How to repair the backlight of the external display of the MiTAC Mio 8390

(Of course, the author won't respond on any damage that you can do if you follow this howto)

Since his first clamshell phones, MiTAC firm have a long tradition to make external display that its backlight will last only few days after opening the box.

In the 8380 model, this firm placed solder joints near to the speakerphone. With vibrations, solder joints would be damaged.
But with the 8390 model, MiTAC, moved all vibration sources far from the backlight. Experience teaches!
Unfortunately, even the 8390 suffer the "acute display disease"

Why? How to repair it? It's easy! Easier than with the 8380!

Buy a TORX T5 screwdriver, remove the rubber caps near to the internal display, remove the 4 screws and remove the plastic cover. It's so easy that I won't attach the photo!

When you did it, you'll see:

WARNING: the PCB is fake, is made in plastic! Using a soldering iron, especially if you aren't expert, will take you to put your precious phone in a recycle bin!! Don't follow the 8380 howto, phones are built with different materials!!

If you insert a toothpick between pcb and display, you'll see the magic!

So, isn't a solder joint fault!! It's the electroluminescent panel that's not built well!!

So, you have to insert something between the pcb and display. In order to do this, you have to remove the metallic lock using a tiny screwdriver in the red arrow zone.

Now, cut two small pieces of thick cardboard like I've done.

Now put it under the display and reinsert the lock.
DANGER: Be careful to the data cable who drives the display!!! Don't insert too much "thickness"

Voilą! Close the case and enjoy the blue backlight!

 

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