16x2 display not displaying text only white boxes on top row

david_prentice:
Yes, post a clear photo of your wiring.

Note that breadboards and wires can be broken internally. Check with DMM.
Soldered joints may be soldered badly.

David.

I think I'll try re soldering the headers, since I don't have a DMM at hand.
I doubt the breadboard or wires a faulty since they are brand new, and I have rechecked my wiring a lot, is there a way to recognize a defected display?