Replacing LCD Components on the T42

[suzannetf]

My T42 has a 15" screen. It is model 2373-C20. Are LCD screen cables and inverters compatible between all 15" models?

The inverter in it now is: P/N 93p4160, 93p4161

[ajkula66]

No. Each screen resolution (yours is SXGA+) calls for a different cable and inverter on T4x series.

All the pertinent data is available in the HMM:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-46464

What issue exactly are you trying to resolve?

[suzannetf]

Well, the little light (white piece) came off of my screen cable during a home repair. Is that glued or soldered or what?

Also, on the inverter: the wireless light works, but the others stopped working.

Finally, my screen is starting to have a pinkish cast along the bottom when it is first turned on. Ack.

I have my new x200 Tablet (with 3 year extended warranty and repair!!!) now so this is more a labor of love for my trusty old laptop (I'm going to turn it into my "desktop").

[ajkula66]

LCD that develops a pinkish hue is due for a new backlight. And FlexViews like yours last shorter than regular panels...

If the rest of your screen is in good shape (no pressure marks, bright spots, stuck hairs or dirt particles) I'd suggest sending it in for a professional replacement to the forum member jamiphar (James) whose work I highly recommend when it comes to this area.

A LCD that has other flaws is best entirely replaced. Patience is required, but you may walk away with a brand new one for $150 on occasion...

Good luck.

[suzannetf]

What about my inverter? Is it normal for just a few of the lights to stop working suddenly like that?

[sjthinkpader]

This is likely a fuse on the motherboard. Could be the LCD cable too. Do you close the lid several times daily?

[suzannetf]

Yes. So, the cable COULD cause some of the lights on the inverter to not behave correctly?

I replaced the hinge on my laptop myself a few weeks ago. There was a cord that wasn't run right that was bugging me, so today I reopened the screen casing to fix it. Then the cable came out of the LCD so I had to take that out to to reconnect it.

Before, all the lights were working. Now only the wireless one is. Everything is connected.

[sjthinkpader]

The LED circuits only involve the inverter connector and the motherboard connector. Redo these two and see if they work.

[Troels]

It's really easy to damage the cable in the Y joint, so that a part of the cable going to the inverter is torn. Make sure this isn't the case.

[suzannetf]

Back when I checked the connections the ribbon cable seemed to be attached at both places. I didn't look to see if it was torn, though.

So, what you're saying is it's likely something providing the power to the inverter board and not actually damage/problems with the inverter board itself?

Also, I think I can wait on getting the screen fixed. It's only pink-tinged along the bottom for a few seconds when it first starts up. Stupid SXGA. So, yeah, how much does it usually cost to get that fixed? I read through a do-it-yourself tutorial on how to replace the backlight and it seems a bit out of my league. (Me + Soldering Iron + Delicate Electronic Parts + Tricky Disassembly/Reassembly = Probable Tragedy).

[error202]

I know this is an older thread, but for the sake of filling in some missing information:

When the indicator lights on the lcd panel no longer light up (except for the wifi), it is the result of a blown fuse. There are two fuses that could cause this problem, fuses F7 and F8 on the motherboard. I too was in this very same situation and after testing with a multimeter, I found fuse F8 to be blown. I hope this helps.

[suzannetf]

Thank you error202 for the reply (that I just discovered). I'm giving this laptop another go and ordered a few new fuses. I'm pretty sure my dad has the soldering equipment that I need somewhere (retired EE) and I can probably do it if someone explains how since I can, well, do surgery.

[RealBlackStuff]

Since these fuses are so small and rather complicated to remove without causing damage,
it is best/easiest to just solder the new fuse 'piggyback' on top of the old one.
You can find a PDF with T4x fuse locations on my website: www.theboardroom.info

[suzannetf]

I got the fuse today. IT IS SO TINY.

[systemBuilder]

No. Each screen resolution (yours is SXGA+) calls for a different cable and inverter on T4x series.

As usual, FALSE. All 14.1" models use the same inverter. XGA and SXGA+ models use the same inverter. It is only on the 15" models that the inverters differ by panel type. And on that model, there is an XGA and inverter, and a non-XGA (UXGA, SXGA+) inverter. The T43 models have leaded/lead-free inverter variants (an ecological consideration that does not affect functionality), and their own parts FRU's for the inverter, but I believe that does not make a difference. A T4x 15" non-XGA inverter works with a T4x 15" non-XGA panel.

[ajkula66]

As usual, FALSE. All 14.1" models use the same inverter.

OP's machine is a 15" unit...