T21 Blinking Display Backlight?

[Jim Olson]

After this winter's futile effort at upgrading the LCD backlight in my wife's T21, I'm frequently closing the lid on my good T21 (translation: 1400 x 1050) after each use to preserve CCL lamp life.

And, as you would expect, closing the display lid frequently has apparently fatigued the flex cable that runs through the display hinge. I guess this is the case because the LCD backlight now blinks when I move the display panel.

Can anyone offer me a brief tutorial on opening a T21 to replace the ribbon cable? Do I have to go deep into its innards to get to the southern termination point for the flex cable?

Also, does anyone know IBM's price for the flex cable? This might be time to call Bill about a T43.

Thanks in advance for your wisdom on this.