IBM ThinkPad 560X "Screen display very Dark"

[ThinkPad560X]

My IBM ThinkPad 560X display is very dark and the Display bar doesn't do anything. When I power it on, I can faitly see the White lettering ThinkPad logo on the screen and loads to Windows. I must have light shining on the screen to see whats on it. Is there a way to fix this. My laptop works fine accept for this.

[rkawakami]

I'd say that there can be several possibilities:

- the backlight inside the LCD panel has gone out; sometimes referred to as the CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp)
- the inverter board in the laptop is defective (its purpose is to convert a low DC voltage to a high AC voltage)
- the flexible cable that connects the display to the motherboard is broken
- or there's a problem on the motherboard itself which is preventing power to get to the inverter

On most Thinkpads there's a switch near one of the hinges which when pressed down, turns off power to the display. Normally a small piece of plastic on the lid will push down on a plunger. If that plunger mechanism is stuck, then this can interrupt power to the backlight. Check this first. If the switch seems to be moving up and down freely, then most likely the problem is with the inverter or the CCFL. If the screen has had a pinkish hue to it recently, then I'd say your CCFL has died. It's fairly hard to replace the just backlight; the inverter generally is easy to swap out. You can use the Hardware Maintenance Manual to figure out how to extract it:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... FAN-3T5RFV

Note that there are two different inverter boards for a 560X. It depends upon the type of display (DSTN or TFT). If you are not sure which you have (and even if you do), it's best to list your TYPE number(s) of your Thinkpad system(s) in your signature line so we know how your system is configured. I'd do that in my own signature field but there's not enough room .

P.S. Moved this thread from Off Topic to Legacy forum.

[ThinkPad560X]

I did some online research on it and I mostly get the BackLight. I looking on google images and Its just a long light with the pink and white wire. Witch had my 560X open today and seen the wires atop. Could the light be unsrewed like those Fluorescent Lighting long white bulbs? Sometimes I have to hit those or rescrew them to light back up. Other than that, the Backlights I seen on ebay are around $8.00

I took my Fluorescent FlashLight and shined it on the back of the screen when powerd on and the screen looked liked it was on. So I'm sure its the back Light aswell.

[rkawakami]

Usually the backlight is buried within an edge of the LCD panel. You generally have to disassemble the panel in order to access the lamp and replace it. The wires leading from the inverter are soldered to the ends of the lamp. I'm not an expert on LCD panels but I don't believe that any of the laptop panels are constructed such that you can simply unscrew the lamp like you can household fluorescent tubes. See the following site for what's generally involved:

http://www.lcdparts.net/howto/instructi ... 6D72VC1CAA (specific instructions for one Hitachi panel)

If you have inspected the lid switch and it appears to be functional (i.e., pressing it down puts the system into standby, if Windows is configured to do so), then my usual recommendation would be to next check/replace the inverter. However, your 560X could have one of three different inverters. By the way, what is the TYPE number of your system? It should be on the bottom of the system and is probably 2640-60U (DSTN panel) or 2640-70U (TFT). Given the age of your system and the fact that inverters don't fail that often without some sort of extra help (shorting the outputs or turning on the system without a lamp connected to it), most likely you are looking at a bad backlight but attempting to replace the CCFL could result in damage to the panel. There doesn't seem to be a 100% test for determining if the problem is with the bulb or the inverter without using special test equipment. The practical side of me says to replace the inverter since it's easier to swap and cheaper than buying a new LCD panel if something bad happens during the CCFL exchange. They're usually less than $15 on eBay but since you have an older system, there may not be too many of them for sale. The other thing you can do is buy a suitable replacement CCFL (about $20) and temporarily hook it up to the output of the inverter and see if it lights. However, if you do this, be very careful with the wiring as there is extremely high voltage present.

I tried to come up with a cheap, safe and reliable method of checking an inverter and came up with this:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=48910

The only problem is that it's not reliable. A bad CCFL can prevent the inverter from fully turning on and thus keeping the neon bulb from lighting. For the "dead" panels that I've tested using this method, the neon bulb will flicker slightly when the system is turned on and I know for a fact that the inverter is good since it works with another panel.

