Thinkpads Forum

Hello All,

My relatively new Thinkpad T43 (2687D3U) just encountered its
first coffee spill, a small amount of americano (diluted espresso).

The liquid got on/around a few keys in the upper right corner, but
also spilled along the lower right bezel. I cleaned it all off (or so
I thought). However, an hour later I noticed a funny ellipsoidal
pattern of brightness on the LCD nearby, extending diagonally
up to the right from the bezel.

This didn't wipe off, suggesting it was underneath the most superficial
layer. After a day or so, the brightness faded but a brown discoloration
remains. It seems as if the coffee has "wicked" between layers.

Anyone else experience anything like this?
Any fixes, besides replacing the LCD unit?

I do have an accidental damage policy through my insurance
company (rather than ThinkPad Protection), but would rather
avoid the whole "sending my computer away" process if I can.
My guess is that the LCD assembly is not easily disassembled
and cleaned. However, if anyone knows a solution I bet it is
here on these forums!

Thanks for any advice,
David

I had something similar happen with water in a cramped hotel room in Glasgow about a year ago. I aimed a hairdryer at it almost immediately and that dried it out, but with coffee not sure how much luck you'll have at this point.

dkkim wrote:Hello All,

My relatively new Thinkpad T43 (2687D3U) just encountered its
first coffee spill, a small amount of americano (diluted espresso).

The liquid got on/around a few keys in the upper right corner, but
also spilled along the lower right bezel. I cleaned it all off (or so
I thought). However, an hour later I noticed a funny ellipsoidal
pattern of brightness on the LCD nearby, extending diagonally
up to the right from the bezel.

This didn't wipe off, suggesting it was underneath the most superficial
layer. After a day or so, the brightness faded but a brown discoloration
remains. It seems as if the coffee has "wicked" between layers.

Anyone else experience anything like this?
Any fixes, besides replacing the LCD unit?

I do have an accidental damage policy through my insurance
company (rather than ThinkPad Protection), but would rather
avoid the whole "sending my computer away" process if I can.
My guess is that the LCD assembly is not easily disassembled
and cleaned. However, if anyone knows a solution I bet it is
here on these forums!

Thanks for any advice,
David

Liquid is forced into the display by capillary force (physics), similar to water sucked upt into trees.
Sorry, but you will have to disassemble the LCD (there are small latches on the sides, opne those at the side of the spill , take a tiny ear stick with cotton and clean the spot).
It should look like new. Beware, if you have no skills in disassemling a notebook and are not used to electronics, it might be very tricky. I would suggest to go to a notebook repair shop. A brand new display is VERY expensive and yours is in perfect condition, just the coffe spot...

Thank you both for your replies! It is always helpful when troubleshooting to know what someone else's real-world experiences have been.

The explanation due to capillary action makes perfect sense. It is interesting how perfectly even and rounded the spot is to begin with; it became more irregular as it dried (solvent evaporated).

I will check into repair quotes. I would probably be comfortable taking the machine apart, but if it is not terribly expensive I will be happy to have somebody else do it in cleaner environs who has done it before. If I end up doing it myself I will post the experience. I have certainly learned a lot about the machine's construction from my prior (more limited) experiences opening the TPad.

In any case, I am glad to hear that I don't have to replace the LCD. Though it would be covered by insurance, it sure seems a waste to me if the spill is confined to the most superficial (and separable) layer.

Best regards,
David