LG Ultrafine 5K Backlight Partially Out

[medee88]

I have an LG 5k Ultrafine (27MD5KA-B) that has a pretty strange issue. Sometimes and frequently when I plug it in, parts of the screen's backlight won't work. I sent this in to LG whenever it was in warranty, they weren't able to reproduce, so they weren't able to fix it.

I'm kinda confused on what to do about this display, and am just debating selling it as-is on eBay (as it's out of warranty now) and buying something different. I'm open to tinkering on it as well if anyone has any info on any potential fixes.

I have not replaced the thunderbolt cable, which I've heard can magically fix some problems as well.

 

[Fishrrman]

Out of warranty?
Repair cost may be too high, if you can get it repaired at all.
The "as-is" sale sounds like the "best way out" to me.

And next time... buy something other than LG...

 

[medee88]

Out of warranty?
Repair cost may be too high, if you can get it repaired at all.
The "as-is" sale sounds like the "best way out" to me.

And next time... buy something other than LG...

Haha yeah.. sadly LG just makes so many monitors (Including all the ones for Apple) that they're a little tricky to avoid.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[ivion]

I have an LG 5k Ultrafine (27MD5KA-B) that has a pretty strange issue. Sometimes and frequently when I plug it in, parts of the screen's backlight won't work. I sent this in to LG whenever it was in warranty, they weren't able to reproduce, so they weren't able to fix it.

I'm kinda confused on what to do about this display, and am just debating selling it as-is on eBay (as it's out of warranty now) and buying something different. I'm open to tinkering on it as well if anyone has any info on any potential fixes.

I have not replaced the thunderbolt cable, which I've heard can magically fix some problems as well.

View attachment 1734695

@medee88, I have got the same issue with one of my LG 5k's. Did you manage to solve it?

 

[medee88]

@medee88, I have got the same issue with one of my LG 5k's. Did you manage to solve it?

Well, I looked around for parts, tried changing the Thunderbolt cable, and tried to look up specs on how to fix it/see it anyone could repair it.

Eventually I realized my time was more valuable than messing with fixing this (since I use it for work), and parts are quite scarce. This display even in its current state sells for $250 on Ebay. So I sold it, and just got a 27" 4K USB-C monitor that was $350.

I would have gotten another UltraFine 5k if they just didn't have so many issues. I wish you luck!

 

[ivion]

Well, I looked around for parts, tried changing the Thunderbolt cable, and tried to look up specs on how to fix it/see it anyone could repair it.

Eventually I realized my time was more valuable than messing with fixing this (since I use it for work), and parts are quite scarce. This display even in its current state sells for $250 on Ebay. So I sold it, and just got a 27" 4K USB-C monitor that was $350.

I would have gotten another UltraFine 5k if they just didn't have so many issues. I wish you luck!

Thank you for your quick reply and that seems a good option indeed. Such a pity that the beautiful screen is accompanied with a less than stellar quality of components and company around it. LG offered me a quote for the repair costs if I paid them around $50/40EUR (this is for the quote only, not for the repair itself), it seems tempting to sell before going down that rabbit hole and just get that second XDR 😬

 

[ivion]

And an example of my comparable issue. Will post repair costs if I go that route.

 

[currocj]

repair cost through LG was $163.50 (out the door)...until 3 months ago. Now it's $350. In case anyone else is in need of repair of a 27MD5Kx

Chat with LG Support USA. They'll call you back randomly and take your CC info. Then you'll get an email with a fedex label, turnaround time usually under 2 weeks.