T22 Screen Problem

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jack_furlong · #1 Post by **jack_furlong** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 2:43 pm

My Apologies if my searches of the forum didn't bring up an existing answer to this...

I stated getting shadows of vertical bands of color on the screen that would come and go. Then the screen image would start smearing from right to left. Now the display only shows vertical colored lines that look like barcode.

I've opened the system up, and reseated both ends of the ribbon cable that connect to the LCD display, but that hasn't helped.

I had the laptop connected to an external monitor, but didn't know how to enable the port so I could check and see if that was working.

Any ideas what could be causing this, and possible (cheap) cures?

tom lightbody · #2 Post by **tom lightbody** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:21 pm

welcome to the forum

> external monitor

plugged in, and turned on: use <fn><F7> to switch back and forth
between the onboard LCD and yr external monitor

#3 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:32 pm

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

Re-seating both ends of the ribbon cable was a good attempt. If that doesn't work, then you're left with several problems:

- broken ribbon cable; one or more of the traces have become disconnected
- defect in the LCD panel itself
- defect in the motherboard

Connecting an external monitor may or may not help in isolating the cause of the problem. If the system is already on, connect the external monitor and press the Fn+F7 key combination. The first time that's done it should route the video signal to only the external monitor. The second time Fn+F7 is pressed, both LCD and external screens will be active. The third time pressing Fn+F7 will revert the display to be active only on the LCD.

Assuming that you see a perfect display on the external monitor, the cheapest attempt for a cure would be to replace the LCD ribbon cable. They're fairly inexpensive off of eBay; somewhere around $15 shipped. Just be sure to get the proper type. XGA and SXGA+ screens use different cables. Prior to buying the cable you should closely inspect the cable for any tears or cracks, especially near the area where it exits the base and enters into the lid. Another symptom which might point to a damaged ribbon cable would be if moving the lid back and forth disturbs the display.

If you do see the same type of problem on the external display, then that usually means a motherboard problem (not all that cheap but it shouldn't run more than $35-$50). Possibly the most expensive fix would be to replace the LCD panel. If you do go this route, then it might be easier to buy a known good complete lid assembly (lid, LCD, cable, inverter) and swap it out.

wassallj · #4 Post by **wassallj** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 6:06 am

I am having the same problem with my T30. My external monitor shows the same display as the LCD. If I shake the T30 it will settle down and the display will become readable again. What kind of motherboard problem do you think this would be and what would cost $35 to $50?

#5 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:06 am

A T30 mobo will set you back nearer to, or over $100.-
As discussed above, start with the LCD cable.
Some T30s have a problem with the graphics array, which may come loose and cause intermittent (or no) video on the LCD.
Only way to fix is re-balling the BGA or replace the mobo.

jack_furlong · #6 Post by **jack_furlong** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:20 am

Thanks so much for the info!

T22 Screen Problem

T22 Screen Problem

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