T42 Problem

[VinnieZ]

Hi everyone,
I am new here and I gotta say I love this site. I have 2 IBM's T4X laptops that I absolutely love (dont think I would ever get another brand) and had trouble with both of them.

My T41 just recently started having the screen go black. It would turn on normally, but with a brown/reddish tint to the screen...then it would appear normal for maybe 10 seconds...then go black to the point where you could still see the screen somewhat if you looked hard. I was searching everywhere thinking it was the GPU so I tried to post it solution with no luck. Then I stumbled on this guide from one of the posts:
http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2 ... /#comments

It sounds exactly like that guy described so hopefully that is what my problem is. I just took my laptop apart and removed the Inverter and ordered a new one off of EBay for $8...so if it isn't the problem, then no big deal...but still I hope that it is so I don't have to purchase a new laptop.

However, the problem I am having with the T42 I cant seem to find a solution for. The laptop just locks up completely and randomly. It doesnt make too much sense to me because the time before it freezes really varies. It will be fine for 2 hours after I turn it on, then it will freeze. Other times it wont even make it through the windows logon screen. The only way to turn it off is to hold the power button down till it turns off. Other than that, it is completely unresponsive. Does anyone have any advice or can anyone point me in the right direction?

Responses greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.

[sjthinkpader]

The first one seems the CCF is nearing its end of life.

The 2nd one could be the GPU problem. Does it boot normally if you press down on the palm rest just to the left of the UltraNav pad?

[VinnieZ]

sjthinkpader,
With the first one, what do you mean by CCF? Do you not think its the inverter that I ordered? Is it easy to replace the CCF?

And with my T42, I am not quite sure I understand what you mean by boot normally. The laptop boots normally everytime...It just freezes up at random times. Sometimes before I get into Windows. Other times after Ive been using it successfully for 2 hours....I am just not quite sure what triggers the freezing.

Thanks a lot for your help....its greatly appreciated.

[goofyGAguy]

The CCFL just means the backlight of the LCD.

[VinnieZ]

is that easy/cheap to replace ??

[zdriver]

I agree with sjthinkpadder's analysis...
Both problems are not the easiest of fixes.
As a temporary solution to get one laptop going, if both thinkpad screens are the same size, you could just swap complete lid assemblies to put the good screen on the T41 with the backlight problem.

[VinnieZ]

Can anyone explain how I would go about changing the CFFL?

[tim S]

The back-light (which is more likely your problem) is a very thin, and easily snapped, neon tube that rests in a groove across the top of the screen. Getting to it requires removing the screen from the lid, unplugging the wire from the top of the inverter. You then have to gingerly unwrap the insulation from the top of the screen to lift out the bulb. Unsolder the end wires from the bulb and re-solder them to the new bulb then reattach everything. It ain't easy!

The problem with your other laptop is the GPU, some of its solder connections have started to shear off the board. Sometimes they make connection and sometimes they don't. When the chip heats up the connection can also break, so the display becomes erratic. The idea of pushing down on the keyboard is to apply downward pressure on the chip to see if the display corrects itself.
In the event it does then you've found the problem and you'll need to get the GPU re-balled. You'll find out a lot about that on these forums.
Tim S

[VinnieZ]

Thanks so much for your help guys.

Im still going to try to replace the inverter and see if that solves the problem. If it doesnt, do you guys know of anyone who can replace the CFFL bulb? Id rather not send to IBM and get charged an arm and a leg. Is there anyone who offers this service that is cheap and reliable?

[Johan]

Thanks so much for your help guys.

Im still going to try to replace the inverter and see if that solves the problem. If it doesnt, do you guys know of anyone who can replace the CFFL bulb? Id rather not send to IBM and get charged an arm and a leg. Is there anyone who offers this service that is cheap and reliable?

Welcome to the forum, Vinnie!

With respect to repairing the CCFL, this issue has been discussed a good deal on this forum, and I suggest you see the following thread to get an impression of the problem and the cost of solving it; see Backlight CCFL for 15" UXGA screen (see the post of Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:07 am).

Then, about the GPU problem, this is (unfortunately) almost a daily topic here - so much useful information is of course available. The stickies T42 shuts down when I move it and GUIDE: Reflow GPU fix - 56K WARNING!!! gives you some history (a lot, actually!) and contain some quite advanced advices for solving this problem on your own, if you feel sufficiently skilled in these delicate electronic arts? Moreover, see the threads GPU Fix Cost? which is pointing to T42 blank screen problem (see the post of Tue Sep 30, 2008 12:08 pm).

But - I don't want to be the messenger of solely bad news, so here is a piece of very good news: You've surely, certainly, absolutely, definitely found the right place when it comes to searching for and finding friendly ThinkPad help!

Johan

[VinnieZ]

Thanks Johan!


I just replaced the inverter and unfortunately it was not the problem. So I am trying to research replacing this CFFL buld and I am not quite sure if I can handle it....Are there step by step instructions anywhere online that I would be able to follow? Or do you know of anyone who would replace it for a relatively cheaper price? Please let me know!! Thanks so much for the help!