T21 screen went out

[sambocaesar]

I'm having the same issue with a 6-yr old T21.

I've learned quite a bit on these forums, but w/o going into too much detail, I am only surmising (or repeating) what I've read. Anyone, feel free to correct my assumptions, as they are assumptions, since I have yet to correct my own T21 lcd problem.

Definitely check cables first .. cheapest thing to do, but unless, you jostle your laptop around quite a bit, seems unlikely, but still possible.

If one can still see the image (although barely), I would say the inverter is still working. I would think, a failed inverter would not push any power to the lcd. (Experts correct me if I'm wrong).

So, it sounds like the backlight, aka CCFL, has burned out. I've read that it can be replaced manually, but with care by novices following expert instructions.

Used inverters cost between 10 and 20 bucks on eBay.
Backlights about the same, I think.

It's the labor that will cost you if you have an expert do it. Not sure of that costs ... probably in the range of 75-100 dollars.

Replacement lcd's range from 75 - 180 dollars depending on model, but may not include inverters. Seems easier to just replace whole thing than to take it apart, but of course, more costly.

I'm trying to decide what to do about my T21 as I'm typing this now. I'm leaning toward fixing it myself, then donating or giving it away as a hand-me-down to a family member. Probably time for a new laptop. I've only replaced kb bezel and motherboard, but it's like an old car that gets older with time .. more stuff starts failing .. not necessarily planned obsolesence, but the nature of the beast.

Good luck.
Sam

[tfflivemb2]

Hi,

I moved your post over to the T2x & T3x series conference, so that you can get more responses.

First, if you are going to try to replace the CCFL, it isn't too hard. Try using the sticky thread from the 600/700 conferenceas a guide for replacing the CCFL. I used it to get to the FFCL in a T20, though I didn't complete the process because I realized that I had another 14.1" LCD that worked, so I swapped them instead.