Get the latest tech news

Fixing my monitor's power button

Turning one of my monitors vertical appeared to exacerbate an issue with the power button to the point where it stopped working. I did my first soldering job in years and was able to get it working again, so I’m documenting it. The power button on my LG 27UL500-W is a 4-direction control stick with a center push action for power functions and navigating the OSD. The center push action had always felt stiffer than on my other monitor and sometimes it wouldn’t register, but a stronger repeat push made it work. Until Thursday, that is.

Multifunction buttons have burned me in the past, as they’re usually sealed shut inside a plastic box and impossible to repair, but I figured I’d at least take a look and see if I could get a replacement part off eBay. I got the meter out to do continuity testing, and found that the center contact point connected with the middle of the three pads exiting the southwest side. Just to be sure, I put the plastic actuator and metal lid back on and had Lauren press the button for me while I held the leads in place.

Get the Android app