Strange T61 LCD/Inverter/Cable Problem

[91011]

Was swapping out a dim T61 (7661-Y6U) SXGA LCD with a replacement, something I’ve done many times, and ran across a strange problem.

At the first power up, the boot screen appeared for a few seconds, there was a pffft sound and the screen went black (external still worked).
Upon inspection at least one and probably three components on the inverter were fried.

Assuming I screwed up, put the original LCD back in with a new inverter and it went also went pffft.
Same components were fried.
Picture, top one with gunk removed: http://s12.postimage.org/hpk3ccfsd/Inverter.jpg

I have another LCD cable but need to get a third inverter.
If it fries again with a different LCD cable there’s really nothing left but the MB – which was working fine?

Any thoughts?

Thanks, John

[ajkula66]

This might be a huge stretch, but...

Do you know for a fact that the replacement screen was fully functional? Here's why I'm asking:

Under certain conditions, a defective CCFL will in fact blow the inverter. Your dying original panel might qualify for producing this scenario. However, if the replacement LCD was a *known tested good* unit...well, then I'm out of ideas for now.

[91011]

Thanks George, the replacement panel had the ‘serviceable used part’ sticker on it I’m inclined to believe it’s good but can’t swear to it.
I’ll borrow a known to be working panel to use with the second LCD cable when I get the next sacrificial inverter.