my T40 has blotchy lcd -- can I fix it myself? with picture

[supernova87a]

Hi all,

I inherited a T40 laptop that is in good condition -- except for the lcd screen (which is why I was able to get it for relatively cheap). It's still usable, but cosmetically blotchy. I think someone spilled a coke all over it at some point. Don't believe the liquid is actually in between the lcd sandwich glass, because that would cause very significant opaque spots. These spots still show the underlying pixel, just brighter than normal. I want to say the liquid stain is like on the back of the lcd where the illumination is transmitted through. See this picture?



Do you think I could clean this myself? I have been able to take apart thinkpads for maintenance in the past, but nothing as complicated as actually separating the lcd from the cover. Or do you know any shops that would be willing to tackle this for not too much $$? Otherwise I'd just keep using it...

Thanks!

[K. Eng]

Have you tried cleaning the display yet?

If not, get some dustless cloths from Staples or other office supply store, and try warm water. If that doesn't work, try 90% or better isopropyl alcohol.

[supernova87a]

yes, it's very clearly on the back of the lcd, not the front. You can see the uneven illumination coming through the screen.

[pphilipko]

It's uneven backlighting. Get a new screen, if you can.

[supernova87a]

does anyone know how exactly the backlight works? I haven't found any diagrams for taking apart this part of the computer in any of the maintenance manuals.

Is it some kind of light conductive film that is stuck to the back, and maybe the liquid has gotten in there? Just trying to estimate how serious a job this would be... and also always have been curious about how the LCD backlight sends illumination to the entire screen.

[eric530]

still got a picture?
if its behind the lcd you might be able to clean it, I've never taken apart a thinkpad screen but with normal lcds (pc monitors) the lcd is just in a metal frame screwed to the backlight assembly which is just made of many different layers (plastics and acrylics) that evenly distribute the light from the ccfls on the edges. so If it were me, and I thought something had seeped behind the lcd, I guessI would try and disassemble it b4 buying anything. Just keep in might though the lcd is really easy to break once you take it out of its frame.

[supernova87a]

not sure why the previous picture was missing. here it is from a different location, replace above.

I guess I'll think about disassembling it, but would be much more comfortable if I had a manual description of the procedure. Wouldn't want to take a big chance and make it worse, after all.

[Navck]

That happened to me (But in small semi even dots) with that Klear Screen ****. It eventually dried out and turned transparent (Achohol content?)

[GomJabbar]

does anyone know how exactly the backlight works? I haven't found any diagrams for taking apart this part of the computer in any of the maintenance manuals.

You can find diagrams on pages 247 and 257 of the Hardware Maintenance Manual. You can download the Hardware Maintenance Manual by starting at the following link. Make your choices in the first two drop down boxes, click on continue, then click on publications.

http://www-3.ibm.com/pc/support/site.ws ... date=false

[redsb3]

Having worked on dozens of displays, your chances of success are not very good. Panels are extremely delicate in nature and liquid of any kind is not its friend. You can take it out and try, you have nothing to lose. Your only chance of success is if the spill is limited to the back of the display and didn't hit any of the circuit boards. If it manage to get inbetween the layers of glass, than a new panel is your only option. You cannot take apart the glass sandwich unless you have a clean room and it is almost impossible to disassemble without destroying some of the electrical connections that turn the pixels on and off. I would suggest while you have it out, write down the manuf., the manuf. part number, IBM part number and go shopping of eBay. The panel must match exactly to work, same manuf., same part number. You can use your current inverter since it is obviously working and LCD ribbon cable, but if you find a complete unit, that is display, inverter and correct cable,
take it. You can then use yours as a spare when the inverter goes bad. You can probably pick up a panel on eBay for around $200 or less, depends on manufacturer and availability. Good luck to you.

[eric530]

How does liquid get between the layers of an lcd panel? they all look sealed to me, wow i see that picture now, i cant tell if the lcds screwed up or if its just stains in the backlight, which you prolly could clean.