Thinkpads Forum

T61 14' widescree - 1440x900 LCD screen

Timeline -

2 Weeks ago:
Shortly after turning the laptop on, an audible electric sounding 'pop' sound would come from around the bottom right bezel of the screen and the backlight is off(The thinkpad logo last about a second or two before going dark). This happen again on the log in page after windows is booted(the log in page appear for a few second before going dark again).
closing the lid down and up would allow the backlight on for several second.
When it first started, turning the laptop on and off for several times somehow allow the backlight to function properly again.
But each day it get worst

Today
Even during boot the backlight is not on anymore but the pop sound remains.

Misc. Information:
The LCD is still working as images can still be seen using a flashlight/sunlight.
all the LED is still functioning properly
Display out via the vga-port to an external monitor works.
I don't recall the screen going pinking/reddish.

--

From what I've read here and from other sources, it looks like either the inverter is broken, the backlight not functioning(aka have to change the whole lcd panel), or worst, the fuse is damage or something else.

i dont know if we're allowed to post a video link. i've read the posting faq and unable to find any information regarding a video link so i'll just post it below....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9914F4LblHM

listen closely at the 6s and at 51s...that is where the pop sound appear before the backlight is off. The video is done today so there wont be any Thinkpad logo appearing as well as the log in page.

Thoughts? Hopefully it's the inverter as that seems like an easier fix.

The fact that it's intermittent pretty much rules out a fuse, so I'd say it's either your inverter or lcd. I have both parts, if you're interested send me a PM.

As for your video, I can't really see anything significant in it, nor can I hear anything that would give me a clue. My gut feeling is LCD.

To hear the pop sound you will have to turn up the volume to maximum i would say. Like i mention its around the 5th-6th second and 51th second...at tht 5th-6th second u can see that the screen flikered abit...that is about the same time as the pop sound....its all dark in the video because i had to use a flashlight in order to see any images...and i did not use any in the video..but i can assure you its there...

From your explanation, the CCFL-tube has burnt through.
When it's cold it will work for a few seconds, then when it warms up, it stops working.
Replace the CCFL (rather difficult) or replace the LCD (with another one e.g. from TuuS).

so two weeks ago until before today, when the lcd somehow was working( not dark) it will keep on until the next shutdown.
what i mean is until today, if somehow the monitor is working properly, even if i move the laptop as long as the lcd is on, the backlight wont fail(the lcd wont go dark).
but if i shut it down and then move the laptop. Thats when the backlight will most likely fail and i had to restart the laptop(or adjust the angle of the lcd panel) over and over again just to get it to work again.
but it get worst each day(had to keep turn on and off more to get it to work)
and today it doesnot work anymore....

i could get them from tuss.
but i think it will cost more since i'm in germany and any import goods costing more than €50 is taxed.

Have you checked the LCD ribbon, along the back?
It serves the LCD,backlight, bluetooth and inverter
Damage to it may cause intermittent faults.
Might be a start.

i dont have the means to test whether the ribbon is damage or not...there isnt any visible damage that i am aware off(just pry open my lcd)...
i realise the led light comes from the inverter card as well, since the led is functioning, can the inverter still be the damage part?

kyo_udon wrote:
i could get them from tuss.
but i think it will cost more since i'm in germany and any import goods costing more than €50 is taxed.

I have a technique that can avoid the taxes , so far it's worked in every EU country including germany on several occasions , but the cost of international shipping is a factor you'd need to consider. I usually recommend express mail, which is very fast (3-5 days) and fully insured. There are cheaper methods of shipping, but they don't offer insurance so it would be very unwise to ship what amounts to be a VERY thin sheet of glass without shipping insurance.

I have most T61 screens, genuine lenovo grade A ranging from $25 to $80. I also have some very slightly blemished screens that are very affordable, as well as cables, inverters, etc...

well thank you for all the advise
receive a new inverter today, turn out changing them works...hope it'll last though...

TuuS wrote: I have a technique that can avoid the taxes , so far it's worked in every EU country including germany on several occasions , but the cost of international shipping is a factor you'd need to consider. I usually recommend express mail, which is very fast (3-5 days) and fully insured. There are cheaper methods of shipping, but they don't offer insurance so it would be very unwise to ship what amounts to be a VERY thin sheet of glass without shipping insurance.

I have most T61 screens, genuine lenovo grade A ranging from $25 to $80. I also have some very slightly blemished screens that are very affordable, as well as cables, inverters, etc...

how much would the inverter cost if i were to buy from you,and are they new? its pretty costly here in germany...
just in case mine broke again or anyone i know having the same problem.