Thinkpads Forum

The screen seems to have what I would call a "loose wire"... meaning sometimes it doesn't fully light up (i.e. to bluescreen or desktop) unless I work it open and close a few times, or apply some pressure to the back of the screen. There is a little bit of backlight when it is in this "unlit" mode, so it is not completely dead. It is not a software / driver problem, rather it is something "mechanical". I imagine it as a loose wire in the hinges that has worked loose or been worn down. I have referred to the hardware manual, without any luck. Anyone have advice on what I can do?

It sounds similar to my problem:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... fbf86f9a4c

From what I can learn it is probably the inverter card:

http://zurich.ai.mit.edu/hypermail/thin ... /0066.html
http://zurich.csail.mit.edu/hypermail/t ... /0960.html

I haven't done anything yet, but I did discover thay toggling between the LCD and an external monitor (Fn-F7) also brings back the screen, eventually.

Good Luck

TJ Mertz

Thanks... sounds very similar. I will try the F7 toggle next time. Separately, what is Easy Serv? An IBM service center? How do I contact them?

John

I have a similar problem which I believe is caused by a "pinched" cable.
I had to replace the lcd panel not too long ago, and left out a plastic "doo-hicky" that fitted in the area between the screen and the lower case 'cause I couldn't figure out how to get it back in. When I started getting the problem you described, I surmised it was the inverter card. I replaced the card and still had the problem. Then I noticed that one of the ribbon cables connecting the two pieces was flexing and getting caught as I closed the lid. Now I understand what the "doo-hicky is for.
If I leave the lid open, evrything's ok, but if I close it (to take it somewhere) and then reopen it, the problem comes back. If I work the screen back and forth a bit, the problem goes away.
One of these days I'll buy some new cables and prove out my theory.
Good luck!