Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Released June 2015, known by model number VM496.

3 Questions View all

Options

Sticky liquid coming from screen crack?

This tablet was previously cracked because it was stepped on. It's been about a year since, and it still works, however the screen is only halfway (literally) functional. The top half (everything above the crack) of the touchscreen is completely dead, and it seems to have suffered some kind of liquid damage because there are bubbles underneath the screen and the backlight seems to be heavily affected by this. When I powered it on previously, the backlight was normal, it's now dim in some places and unusually bright in others.

I tried to periodically clean the screen, but liquid kept coming out of the cracks and somehow ended up on the sides of the tablet. It is very sticky and I have no idea what it is.

Answer this question I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 1
Add a comment

2 Answers

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Most Helpful Answer

Options

Although I don't disagree with Mike regarding the dangers of leaking batteries, I don't believe that's what you're seeing. My best guess is that it's some kind of OCA, or Optically Clear Adhesive used to bond the LCD to the digitizer, and for some reason, possibly age and/or heat, it has liquified and is leaking out of the crack. The same thing happened to two Acer tablets that I have; after being in storage for somewhere between 6 months and a year, when I got them back out they had both come up with leaking displays. Here's the question I posted about the subject.

My LCD is Leaking? - Acer Icona W510 - iFixit

As to what it is, or if it's dangerous, I still have no idea. I suffered no ill effects from cleaning it up, but I did try not to get it on me either. It doesn't have any detectable odor that I could discern.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 3

4 Comments:

I'm going to second this as I looked at a teardown of this tablet and it appears to use a liquid adhesive to attach the LCD to the frame and the batt.

by

On a public site like this it is always better to error on the side of caution. Not all have our technical knowledge.

by

@burritowhynot this "there are bubbles underneath the screen and the backlight seems to be heavily affected by this. When I powered it on previously, the backlight was normal" makes me wonder if it is not just coming from the inside of your screen :-) but neither here nor there, replacing the screen would be the next step. While you have it opened to replace the screen, go ahead and replace the battery as well. That way you will not have to worry about opening your tablet up again and you can rule out the battery as the culprit too.

by

I've gone ahead and removed the screen from the tablet to prevent any further damage to the tablet, as after taking it off, I found that some of the sticky stuff has gotten into the tablet.

Once I get a chance I'll try to find a replacement screen for it

by

Add a comment

Options

Be very careful!!!!!

Generally, lithium batteries will not leak electrolyte or any other chemical materials in normal conditions but in abnormal cases they may. I am told here are many reasons why a lithium-ion battery might start to leak.

I mean it could just be harmless liquid, as you seem to think, from it being dropped in a sink of water, etc. but please do be very careful.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 2
Add a comment

Add your answer

burrito will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 2

Past 7 Days: 6

Past 30 Days: 26

All Time: 79