Is that black stripe a genuine paint one on the outside of the diode, or a
Yes I believe it is genuine paint. It is on the other diode which has not
failed.. I guess I could find out what kind of zener diode it is by testing
it as you said, but I have never done this before.. I guess it is time to
learn.

Here is a picture of the working diode (ZD2 not ZD1) up close and in the
sun so you can really see the colors..

http://mikescomputers.homeip.net/LCD/DSC00386.JPG

Close-Up

http://mikescomputers.homeip.net/LCD/ZD2.JPG

Thanks,

- Mike