T42 Display Problem/Questions

[Bob Sears]

Happy New Year everyone !
The display on my beloved T42 (2373-JXU) died just before Christmas. My wife uses it for internet browsing, emails, etc. and just loves the display so I am trying to resurrect it.
It literally went black before my eyes as I was using it.

Here are the symptoms and what I have done:
-It appears the backlight has failed because I can still see the dark display with a flashlight. An external display monitor works just fine.
-I did not feel up to replacing the backlights after browsing through this forum, so I purchased a new panel (92P6680) from a reputable seller on ebay.
-Installation was pretty straightforward with no problems - except when I powered back up the replacement - the same problem persisted !!!
- It seems that my next logical step is to replace the inverter (93P4161).

Is my logic correct; or should I move in another direction?
If my logic is correct, do any of you gents happen to have a spare inverter lying around? None are currently available on ebay and I couldn't find any in the forum Marketplace.
Thanks in advance.

[rkawakami]

Logic is somewhat correct. Besides the inverter, a blown fuse could also be the problem. The inverter is easy to replace and shouldn't cost too much $$$. On the other hand, a fuse is somewhat cheaper but it requires some skill in soldering on the replacement. A fuse map for the T4x can be found here:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 69#p648669
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=67928

If it were me, I'd use my multimeter and verify that the F7 fuse reads near 0 ohms before going out and buying an inverter.

[ps390]

Logic is somewhat correct. You are probably looking here to find a solution. Besides the inverter, a blown fuse could also be the problem. The inverter is easy to replace and shouldn't cost too much $$$. On the other hand, a fuse is somewhat cheaper but it requires some skill in soldering on the replacement. A fuse map for the T4x can be found here:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 69#p648669
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=67928

If it were me, I'd use my multimeter and verify that the F7 fuse reads near 0 ohms before going out and buying an inverter. I believe if you try this solution, it should work.

did you try using the multimeter? reading the fuse to 0 ohms is much cheaper. Did it work?

[Bob Sears]

No, I did not.
I took a look at the resistor, and its size and it was just too daunting a task for my old eyes and shaky hands.....
So, I just retired the old girl.
She is sitting in my garage in a box waiting to be used as parts.
I would have acted on your suggestion a few years ago.
Thanks again for your interest and help.