T42 LCD panel flickers then turns off from time to time

Message

northyen.dk · #1 Post by **northyen.dk** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:18 pm

'Ello!

About a year ago, I managed to pour in a good load of coffee in the laptop. Back then, I let it dry overnight, with the result of a large amount of coffee sandwiched in the LCD panel.

Spending over a day with the panel, I did indeed manage to save it, and it have worked okay since then.

But starting yesterday, the LCD have started to emit a high pitch noise, flicker then turn of complete. If I hold down the 'panel button' on the left, and let it go again, the LCD turns on as nothing had happened, well, till it starts to flicker again, anyway.

So, what could cause this?

mitchellst · #2 Post by **mitchellst** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:42 pm

Where about is the noise coming from?

northyen.dk · #3 Post by **northyen.dk** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 6:57 pm

I can't say for sure, other that it is not from the panel it self, but somewhere between the escape and power button, and the area above that.

#4 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 11:45 pm

Your problem is similar to the one I have on a T42. You can read about it in the following thread.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=38664

I still have not gotten the above T42 fixed yet. But from what you wrote, I would suspect that your problem component might be different than mine. In your case, I would take a chance and replace the inverter board. It is fairly easy to replace and does not cost a lot.

mitchellst · #5 Post by **mitchellst** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 8:56 am

That's why I was asking. It does sound like a bad inverter. It shouldn't be a big deal to get that fixed.

northyen.dk · #6 Post by **northyen.dk** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:01 pm

Thanks a bundle. The noise does come from the inverter board, and so I've ordered a new one for replacement.

mitchellst · #7 Post by **mitchellst** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:15 pm

Glad to help.

northyen.dk · #8 Post by **northyen.dk** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:54 pm

GomJabbar wrote:Your problem is similar to the one I have on a T42. You can read about it in the following thread.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=38664

I've read that thread and it seems that I might head for more troubles. The LCD panel do indeed have a pinkish tone when it 'boots' up, and the inverter might be emitting noise, and cutting of current because of a defective backlight.

I can't find FRU on the backlight, so I guess that means troubles if that part is defective?

#9 Post by **GomJabbar** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:23 pm

IBM does not have an FRU for the backlight only. You have to buy the LCD display panel to get the backlight. If you feel you need a new backlight, I would not recommend replacing it yourself. I suggest sending your laptop to http://www.moniserv.com/doc/laptopscreen.html I have no experience with this company, but I would be tempted to give them a try.

northyen.dk · #10 Post by **northyen.dk** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 11:23 am

Well, my fear was warranted, the back light is the cause of the problems.

GomJabbar wrote:IBM does not have an FRU for the backlight only. You have to buy the LCD display panel to get the backlight. If you feel you need a new backlight, I would not recommend replacing it yourself.

Unfortunately, that seems to be the only option I have left, short of buying a completely new LCD panel.

I suggest sending your laptop to http://www.moniserv.com/doc/laptopscreen.html I have no experience with this company, but I would be tempted to give them a try.

As there is no way I'm going to send the LCD panel across the pond for this.

Wow, this absolutely sucks in so many ways.

T42 LCD panel flickers then turns off from time to time

T42 LCD panel flickers then turns off from time to time

Who is online