Troubleshooting Does not display every other line of resolution

[jchampag]

Kindle 3rd generation 3g.

Dear Grandmother dropped her Kindle just in time for Christmas. No longer under warranty. Fully functional except the screen is only displaying every other line. She described it as "fainter since the accident." I did a hard reset. Also tried opening it up and disconnecting the display cable (followed the directions on a teardown video). I reconnected it, but no change.

Repair will cost 85+12 in shipping and she liked her friends 99$ Kindle Touch. Hardly seems worth sending back? Plus she is on her way to a vacation, so wanted something she could get soon without having to go through the exchange process.

Are there any other possible fixes? or cheaper repair options? If not, is there a good way to sell it for parts?

Thanks.
Picture of issue

[pidgeon92]

Call Amazon Kindle CS and talk to a different rep. I would wager you will find one who is sympathetic and will replace it.

Amazon Kindle customer service (1-866-321-8851)

[DustyDisks]

If it does not have a case, get one they do help with shocks, and as said above the unit is toast and can not be repaired.

[frostschutz]

physical screen damage usually is not so regular as to affect every other line. it's more chaotic with a line along a break. not sure what could be causing your effect, if it's only the cable/connector it could be possible to repair

if you don't get a replacement under warranty, if it still works in general you could use it as secondary reader for more hazardous environments like the beach or similar

[jchampag]

I agree that the damage doesn't seem physical, but something might be wrong with the circuitry. It was certainly nothing that I could figure out to fix.

Luckily, after calling the specific Kindle Customer Support line, I was able to negotiate for them to cover half the cost of the repair. The dropped Kindle will be replaced on Thursday with a new unit. It will cost $48.

Things I learned

1) Kindle chat support was not as flexible
2) Whining about how it was a gift for your dear grandmother and how she loves to buy books (cite purchase history) can get you some sympathy
3) The best way to get sympathy is over the phone.

Thanks