Screen issue - is this the ribbon cable? **PIC WARNING

[overworked]

Hi all,

When I start or wake my T60 1951-CTO from sleep, the screen often looks like this:



If I give the screen a good "waggle" it sorts itself pretty quickly. It seems to me that the problem is therefore probably with the ribbon cable rather than the screen itself. Do you guys agree?

Assuming I'm right, is it part 91P6982 that I want?

Many thanks for giving me the benefit of your collective Thinkpad expertise!

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

In my opinion, it could either be the ribbon cable or the panel itself. FRU 91P6982 is the 14.1" cable, without Bluetooth, so if that describes your system, then yes. You might also try simply re-seating the cable on both ends (behind the panel and on the motherboard). If that doesn't fix the problem, then replace the cable. If that doesn't work, then consider replacing the panel.

[overworked]

Wow. That was quick. Thank you. I'll report back once I've got a solution.

[richk]

Screens that look like that are usually a sick panel

[wap32]

I've recently had the same problem due to a bad screen.

[overworked]

Hmmm. This is going to get very expensive, isn't it?

Is the consensus that it's worth trying the ribbon cable first, or is this definitely a bad screen?

[rkawakami]

LCD ribbon cables are about $20- $30 (~25 Euro). LCD panels start out at maybe $100 and can go upwards of around $150. If it were me, I'd rather spend $25 on a cable and be wrong, then spend $125 on an LCD and be wrong. However, I'd still try the no cost solutions of re-seating the cable and closely inspecting the entire length of the cable to see if there's any tears, breaks or cracks. While you're at it, try applying some slight pressure along the edges of the LCD panel and see if you get the problem to appear at will. That could pinpoint the source of the problem. If re-seating/flexing the cable does nothing to make half the screen disappear but handling the LCD panel does, then you will have found the issue.

[overworked]

Thanks for all fo the replies. I will get my screwdriver out after work today, and report back.

[Harryc]

I will get my screwdriver out after work today ...

Use a #1 Phillips

[mr.motoring]

I'm sorry to say it's the LCD. The culprit is the bottom row driver on the left side of the LCD is loose. If you apply pressure to that side, it will display until you let go.

If you never close your lid, you can use any kind of shim and insert it inside the assembly which would apply constant pressure.

[overworked]

Hi all,

Yep, I've confirmed that it's the LCD. Bummer!

Is there a supersecret supplier of LCDs for T60s? Or do I have to go to Lenovo?

Thanks.

[RealBlackStuff]

Can you be a bit more specific about your 1951-CTO ? Is there a PRODUCT ID under the TYPE on the label on the bottom?
Is that 14,1", 15", widescreen?
XGA, SXGA+, UXGA etc.?
eBay has lots of them, but it is advisable to go for a REAL IBM/Lenovo LCD, rather than for one, where the seller claims it is "compatible with..".
If you find something, verify with us, before you buy!

[overworked]

Can you be a bit more specific about your 1951-CTO ? Is there a PRODUCT ID under the TYPE on the label on the bottom?

Product ID is 1951W6Z.

Is that 14,1", 15", widescreen?
XGA, SXGA+, UXGA etc.?

It's a 14.1" XGA (1024x768).

Also, I am UK-based so if anyone has suggestions for UK suppliers that'd be terrific.

[RealBlackStuff]

You're partly in luck.
Correction (but irrelevant now): The T60 14.1" XGA LCD can also be used in the T4x series.

Put a Want To Buy (WTB) ad in our Marketforum, specifying preferred location = UK.

Oops, I got slapped on the wrist. T4x 14.1" LCDs do NOT work in the T6x, but do the other way around..

[richk]

T40 LCDs do NOT work in T60 machines unless they are manufactured by BOE. Samsung and LG panels made for T40 do not work in T60. They have no eeid eeprom. T60 panels do work in T40

[overworked]

It looks like the part number I need it 13N7055. Is that right?