T23 XGA video hardware problem

[mpcook]

My son's T23 2647-LU4 has a hardware problem - typically when booted up on AC, the screen will go black, with a very dim image barely visible. Then when rebooted on battery, it generally comes up fine. This seems odd to me that it would depend on AC vs battery. Also, the screen will occasionally flicker. I brought his laptop home with me to see if I can fix it. Anyone have an idea of the problem...bad part or loose wire seems likely two possibilities. Would like to fix it as he uses it to watch TV via web, the SXGA I gave him doesn't do that near as well (see my other post on that problem).

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mike

[truk]

Is it ok if it is booted and then plugged in? What about plugged in without the battery in?

[mpcook]

I haven't tried it with the battery out, but it always boots when on battery only. When on AC, it will boot, then go black as Windows loads. I can get video back if I unplug the AC and cycle through Fn F7. Then if I plug the AC back in, it's still fine. This is odd behavior! If instead I cycle through Fn F7 without unplugging the AC, I get video on the LCD when the Fn F7 gets to "both" screens, but only for 1 - 2 seconds, then it goes black again. It displays fine on an external screen.

Mike

[truk]

Have you uninstalled and reinstalled all the video drivers? Try that if not. It sounds like the problem is in the OS.

[rkawakami]

I'd have to guess that you either have a weak inverter or a backlight that is causing the problem. Inverters for the T2x are fairly cheap; usually around $7-$10 in single unit quantities. Plus they are very easy to swap out. Just remove the three screws holding the LCD bezel in place, disconnect the plug going to the backlight and remove the inverter board from the plug on the ribbon cable. Naturally all of this should be done with AC and battery power removed from the system. Look for the part number 10L1402 on eBay.

If replacing the inverter doesn't help, then I'd look at swapping out the panel to see if the problem goes away. If another panel does the same thing, then something on the motherboard is the culprit.

[mpcook]

Thanks Ray, I will try the inverter.

Truk, the problem is identical with two different hard drives with new drivers installed each time.

Thanks for the advice.

Mike