T20 Screen trouble

[enito]

Hi, i need some tips for next step..
I have a t20 with a screen trouble, if i connect to monitor works..but lcd i see the text but without light, like you see very dark screen, only in some angle of view you see some stuff. I reemplaced the inverter, works again...but..some time again the same stuff.. Can be defective inverter?

I listen a sound when the lcd going to try on, can be the backlight?

any tips?

sorry for my english, and thx again..

[gearguy]

Either a defective inverter or the Backlight is beginning to run down, however, before you go replacing anything else yet, make sure the connections between the inverter and the light are good.


Good luck!

Also may I advice using your laptop on an external monitor when possible, this helps reduce the wear taken by the laptops' backlight

[enito]

Hi thx for reply, yeah i checked connections and stuff and all seem to be right...

what s the sympthons of Backlight and Inverter, i wanna know exactly difences...

thx

[tfflivemb2]

A bad backlight and bad inverter can have the same result...not lighting of the LCD.

An important note for the backlight: when it starts to fail, it usually starts with the LCD having a pink or reddish tint. However, sometimes it can go bad outright.

The inverter powers the backlight. If the inverter doesn't work, the backlight won't light the LCD. Either the inverter works or it doesn't....there isn't usually an in between.

Look at the backlight like a flourescent bulb in a warehouse...they usually turn a reddish/pink before going out...BUT sometimes they blow out right away.

The inverter is generally the cheaper option for replacing first. The backlight is cheap too, BUT it is a nightmare to replace.

[Eric Giles]

Is your screen the 13.3" or the 14.1" model? I ask because I have personally found the 13.3" screens used in the T2x series to be very failure prone. I know they are relatively rare as the 14.1" is more popular, but at work we originally purchased about 10 T21's with the 13.3" screen, and basically every one of them has failed within just a couple of years.

In my diagnosis of these screens, I am finding that the inverter is usually not the culprit. The first thing to go-in my experience on the 13.3" screens-is the LCD cable. It usually fails right above where it bends when opening and closing the lid. I can usually jiggle the cable in that area while the screen bezel is apart and make the backlight come on.

However, the backlights in these screens don't last long either. I have found that when I can get the backlight to turn on, the light emitted is pinkish for a bit till it warms up-so the CCFL needs replacing.

I have a stack of 13.3" screens that I just ordered LCD cables and new CCFL's for-looks like I am going to have some fun soon!

And to the original poster-best quick fix is to go on ebay and buy an XGA 14.1" screen assembly from another T2x model.

[enito]

Thx a lot for you good reply,

dont know exactly how now if 13 or 14, a method easy for know?

i never haved a pink screen or something...

The weird stuff i replaced inverter with one (no really good but working) and screen back..but some time again balck with ghost images..i try to get new inverters..

i know the trouble of changing the backlight is a really nightmare

Thx again

any tip more is welcomed

[Eric Giles]

The 14.1" will fill out the entire LCD bezel, but the 13.3" will have a bit more plastic under the bottom of the LCD.

Cheapest and easiest thing is to buy a used 14.1"-you will save yourself a lot of hassle!

Eric

Thx a lot for you good reply,

dont know exactly how now if 13 or 14, a method easy for know?

i never haved a pink screen or something...

The weird stuff i replaced inverter with one (no really good but working) and screen back..but some time again balck with ghost images..i try to get new inverters..

i know the trouble of changing the backlight is a really nightmare

Thx again

any tip more is welcomed

[tfflivemb2]

Cheapest and easiest thing is to buy a used 14.1"-you will save yourself a lot of hassle!

Eric

Not necessarily...inverters and backlights are both very cheap...$20 or less shipped...

The LCD will most likely cost $40 for a well used one...up through $100+

[enito]

the big trouble if the problem is the backlight oh my god..a big headache!

hehehe

i hope inverter was the trouble, im waiting a pair ones buyed in ebay

[Eric Giles]

Cheapest and easiest thing is to buy a used 14.1"-you will save yourself a lot of hassle!

Eric

Not necessarily...inverters and backlights are both very cheap...$20 or less shipped...

The LCD will most likely cost $40 for a well used one...up through $100+

Overall cost will be cheaper for the individual parts, yes-and an inverter is easy to change. However, if it comes down to the backlight being the issue, I would much rather pay a bit more and just replace the entire assembly. The backlight is just a big pain to change, and it is very easy to completely ruin the LCD panel while you are cutting the plastic on the back to get to everything. Very nice, working condition 14.1" XGA screens are readily available for around $60 shipped-I just bought two of them this week for that price.

[tfflivemb2]

I agree...at this point, I'd replace an entire LCD before I'd replace a backlight. I tried replacing a backlight on 3 occassions and broke each one.

Good price on the LCDs...I might have to start looking again...