T61p backlight went out, any suggestions?

[scl23enn4m3]

My beloved T61p has a backlight failure after it got bumped against a table. I'm not sure if it's an inverter issue or if the actual bulb went out. My options right now seem to be to order a inverter and see if that's the problem, and if that doesn't work replace the actual ccfl. I don't mind doing either, but frankly I'd like to avoid it especially since WUXGA screens can be had for ~$60 on ebay.

Is there any value in parting this out? I'm using it hooked up to an external monitor. And the nvidia GPU has never had a problem (I need to check when the board was made).

[TuuS]

The fact that the external video works isn't an assurance that your gpu is working, but if it is, the boards from units with 08/08 or newer have significant value, the older ones don't.

If you need an inverter I have some, I also have some wxga and wsxga+ screens. The inverters are $10 and the screens start at $20 plus shipping.

[scl23enn4m3]

Thanks for the response. Can you tell me where the manufacturer's date is located? I have everything apart but haven't separated the motherboard from the bottom casing yet.

As for the GPU, I don't see why it wouldn't be functioning properly. It's still handling what it used to without problem. For now I'm just going to assume it's not an issue

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[Cigarguy]

The date code is on a sticker at the bottom of the machine. It's on the same sticker that shows the machine type and serial #. The format will be something like 08/02 which stands for Feb 2008.

Nvidia GPU of this generation had an internal fault which make all machines with these GPU (from any laptop maker) a ticking time bomb. It doesn't mean that it will fail but there's a good chance that it might. I've got 4 machines with Nvidia 140m graphics that so far have not failed and only one with 08/09 date code.

If it's the ccfl that failed, it would be easier to replace the whole screen as changing ccfl is not for the faint hearted. The marketplace of this forum have some screens on sale by some very reputable member of this forum. TuuS for example is a great guy to deal with and is very knowledgeable when it comes to all things T61.

If you see a faint, very very faint "Thinkpad" logo upon boot up (before entering BIOS), then it could be an inverter or possibly a tripped fuse on the MB. If it's the fuse then it'll be a lot more work. To much work IMO, it's easier to just replace the MB.

[RealBlackStuff]

The fuse in question (i.e.feeding the backlight) sits to the immediate right of the mobo's LCD-connector.
If you have a multimeter, you can check it for continuity before you take the lot apart.
If the fuse is bad, you'll need to take the whole laptop apart and the mobo out of it's chassis.
The fuse itself only costs a few cents (but shipping can add considerably to that price).
You don't replace the fuse, you just solder the new one piggyback-style on top of the old one, takes only a minute or so.
And would be a LOT cheaper than replacing the mobo!

[scl23enn4m3]

If the motherboard was replaced (multiple times) under warranty, would the date on the case still be accurate?

Edit: Date states July 2010. I bought the laptop in 2007/08, so I'm guessing they updated the sticker when doing the swap?

Second edit, just realized I had the numbers backwards. 07/10 would be October 2007, correct? That's right when I ordered it, so its probably the original sticker.

[RealBlackStuff]

The date is in format YY/MM.

[farmall]

Is there an improved LED backlight kit suitable for the WUXGA display?

I prefer WUXGA displays but I'd like mine much brighter. I don't need to dim it, ever, if that's relevant.

I've seen kits on the internet but trust this forum for display advice.

If the OP ends up needing a board and isn't emotionally attached to Nvidia, I just buy bases off Ebay with Intel boards then toss the best parts from both donors together. (Sellers often don't want to pull boards and let bases go cheaper than boards. Bases being near worthless without a board, I agree with their logic!)

[scl23enn4m3]

Is there a way to tell the motherboard's date of manufacture from the board itself and not the case?

[ajkula66]

Is there a way to tell the motherboard's date of manufacture from the board itself and not the case?

No.