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Repair, disassembly, and troubleshooting information for the Steam Deck with LCD display, a handheld gaming console made by Valve, released on February 25, 2022. Identified by model number 1010.

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Why is my display so Dim?

So basically here is what happened. I started noticing that the screen on my steam deck would start to flicker between super dim to bright very sporadically. I would originally fix this by turning the display brightness all the way up. This would stop it from flickering, but any time I turn the brightness back down it would continue to flicker. I have done all the resets and restarts so I don't believe its software related.

After awhile I started to notice that it was getting worse and the screen would stop flickering and just completely stay dim. Now I do see the screen and I can still manage the steam deck it’s just that the brightness is all the way down and I have no way of increasing it.

Edit:

I have some pictures of the steam decks circuitry and I have not noticed anything obviously unplugged or damaged. Another update to the problem the back light just never comes on now.

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Sounds like it has a problem with the backlight circuitry or similar circuitry.

Update (03/26/24)

@kylewolf26083 Let's keep in mind that I don't have all answers. And even I hope my diagnosis is wrong. If you Follow this guide and check all the connections before we go as drastically as attempting board level repair we might find an easier solution to the problem. Adding pictures to your question as you get into the unit can help other people give a better more accurate diagnosis too.

Steam Deck Motherboard Replacement

Adding images to an existing question

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Guide

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Difficulty:

Very easy

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2 - 5 minutes
Steam Deck Motherboard Image

Guide

Steam Deck Motherboard Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

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1 - 2 hours

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@markusnorstroem Is that Backlight circuitry built into the screen or display? If I put in a new screen/Display will this fix the issue.

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@kylewolf26083 Unfortunately it usually is on the motherboard side

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@markusnorstroem Well that stinks I ordered a new screen to try and fix this issue, but I can always return it. I really cant find anything on this issue online and Steam support isn't helping to much. I just need an idea of what I need to replace in this steam deck.

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@markusnorstroem ok so I have taken the case off and could not observe any obvious broken cables or peices. I made sure that the display cables and other cables were not loose. I also took a look at that chip and couldn’t see that it had any loose pins on it. The Chip looked well soldered to the board.

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@markusnorstroem I understand that your previous answer might not be it. I had ordered the screen due to the fact that I didn't think that the Backlight circuitry was on the motherboard. So moving forward do you think I should take some pictures of the mother board? The only thing I would need is the location as to where the backlight circuitry lies on the board.

I also have been debating on the cost difference between getting this one working and a new OLED steam deck, but for now I am focusing on getting this one working.

I also want to say thank you for responding and helping me. So far you have been better than the actual steam support.

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@kylewolf26083 Seems the circuitry you are looking for is marked on the ifixit teardown video at around 5:40 in what looks like a pink outline. Check the connected components from the marked driver IC for damage if nothing is obviously damaged.

https://youtu.be/4T0RZ6ustKQ?si=lEJLkWWu...

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Alright I can check that out and see if I find any obvious issues. After looking up this little Driver I don't see much information online. Is this a very abnormal thing to go bad?

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What numbers are on it? The driver might not go bad over time but some of the connected circuitry might.

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@kylewolf26083 The green component on the last picture you added seems like a fuse. have you inspected that?

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Kyle Wolf will be eternally grateful.
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