x21 LCD initially reddens before working fine

[ansatzjp]

Hi. I have a X21 Thinkpad, which I have been using for the past four years. From about six months ago, the LCD initially reddens after I starting it up or waking it up from a stand-by mode, and then after about 30 seconds, it works just fine. What might be the cause of this problem? Thanks.

[3to4]

This is not based on my personal experience, but I have read that a bad backlight can cause such a phenomenon. I have read also that if such is the case, the inverter is stressed and becomes very hot, making a dangerous situation. I would replace the backlight to see if it improves.

[ansatzjp]

How much would it cost to replace the backlight?

[3to4]

How much would it cost to replace the backlight?

A backlight in Japan, where I bought some, costs the equivalent of 16 or 17USD. I think you can find them at similar prices in the US. To replace it, you will probably have to disassemble the LCD panel almost completely, and you need to remove the cables and solder them again. I say "probably" because i have done this on a different model. Be extremely carefull as the backlight is very fragile. Also, be carefull not to separate several layers of the LCD panel in order not to let dust in.