Screen flashes when it select <Function> F7

[docfxit]

When my A31p is powered up the screen is black. If I cycle through the <Function> F7 modes I can see the correct screen show the wallpaper and icons for a second then it goes black again. What could the problem be? It displays fine on an external monitor. I just tried a flashlight and I can see an image on the screen.

Thank you,

Docfxit

[RealBlackStuff]

If you had a pinkish/reddish LCD before, then you need to replace the backlight/CCFL.
Cheapest test: try another LCD or replace the inverter.
But most likely: corrupt VRAM. Solution: new mobo.

[docfxit]

If you had a pinkish/reddish LCD before, then you need to replace the backlight/CCFL.
Cheapest test: try another LCD or replace the inverter.
But most likely: corrupt VRAM. Solution: new mobo.

That sounds great. You've covered all the bases. Sounds like I need to replace everything from your post.

I'd rather not spend the money on replacing everything on this laptop. The mother board was replaced less than a year ago.

If I had all the parts here I could test each one out to see what is bad. I don't have any parts here. That means I would have to buy everything.

Thanks,

Docfxit

[RealBlackStuff]

You didn't say if you had pink/red before, but seem to confirm this.
From your description (tried a flashlight and can see an image) it could be just a dead CCFL.
Ca. $17.- for parts, and VERY steady hands required for a DIY job of 30-60 minutes.

[docfxit]

You didn't say if you had pink/red before, but seem to confirm this.
From your description (tried a flashlight and can see an image) it could be just a dead CCFL.
Ca. $17.- for parts, and VERY steady hands required for a DIY job of 30-60 minutes.

That sounds much better. Do you have any idea where I might be able to get it for $17?

Thank you very much.

Docfxit

[ajkula66]

A good place to start...

www.moniserv.com

That being said, I always advise people against changing the CCFL on their own, especially on older machines...been there, done that and said "never again"...the chances of destroying the screen are excellent, even when one is careful. Dust is your biggest enemy.

Good luck.

[RealBlackStuff]

Read my post here, then decide: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=88991
And don't ask me, I won't do it for you.

[docfxit]

A good place to start...

www.moniserv.com

I tried to get an inverter from them. They don't have and can't get my inverter for an A31p.

Does anyone else have a good source for an inverter?

Thanks,

Docfxit

[ajkula66]

That was a recommendation for a CCFL, not an inverter...

I probably have a few spare inverters but won't be able to look for them before the weekend...

[docfxit]

That was a recommendation for a CCFL, not an inverter...

I probably have a few spare inverters but won't be able to look for them before the weekend...

Please let me know if you have one that you would like to put to good use.

The one that is installed is FRU 91P7737

You are welcome to contact me privately if you like.

Thanks,

Docfxit

[docfxit]

That was a recommendation for a CCFL, not an inverter...

I probably have a few spare inverters but won't be able to look for them before the weekend...

Did you have any time to look for one over the weekend?

Thanks,

Docfxit

[ajkula66]

No, sir, I did not.

Will drop you a PM in a day or two when I get to the "magic box"...

[docfxit]

No, sir, I did not.

Will drop you a PM in a day or two when I get to the "magic box"...

Do you have any idea when that might happen?

I'd like to get this fixed.

Thanks,

Docfxit

[ajkula66]

If you're in a rush, get one on feebay.

I don't mind helping when I can, but I'm a VERY busy guy...so I'll get to it when I get to it...