T22 flickers a lot on DC, still under warranty; what next?

Message

findrivr · #1 Post by **findrivr** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 1:04 pm

I'm the 2nd owner of this T22 [26478EU] with an xga display and its been great, except for one thing:
On DC, I get a continual, very minor screen flicker. It looks more like very quick changes of brightness level, up one bar, down two, etc, about every 1/2 second or so, but continuous and irregular.

Almost original config [except for BIOS update and more ram] :running a P-III, 900mhz, 512 ram on Phnx BIOS 4.0, rel 6.0 [4/27/04] and W2K, 5.0, bld 2195, 1024 x 768 in 32-Bit Color, S3 Graphics Savage/IX 1014 Ver. 6.13.
Also, I have the same problem w/an original IBM battery and an aftermarket, in all programs. No problem reports by Direct X or Norton System Utilities.
1st, wanted to check if this problem has been reported w/other T2* users as relatively common, or is it something in the power trasnformer or m/b and 2nd, if so, since the T22 is still under IBM warranty, should I send it in for service?
Any comments or suggestions appreciated,
Thanks,
Patrick

Orevin · #2 Post by **Orevin** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 1:40 pm

Sounds like the inverter, but if you have access to another power supply, try it first. If it doesn't help, send it in for repair. It's nice to have a warranty for this older machine.
Uhh, I hope this doesn't sound stupid, but did you try another power outlet? I have one particular in my apartment, that caused the exact same symptoms. Took a while to figure that out...

findrivr · #3 Post by **findrivr** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 3:28 pm

Not ot sound too engineer-like, but DC is direct current; the battery is DC. No prob's w/AC adapter [transforms current from AC to DC], only when on battery, whether original IBM or aftermarket, effect is the same.
I probably will call IBM/Lenovo and describe the problem to a support tech and then?

Feel free to commment or suggest.
Patrick

Orevin · #4 Post by **Orevin** » Sun Jun 11, 2006 5:12 pm

Sorry, didn't pay enough attention to the OP.
Might be a weak battery, but doubt it. I would send it in for repair.

hsand01 · #5 Post by **hsand01** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 9:18 am

I had a similar problem and i needed to replace the backlight in the screen. A way to tell if that is the problem is if when you first turn on the system does the screen have a red tint to it. If it does then you can pick up a new bulb for 10 bucks off the net. The guide on how to replace the bulb is http://personal.bellsouth.net/d/r/drseng/ThinkpadCCFL/ and you can purchase the bulb here http://www.lcdpart.com/Products/ms20290.html.

findrivr · #6 Post by **findrivr** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 3:53 pm

hsand01,
Not exhibiting that symptom; already mailed in to IBM/Lenovo for warranty service. I'll update this thread with the outcome. Stay tuned.
Patrick

findrivr · #7 Post by **findrivr** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 4:25 pm

Sorry about the delay; The T22 was returned within 5 days of pickup by DHL for IBM.

It is repaired; no more flickering screen on DC [battery power].

I'm not sure what they did, but here's the full text of the report they returned with the T22.

______________________________________________________

IBM EasyServ Repair Center
Repair Action Report
Mach Type: 2647-
Ser Num: 78*****
Job Num: 636****
Case Num: 30*****
Technician: *******, ****

Dear Customer,
Enclosed is your repaired ThinkPad. As outlined below, your ThinkPad was diagnosed and extensively tested to ensure the problem was corrected. If you think your ThinkPad does not work to your satisfaction, please call IBM Easy Serv at 1-800-426-7378.

Part Description
Planar Card
BIOS/Embedded Controller updates prescribed on IBM support page were performed on your machine to ensure reliability and performance eficiency.

Comments:

* See "Restoring your encryption keys" section at the end of this form.
** Replacement of base cover may require removal of the Certificate of Authenticity.
*** Replacement Hard Drive includes pre-load of the original factory software.
Certificate of Authenticity (COA), enter COA if base is changed and label cannot be transferred to the new base.
Your COA is
and represents proof of your valid OEM license for Microsoft operating system. IBM suggests that this letter be placed in an accesible location close to your ThinkPad.

Restoring Your Encryption Keys

To restore your encryption keys and regain access to your IBM embedded security subsystem, follow the directions on the http://www.pc.ibm.com/qtechinfo/MIGR-46112.html website.

If your computer requires a security key restoration, you will not be able to download the utility from the Internet using the serviced computer. You must use another computer to download the required utility.

______________________________________________________

....that's it.
I presume the only service performed was the Planar Card replacement and the BIOS / Embedded Controller updates. The rest of the text appear to be default footnotes if they are required as reference.
It works beautifully and reliably again; Let me know what you think.

Patrick

#8 Post by **rkawakami** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 5:02 pm

Planar Card, generally = "motherboard". Of course, "planar" could also be any printed circuit board. I would hope that they would go through the trouble of cloning your serial number and possibly the UUID to the new motherboard, but the system board serial number would have changed. You can check by enter the BIOS setup but if you don't know what your previous board number was then it's a moot point.

#9 Post by **gator** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:20 pm

I have just started noticing this problem of minor and rapid screen flicker when my T23 is on the battery

Sandstorm83 · #10 Post by **Sandstorm83** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 1:55 am

Same problem here, Ive recently noticed the same issue on my T22 while on battery

T22 flickers a lot on DC, still under warranty; what next?

T22 flickers a lot on DC, still under warranty; what next?

Who is online