[archer6]

A bad CCFL can prevent the inverter from fully turning on and thus keeping the neon bulb from lighting. For the "dead" panels that I've tested using this method, the neon bulb will flicker slightly when the system is turned on and I know for a fact that the inverter is good since it works with another panel.

This has been my experience a couple of times in the past. Each time I have been fortunate to have success by simply replacing the inverter as you've mentioned. I'm not suggesting that's the case here, just commenting on my experience.
.
My question is... based on your experience with ThinkPad TFT, CCFL displays, typically how long does the CCFL last before becoming too dim to be useful? I realize that's a tough question due to the many variables, however I would enjoy hearing your experience and viewpoint on this.
.
Thanks!
Posted via BlackBerry

[rkawakami]

I'm about 50-50 when it comes to a bad inverter or bad CCFL. Like you, I've replaced the inverter and found that it fixed the problem. There have also been times where it did not and I'm left assuming that the CCFL has burned out (used known good inverters and/or swapped complete lid assemblies in those cases). As I typically buy "parts or repair" systems off of eBay, with known bad displays sometimes part of the description, I'll present some skewed data as far as longevity of CCFL is concerned . I tend to look at wireless T23, A31p and X2 systems so that puts the manufacturing date around 2001-2002, although I've been known to pick up an occasional T4x (2004), A21p (2000) or a 600X (1999 or 2000). The last A21p I got back in September has a very bright screen but I don't really know if anyone has done any work to it; have never bothered to take the LCD out of the system. I also must say that I have a couple of systems which have the typical pink hue upon power up which goes away after 30 seconds or so. This is usually taken as a sign that the backlight is on its way out. One T23 in particular was received that way over 2 1/2 years ago (Sept. 2006) and has been used almost every single work day since then. Some days it would get powered up three times and run continuously for 6 or 7 hours. That panel has appeared to have dimmed very slightly since I received it. The CCFL has not died on me although it does now take a little bit longer to get fully white. As it has been my favorite T23, I've inadvertently stressed the display with this constant usage but it still keeps going. Other pink displays in my arsenal also have not totally given out but I haven't used them as much as this particular T23. As far as displays being too dim to be useful, about the only system I can recall which might fit that description would be one of the 600 series. I remember thinking that it would make a good candidate for trying out my CCFL replacement skills if I ever get around to it.

[ThinkPad560X]

I own a IBM ThinkPad 380Z with the same problem as my 560X. But the good thing when I was fixing it was I had a Parts 380Z aswell. The problem with the 380Z was the LCD would clicker and go dark aswell and see the faint background. I replaced the inverter and no luck and then tryed the good LCD Ribbon from the other 380Z and it worked. but the bad thing was at the time I had the parts one for sell and said the screen worked so I couldn't of just kept it. So had to look for one for mine. and it is VERY Hard to find a IBM ThinkPad 380Z LCD Ribbon because the 380Z is diffrent from all the 380 Series, its the only 13" full screen, all the others are 12" with the slide bar on the right side. luckly I found one on ebay. You can find a LCD ribbon for it off a Parts site if willing to pay $129.99 for one. But found one on ebay for $9.00

But the LCD Ribbon on my 560X isn't riped. If there is even a small rip in the Ribbon its more than likly it will be damaged. Also will a BestBuy be able to test to see if its the Inverter. Because it would be easier to replace the inverter. just remove the 2 screws holding it to the LCD.

[archer6]

<snip> As far as displays being too dim to be useful, about the only system I can recall which might fit that description would be one of the 600 series. I remember thinking that it would make a good candidate for trying out my CCFL replacement skills if I ever get around to it. <snip>

Thanks for your response, it was a great read. How ironic, I still have my second ThinkPad which is also a 600 and the display is out, it simply quit one day just after the warranty ran out. It's been a tempting project, but like all of us time is always at a premium. I will get around to it one day and look forward to the challenge.

Cheers...

[ThinkPad560X]

I sold my very first IBM ThinkPad, the first IBM ThinkPad 560 basic with the 12" 1 slide bar ajust screen. My reason for selling it was because today everything needs a USB port and WiFi. Witch it didn't have a USB port and didn't read my PCMCIA WiFi Card and USB 2 ports 2.0 Card. I liked how small it was I bought a 560X and its the same thing but has a USB port 1.0 on the back and reads WiFi cards.

