T20 LCD Screen Problem

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droskill · #1 Post by **droskill** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 1:02 pm

Hello all --

Did some searching on the topic above, and found some references, but nothing that quite matches up with my problem.

My LCD on my T20 started flickering constantly (or for some extended periods) and then, finally, just stopped turning on. So my question is this: is this likely to be a problem with the power source on the LCD or the LCD itself (and is there any difference)?

Any help greatly appreciated!

Best,

Damian

egibbs · #2 Post by **egibbs** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 2:50 pm

On mine it was the cable - this is the most likely culprit as it has to flex every time you open and close the the lid. If the problem changed with the position of the lid or moving it back and forth I'd bank on that.

It could also be the inverter or the backlight itself.

If you don't want to play guesstronics get a competent tech to diagnose it, then look for the parts on ebay.

Ed Gibbs

droskill · #3 Post by **droskill** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 3:04 pm

Was it tough to (a) find the cable and (b) actually change it? I might want to try that first rather than buy a new screen - I'm fairly handy with computers - my only concerns are where to get a cable and then understanding the correct way to take it apart.....

Thanks for the quick reply....

mattfromomaha · #4 Post by **mattfromomaha** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 4:21 pm

Download the hardware maintenance manual for the T20 from IBM's website, then it will show you how to disassemble the machine to check that the cable is seated properly and not loose. I think that's what Ed was talking about.

droskill · #5 Post by **droskill** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 4:44 pm

Ah - got it. Downloaded it. I've read through the relevent section, and found the part numbers should I need to order it. If the cable is good (meaning well set), I imagine that there is no way to tell about the cable short of replacing it. I imagine the same is true of the invertor card.

Is this stuff expensive to order? Or is eBay my best option? Is there a 3rd party supplier? I guess I'll try the cable first and then, if that doesn't work, get ahold of an inverter and a new cable in case it's not the problem.

Looking at the parts list I don't see a backlight part - so I'm guessing that's replacement of the full LCD at that point?

Thanks again....

#6 Post by **carbon_unit** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 6:02 pm

I was just reading the other day about someone replacing the backlight element in their LCD and they even gave a source to buy the element.
All it amounts to is a miniature flourescent bulb inside the top of the screen. It looked easy to replace and the part was cheap too.
This should get you started.http://www.moniserv.com/doc/ccfl.htm

egibbs · #7 Post by **egibbs** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 6:13 am

In my case the cable actually had a visible break in it - can't hurt to look.

You can either go with genuine IBM parts (more expensive), index computing http://www.indexcomputer.net/ (about the same prices as IBM) or take your chances on ebay.

If it turns out it's the backlight IBM will only sell it as a complete assembly with the LCD - big bucks. But you can find backlights on ebay that have been separated from broken LCDs. Not sure how you reattach them - it looks like they are taped together with special tape, but you could probably figure something out.

Good luck,

Ed Gibbs

droskill · #8 Post by **droskill** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 5:55 pm

Phew - took the whole thing apart and it looks like the cable has a cut going through it horizontally - probably from being pinched as you guys have described. So, I'll order the cable (as soon as I figure out the part number), and then repair.

I was able to follow the manual very easily except for one part: I could figure out how to get the piece of plastic on top of the keyboard, below the screen, off - it was sticking in the middle and I didn't want to force it and break the plastic. Any assistence would be greatly appreciated.

#9 Post by **carbon_unit** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 6:00 pm

There are 3 screws from the bottom and 1 from the top. It's easy to miss one of the bottom ones.

droskill · #10 Post by **droskill** » Sun Oct 17, 2004 11:07 am

Got the three screws on the bottom and the one on the top - but it seems like the plastic is stuck....not sure how to describe it - maybe I'll post a photo....

droskill · #11 Post by **droskill** » Sun Oct 17, 2004 12:36 pm

So I found the part - I guess my next question is can the cable that connects the LCD to the CPU be separated from the rest of the cable assembly? I guess I'm wondering how much work it will be to actually replace this cable....any help greatly appreciated.

T20 LCD Screen Problem

T20 LCD Screen Problem

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