black screen especially with battery

[mkitten]

Apologies since this topic seems to have been discussed several times. I would like to know if my problem is rather inverter, backlight or connector.

T41 with 3 years warranty. One month ago, just after end of warranty, backlight does'nt turn on anymore at start, systematically when on battery, most of the time otherwise. Dim image hardly visible but there. External display works fine.


When powered externally, backlight may or may not come back. I try series of Fn-F7, sometimes with success.

What strikes me is when the light is back, it works perfectly fine, until I turn off the laptop

Now I need to add 2 things:
-I just used the laptop for a few months with a broken hinge, with the risk that I loosened or damaged the connector
-lately, when turning on, screen was often a bit too dark, with a bit of reddish colour

I just replaced the hinge. I am happy to replace the inverter but I suspect it's more likely the backlight? How can I be sure?
Do you have a shop to recommend for backlight repair in London UK?

Thanks

Marc

[Harryc]

lately, when turning on, screen was often a bit too dark, with a bit of reddish colour

That would be indicative of a backlight on its way out.

[mkitten]

but what surprises me is that
-the red colour disappears within a few seconds
-the quality of the screen is perfect once it lights up (after many Fn-F7 trials) and remains so for hours

If it is the backlight, is it so difficult to change? My credentials are that I just replaced the hinge and I used to build electronics 25 years ago...

[GomJabbar]

If it is the backlight, is it so difficult to change?

IMO - YES

I can't say what is causing your problem for sure. You can read about a similar experience of mine in the following thread. I still have not repaired that T42. I have since acquired a different T42, so fixing that one has not been a high priority.

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