Thinkpads Forum

Hi,

I have a TP240X running Windows XP. Great little machine but there is one problem that unfortunately makes it just about useless. The LCD will randomly become distorted and completely illegible when in use. After some troubleshooting, I found that if I press on the plastic bezel just below the screen, the problem corrects itself for a while before it comes back again.

Apparently the video cable runs up and terminates with a connector behind this bezel. By pressing the bezel, I'm actually pressing this connector which seems to be loose. Can anyone recommend a way to permanently fix this loose connector? I tried stuffing a piece of foam between the bezel and connector in order to place a constant pressure on the connector. It worked for a few days but then it became loose again.

Thanks.

The video cable takes the following route from the motherboard.
The cable starts with a plugged in connector that is visible once
the keyboard is removed. Just above that is a strip of copperized
tape that (should) hold the cable in place so the connector doesn't
come lose.
From there the cable goes between the strain relief bracket that
is visible in the LCD bezel. Finally the cable goes into the LCD screen.

I doubt the MB connector became loose, but it's enough easy to check.
The more likely cause is that the cable is either pinched or frayed inside
the strain relief.
The only way to check that is to remove the LCD bezel which isn't
that easy, but it has to be done.

Good luck

Tim S

Tim,

I believe the loose connector is the one at the LCD screen, not at the motherboard. That being said, any suggestions on fixing this problem? I guess I could put some tape over it to hold it down but I was looking for something more permanent so I wouldn't have to open the LCD assembly again for the same problem.

Could also be a loose inverter. Remove the LCD bezel and start checking there.
If no improvement, check the connector of the LCD cable into the LCD on the back of the screen.
If that is loose, a piece of ducttape will hold it in place nicely.