Thinkpads Forum

I have a user with a T61, the display steadily got darker until it was black and the only way he could use the laptop was plugged into an external monitor. I've replaced the LCD and the problem remains. I don't have much more time to dedicate to this, so I've read what I could about it but it was a bit confusing. I can tell you the inverter card lights up properly, and if I shine a flashlight on the new display I can see the screen in there. I've read several references to the backlight--that was confusing because some said that replacing the lcd fixed that, and it does seem like that would be in it...but others have sounded like it was separate. And the others I've read mentioned a fuse on the system board, (if it's the system board we won't be replacing it). Can anyone offer any direction here?
Thanks so much, I appreciate your help!

If the CCFL does not light up, but you can just about see a minimum of display with your flashlight,
it means the Fuse F7, to the immediate right of the LCD connector on the motherboard, is dead.
You will need to remove the board from the chassis to replace it, resp. piggy-back solder a new one over it.

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I usually buy mine at: http://www.newark.com/
Stock No: 86H2954
Manufacturer Part No: 0466003.NR
Price: $0.526
Description: FUSE, SMD, 3A, 1206, FAST ACTING; Voltage Rating VAC:32V; Voltage Rating VDC:32V; Fuse Current:3A; Breaking Capacity:50A @ 32VAC/VDC; Blow Characteristic:Fast Acting; Series:466; Fuse Case Style:1206; Current Rating:3A

Thanks so much for your quick response, I appreciate it and found it very helpful!