCD apart to try and clean it. If you intend on replacing it, it's a garbage screen anyway.

I've only pulled them apart a couple of times purely for academic curiosity (I wanted to see what was inside), and I wasn't able to get them back together (I wasn't able to clip the pieces back together). Might be worth doing some research to see if anyone posted information on a successful repair (like, replacing the light defusion layers to fix a yellowed screen or something).

I also work in a very dusty environment, and anything repair that doesn't like dust (replacing the Lens or digitizer) is a pain. An LCD dissection is asking for a whirlwind of dust to get in there.