My Dell Inspiron 8600 has a problem with the LCD. Most of the time when
I start the computer I see the screen for a couple seconds. Then it
goes very dark. If you move very close to the screen you can make out
what is displayed but it is absolutely impossible to work this way. To
get the screen back I press and release the little pin that turns of
the LCD when the computer is closed. After a 6-12 trial I get the
screen back. Also interesting is that when I increase the brightness
it's less likely that the monitor comes back. The same is true if I run
the computer from the battery. Any idea what the problem could be?

Also I tried to measure the voltage on the power converter. There are
four soldering points. On no combination I can measure any voltage no
matter if the LCD is on or off. What am I doing wrong here? Finally,
when I put one probe on the soldering point labeled 1 the screen
immediately goes in the 'dark mode'. Why would that happen? The second
probe is in the air so it really shouldn't do anything.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks