T60 backlight dead - next steps?

[RichardI]

Hi everyone!

Backlight on my T60 is now dead. LCD is working. Backlight suddenly stopped working, and is off in BIOS as well. Did not have any screen tint.

I reseated LCD connectors, and the graphics card is definitely working.

I don't want to buy an inverter, then a display, and do progressive diagnostics beyond what I've already done. Should I buy a new LCD assembly? Or is there a significant chance (more than 10%) this is a motherboard problem?

Thank you!

[RealBlackStuff]

Try an external monitor to be sure.
A dead CCFL/backlight will not revive ever.
Depending on your technical level, you could try and replace the CCFL yourself, or buy a replacement LCD.
You MUST buy an IBM/Lenovo original LCD, not a so-called "guaranteed compatible", because they are NOT!
For CCFL swap, see if this helps: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=88991

[RichardI]

RealBlackStuff, thank you!

The graphics card works - I can see a faint correct screen image, though it doesn't illuminate. Pixels activate properly (bios, starting windows, etc.).

I don't want to replace the backlight to find out that it is an inverter problem or a motherboard blown fuse. Also, technically, this is just beyond what I am willing to do - replacing the display itself is quite fine. (15 inch XGA)

So I figured - buy an assembly and shoot several potential trouble spots at once. But if the motherboard could be an issue, maybe I should be looking for a new machine.

[RealBlackStuff]

Inverters rarely -if ever- die.
And a mobo problem is unlikely since the picture is displayed.
A complete XGA lid for a 15" T60 will set you back anywhere from $80.- upwards.
But try first in the Marketplace forum.

[RichardI]

Thank you, RealBlackStuff! You put my mind at ease.

[RichardI]

UPDATE:

I bought an entire replacement screen assembly (screen, lid, inverter assembled together), installed it and - lo and behold - the problem persists. No change in symptoms.

Backlight on the new lcd assembly does not power on. Display works fine (although it is almost completely black) and I can see pixels activating properly (Bios, starting windows, etc).

Does that mean it is a fuse on the motherboard? I don't have the skills to solder fuses on integrated circuits. Ship to lenovo? How much would that set me back?

[ajkula66]

You'd be better off buying a new laptop than shipping your unit to Lenovo...for $400-500 they would charge to swap a board you can do a lot nowadays...

[RichardI]

Oh well. Thank you, Ajkula. This was a really nice board - C2D 1.66 with Intel graphics. I will be looking to buy the exact same computer, then.