Knowledge Base 0001
Canon PowerShot SD550 LCD Replacement
The reason for the replacement of my LCD is, well, it cracked. No idea how it happened, but it appears this model is pretty sensitive and some investigation has shown that it's common with the SD550's and other models (and not a warranty item). I've heard that Canon has changed from the Sony screens in the new models after the SD550.
So why pay $200 for a camera shop to replace this, when there was a great reference online on how to replace the LCD at http://fivepoundsflax.blogspot.com. There were some changes and clarifications to the procedure that I've documented here.
The first and obvious step is to order a replacement part from Canon Canada's parts department at 1-888-832-4719. It was in stock, and placing the order took about 10 minutes just by giving the model number. Delivery with Canada Post Expedited Parcel was quick - 4 business days, and overnight is available if you need it.
Tools Required - Mini Phillips screwdriver, mini flat screwdriver (for gently prying and moving parts).
Step 1 - Remove the battery, memory card, and the wrist strap if you have one attached. The battery is the most important - you don't want to short anything out.
Step 2 - Remove the external screws and mark where they came from. Three screws on the bottom come out easily.
Two screws on the left side are removed and the metal cover plate comes off. Note the orientation for reinstall, the guiding tabs are spaced differently to ensure it goes in the correct way.
Three screws on the right side are to be removed. The first screw is visible, the second screw requires opening the A/V Out rubber cover. The third screw requires you to take off the plastic cover for it to be accessible.
Step 3 - Take off the cover. On the right side, you may need to slightly pry out one of the screw mounts as it catches on the case. The bottom (front) cover can stay on for this procedure, just remove the back cover.
Step 4 - At the top of the LCD screen, there is a metal bar. Remove the single screw on the left side and take off the bar. Note that the right side of the bar has an indentation to align it which is how it should go back on later.
Step 5 - With a small flat screwdriver, pry away the 4 tabs slightly and lift out the LCD away from the backlight.
Step 6 - Lift out the backlight. The ribbon cable from the LCD is stuck to the bottom of the backlight, separate it gently.
Step 7 - At the top of the harness for the control buttons are two screws (don't remove the little screw on the right side, it does not hold the harness down). The rubber buttons just sit on this, put them aside. Lift up the harness to reveal the ribbon cable socket.
Step 8 - Lift up the black hinge on the ribbon cable socket, remove the ribbon. The LCD and ribbon cable should now be removed.
Step 9 - Line up the ribbon cable into the socket, close the tab. Make sure this is aligned correctly and inserted as far as possible.
Step 10 - Put everything back together in the reverse order it was disassembled.
Step 11 - If you have screws left over you've done something wrong. Curse, disassemble, and find where the screw came from. The last thing you want is loose camera innards.
Step 12 - Turn on the camera, the screen should light up and display. If only the backlight comes on (screen is white or black) the ribbon cable was not inserted fully and needs to be realigned.
Step 13 - Go take some more pictures.
The above procedure took about half an hour at a leisurely pace.
I've heard that other than very careful care, a case or screen protector will not protect the LCD of this model as it's due to flex in the case. If you've had luck with one of the 3rd party screen protectors, let me know.
[update 2007-03-17] Some of the feedback includes more than a few comments about screws getting lost. I had the same problem, and half of my repair time was combing the floor of my garage with a magnet to find a couple of nearly-invisible little screws that fell. One suggestion is to disassemble in a large flat tray, another is to use a little magnet or cup to hold the screws once removed.
These instructions are provided with no warranty - repair at your own risk.
Created 2006-07-08
Last Modified 2007-03-17