I own many others aswell. IBM ThinkPad 560X, ThinkPad 380Z, ThinkPad R40, ThinkPad T41 and a IBM NetVista M42 "Desktop"

Use to own a ThinkPad 560, T20, i1200, R31. Mostly get part repair ones of ebay for a project and use for awail and then sell them.

Still would like to have a X Series Tho. I think, atleast they are about 1" smaller than my 560X.
I was trying to get a IBM ThinkPad S30 the smallest ThinkPad ever made, even smaller than the 240, seen images of a X20,240,S30 together. I tryed to conntact sellers from HongKong with no luck selling them. they were only sold in Japan.

[rkawakami]

Also will a BestBuy be able to test to see if its the Inverter. Because it would be easier to replace the inverter. just remove the 2 screws holding it to the LCD.

I wouldn't think that BestBuy techs (i.e., Geek Squad) could verify that your inverter is fully functional. My understanding is that it takes some fairly specialized equipment to determine if the voltage and frequency are correct. In other words, you can't simply hook up a voltmeter to the end of the inverter and say that it's bad or good; I tried this and it wasn't pretty . Typical troubleshooting steps for cases like this are to replace the inverter first because as you said, it's generally the easiest to get to and fairly inexpensive. Of course, if you had another 560X laptop, then swapping pieces around would be way to go.

Also it's highly doubtful that BestBuy or any other retail electronics store would have the exact replacement inverter that your 560X requires. At this stage of the laptop's life, your best bet would be to search eBay, check your local craigslist page or put up a WTB (want to buy) post here in the Marketplace forum.

[ThinkPad560X]

I guess my CMOS Battery is dead on my 560X aswell, A error keeps coming up everytime I turn on the laptop and sends me to set the Date and Time. I know where the Battery is. Its located next to the RAM. Can I get this battery at a normal retail store that sells normal batterys like AAA, AA. I think I remember seeing these for sale at some stores. they look like a dime. Is it easy to replace the battery? Its wraped in a yellow cover with a red and black wire coming out.

Also can this battery be recharged? I looked on google for some questions and it says yes. And the reason for the dead CMOS is because the computer has been off for a long time. So that maybe mine reason. My 560X hasn't been on for a long wail. I think it does charge alittle. Sometimes it doesn't come up with the error. So i'll leave on charger tonight to see.

[rkawakami]

Can you double check that battery? The HMM appears to say that there's a battery holder and that the battery simply snaps in without any wires.

Some of the older Thinkpads use a standard "coin" or "button" battery that's inserted into a plastic holder. Newer Thinkpad CMOS (aka, backup or RTC) batteries are pre-wired with a small connector at the end which plugs into the motherboard. The battery itself is a normal CR2025 or CR2032 type "coin" battery but with the wires spot-welded on. In fact some people will take the old battery, cut off the wires and tape them to a new store-bought CR20xx battery. Personally I don't subscribe to this type of repair as it's hard to maintain a good electrical connection to the surface of the battery (soldering on the wires is highly not recommended due to possible leakage and/or explosion).

The information that I can find online says that the battery is a CR1220. Quite possibly you could find them at a drug store, hardware store, Radio Shack, etc. Should cost around $5 or so. If it does come out of the holder without any wires attached, take it with you so that you can match it up with a replacement. Specs says that it should be a 3V lithium battery.

The CMOS battery is not rechargeable. Plugging in the AC adapter will not help. Typical life for lithium coin batteries is about 7-10 years. Once your system starts to report lost date and time information, it's time to replace that battery.

[ThinkPad560X]

My old basic 560 had the Battery where you can just snap it in the round plastic holder next to the RAM. My current 560X is taped to the laptop with a yellow covering and a red and black wire pluging into the laptop like all the new ones are. atleast my T41, R40 380Z have this same way.
The battery seems to hold a charge since im using it now. when I unplug the AC Adapter and reput it back in it doesn't give the error anymore. but will see tomorrow if its lasting.

