Thinkpads Forum

Hi,

I have a TP 240X that was running fine up until a couple weeks ago. However, currently, the display will flicker and get completely distorted at random intervals. This will last for a few seconds and then it goes back to normal. There doesn't seem to be a pattern and all other laptop functions are normal.

I searched the net and found a couple emails from people who indicated this was a common occurrence on the 240 line of laptops but no suggestions on what it could be or how to solve the problem.

Any other 240 owners experience this or can offer suggestions?

Thanks!

Generally the screen flicking/sudden distortion on 240/240x/240z is due to bad contacts of the vga cable/connectors.

Troubleshoot: press F4 and the surrounding keys hard a couple of times and see if it cause the screen flicking. If the answer is
1. Yes - Re-sit the video connector and secure the vga cable with tape(or replace the old tape/copper thingy)
2 .No - lightly tap the lower portion of the screen from the back with your finger(type A screen) or upper left edge of the screen(type B screen). If the tapping/flicking causes the screen distortion:
a. type A screen: open the screen assembly, re-sit the vga cable and secure the connector with tape on the back of the LCD panel.
b. type B screen: I wasn't able to disconnect the cable from the connector on the type B panel and therefore I have to say it's time to replace the screen.

How to tell if your screen is A type or B type?
The machine serial number starts with BA-ZXXXX is mostly B type, the rest of the serial numbers indicate that you have type A screen. Details can be found in 240/240x HMM.