Pink screen when first displaying image

[sktn77a]

My earliest T4x computer (the T40) display has developed a markedly pink hue when first firing up (most noticeable when coming out of standby as it put the desktop graphic up instantaneously). It clears up (becomes white with no pink hue) after about 5-10 seconds.

Is this a sign of impending doom? If so, anybody know what it is?

Thanks!

[richk]

The backlight is dying. It could linger for quite a while or die tomorrow.

[sktn77a]

Ugh! Please someone, tell me it ain't so!

[sktn77a]

Seriously, though, what's involved with a repair? New LCD? Is the backlight separate from the LCD? New inverter? All of the above? How much are the parts? How much to get it fixed by someone else? I don't think I want to spend more than $200 total on this.

[richk]

The backlight is inside the LCD panel at the bottom. It is a bulb about 1/16" in diameter and as long as the LCD is wide. Most people replace the whole panel or the whole LCD assembly, because the panels are difficult to remove. The cost depends on what type of screen you have (14" or 15") (XGA, SXGA+ UXGA) Used assemblies can be gotten on eBay under $150 for 14" XGA. Panels run about $25 less. New ones are expensive. The assembly is easier to replace than the panel if you haven't done it before. The bulb itself is cheap (around $10), but they are hard to do and you need a good soldering station.

[sktn77a]

Hmmm, well, I think the only option is going to be replacing the bulb. Do you know if there are instructions out there anywhere on how to do this?

[tomh009]

This is a lovely step-by-step tutorial; it's for the 600E, but it'll give you a good idea what you are getting into.
http://personal.bellsouth.net/d/r/drseng/ThinkpadCCFL/

[sktn77a]

Thanks, that's great! A bit fiddly but should be do-able.