[ThinkPad560X]

Does anyone know about the Compact flash IDE Adapters? I found some on ebay. I'm getting those SOLID STATE Hard Drives.
I'm wanting to do away with all Hard Disk Drives in all my laptops because after a few years the hard drives get old and start clicking and later during a boot you'll get a Error message saying
"Error reading Disk, Replace the Disk and restart your computer"
All my laptops have a 160GB HDD and I'm wanting to find a Compact flash memory card in 160GB capcity. Does anyone know where I can find one?
(Copy and Past Link)
http://www.dddgames.com/japi/blogpics/rd_IMG_5059.JPG

[ThinkPad560X]

Does anyone know where I can find a cheap Inverter board? Not $50 and above. I wrote down the part number of the Inverter and I get a search on google of IBM ThinkPad 560X Series.
Part number: FRU P/N 10L1210

I ordered a CMOS battery off ebay the other day, So I don't have to worry about having to set the time and date every time I turn on the laptop. Also The IDE Compact flash card adapter works and it loads fast. using a 16GB with Windows XP Home Edition on it. laptop makes no sound at all. plus it don't have a fan tho. But no more worries of Hard Drive clicking or crash.

[ThinkPad560X]

Does anyone know how you can repair the LCD Inverter?

[Neil]

Much easier, and less frustrating to just replace an inverter. However, I had a 770X where the brightness slider didn't do anything, and the display was stuck on the dim side of the range. Well, I discovered that by pressing on the LCD surround in the area of the inverter, the LCD would brighten. So I pulled the inverter out and reflowed the solder joints where the slider attaches to the PCB and that "fixed" my inverter. YMMV.

[ThinkPad560X]

I got my new LCD Inverter for my ThinkPad 560X and put it in and turn it on and the screen is still black with faded ThinkPad logo in background. How do I fix the LCD back light?

[tfflivemb2]

I got my new LCD Inverter for my ThinkPad 560X and put it in and turn it on and the screen is still black with faded ThinkPad logo in background. How do I fix the LCD back light?

It isn't very easy. It might be easier to replace the entire LCD.

However, if you want to try to replace the CCFL (backlight), you can read the 600 series tutorial, at the top of this (the Legacy) Conference... It should work well as a guide on what to do, but obviously for a different machine. I used it to replace one on an X20...

[ThinkPad560X]

I bought a new IBM ThinkPad 560X LCD screen "Bezel and all" and installed it on my 560X. Powered it on and got the same dark screen with the IBM ThinkPad logo faded. I remember reading something a long time ago about if you would shut down the computer connected to an external monitor the 560X LCD would be dark. How do I fix this

[TTA]

I bought a new IBM ThinkPad 560X LCD screen "Bezel and all" and installed it on my 560X. Powered it on and got the same dark screen with the IBM ThinkPad logo faded. I remember reading something a long time ago about if you would shut down the computer connected to an external monitor the 560X LCD would be dark. How do I fix this

770's would be 'dark' with the wrong powersupply, ar you useing the right one or maybe is it failing?

[virge]

I bought a new IBM ThinkPad 560X LCD screen "Bezel and all" and installed it on my 560X. Powered it on and got the same dark screen with the IBM ThinkPad logo faded. I remember reading something a long time ago about if you would shut down the computer connected to an external monitor the 560X LCD would be dark. How do I fix this

Perhaps you are thinking of the Fn+F7 for Fn+F3 combinations? Also you may want to check the lid switch to see if its stuck. Don't remember where its located... its been about six years since I've opened up a 560X!

[ThinkPad560X]

I tryed the F7 and just kept switch from External display to laptop. F3 didn't do anything. and I know the LCD lid button isn't down. I had the keyboard and frame off and cleaned the hair and dust out of it and checked the LCD cable and nothing. I even replaced the entire LCD bezel and all.

[ThinkPad560X]

Could the LCD be dark because of the LCD Ribbon? I only replaced the LCD and not the cable.

[ThinkPad560X]

I started messing with my ThinkPad 560X yesterday and still has the dark dim screen. I replaced the LCD Ribbion with the other screen I bought but when I turned on the laptop it didn't show any faded background at all and just put the orginal one back in. So is it the LCD Ribbion? I don't see any rips in any of the two.