Weird washed out display problem

[drsturgeon]

My t43 got a little wet a couple months ago (got caught in a downpour in my not-waterproof messenger bag); amazingly enough, everything dried out and worked fine: except for the display. Actually, it was mostly working too--all the water spots and weird lines went away--and then it started doing this:

Normally it looks perfectly pristine:



And then instantly it will flip to being super washed out:




After a little bit (between 1 and 30 seconds), it will switch back to normal, with no residual effects. Sometimes it does this a lot, sometimes not at all. The switch is instant; it's not a slow fade.


Any ideas? Technically it's still under warranty, but I'm reluctant to send it in, since this is probably a direct result of me getting it wet.

Thanks!

- Dan M.

[Gripcon]

I'm going to guess it's moisture in one of the connections.

[GomJabbar]

Unfortunately, IBM does not cover spill damage unless you paid extra for Accident Protection.

I am certainly not an expert on this, but I would suspect the LCD cable connections first (either end), the inverter next, and the motherboard last. I kind of doubt if it is the LCD itself, but I could be wrong.

[Stargate199]

This seems to be and LCD or connection problem. Since the Display can show a correct picture, I'm going to rule out a bad panel, but since it did get wet, there could be something wrong with it. I would replace the LCD cable and see what that does. If that does not work, clean the connectors on the motherboard and the LCD panel. If the problem still persists, replace the LCD. After that, the last remaining cause would be the motherboard. I doubt that since the image is not messed up.

BTW, can you tell me where I can get that theme you have on your computer?

[Brad]

Welcome to the Forum!

If you connect your ThinkPad to an external monitor does the screen exhibit the same trouble?

If not then IMHO the problem is LCD related. If the problem persists then the motherboard is at fault. Is that a UXGA 15" screen?

Brad

[drsturgeon]

Brad:

It works fine connected to an external monitor.

Nope, it's the 14" SXGA+ (er, I always forget what stands for what... it's 1400x1050).


Stargate199:

Theme:
http://mohsinnaqi.deviantart.com/art/Tener-VS-44815352

Icons:
http://vertigosity.deviantart.com/art/T ... 1-27940418

Wallpaper:
http://art.gnome.org/backgrounds/nature/1357




-----


Where can I get the repair manual for the t43? Or, does anybody know how to get the panel that covers the LCD connector off? It feels like it's glued down or something along the left side of where the keyboard sits.

I guess I'll hope it's the connector or the cable. Although if it's the panel, maybe that's a good excuse to get a t61...

Thanks to all!

-Dan M.

[Brad]

Dan,

Depending on your machine type check here or here for the manuals.

I know on the 15" LCD's there are 11 screws under screw caps that need to be removed to gain access to the LCD panel and then behind for the cable. I am not sure for the 14" but it is probably similar.

Brad