Guide: How to Replace the backlight in a T4x LCD (soon)

[jamerslong]

Ok, I will be Making this into a guide with photos here on how to replace a CCFL on the T4x series backlights.

I made a wonderful discovery today that the backlight on the T4x LCD's have a user servicable panel
Most people here Dread replacing CCFL's so I was a little nervous before I discovered it can be replaced Via 4 screws and cutting 1 strip of foil tape.
(lucky me I have access to foil tape)

I will photo this process and give detailed instructions on this later. I have to go to work soon.

I will be removing the Backlight out of my XGA and Installing it into My SXGA+ I recieved today

Unfortunately while diving in I broke the plastic frame that holds the backlight in the SXGA+ because of that dreaded glue, but I reassembled it and it goes together fine, It would make sense to have this part of the frame detachable though, youl see why later, this is why I am going to make this guide. I would like to prevent others from being stuck in that situation, and keep them from taking the Entire LCD apart

I should have this done by tomorrow, just figured I would post now incase anyone is looking to replace their backlight and would like to wait

[yak]

Is there any source of unused CCFLs that fit into these TFTs?

[jamerslong]

acctually there is LCDparts.net has them i will order one to put in my XGA before I sell it.

be warned though, you have to desolder the connector off your old backlight and put it on your new one which can be difficult if you have no soldering experience

[richk]

You should be aware that there are 4 manufacturers of panels. They all come apart differently.

[jamerslong]

I will make sure to post FRU's As people come across ones that will work with this method, If my XGA comes apart differently I will post up on that one as well.

thanks for the Info.

[virge]

Is that SXGA+ panel the one you bought from me? I can't wait for the pictures!

[sjthinkpader]

Ok, I will be Making this into a guide with photos here on how to replace a CCFL on the T4x series backlights.
...

This link appeared in another post and I am sure there must be others.

Replacing CCF

[yak]

Interesting. Is it possible to put some brighter CCFL in these SXGA+ TFTs then the default ones which are known for a limited brightness?

[Binh]

Please, post the guide ASAP. I am thinking to replace backlight on my UXGA T42p.

[sjthinkpader]

Interesting. Is it possible to put some brighter CCFL in these SXGA+ TFTs then the default ones which are known for a limited brightness?

Generally the CCF is matched to the inverter. Likelihood is that something else will fail early when the CCF demands more voltage or current from the inverter. As a minimum battery run time will suffer.

[jamerslong]

This link appeared in another post and I am sure there must be others.

Replacing CCF

the thing about that guide is that... well he may have un-neededly took the entire LCD apart, My SXGA+ Is similar in design and I was able to remove the backlight without all the troubles in less then 5 minutes.

[jamerslong]

Please, post the guide ASAP. I am thinking to replace backlight on my UXGA T42p.

Will do it as I have time

[jamerslong]

Is that SXGA+ panel the one you bought from me? I can't wait for the pictures!

yes it is it arrived this afternoon just before I had to go to work.. my wife snapped at me because I choose the worst times to mess with things.

[sjthinkpader]

Replacing CCF


the thing about that guide is that... well he may have un-neededly took the entire LCD apart, My SXGA+ Is similar in design and I was able to remove the backlight without all the troubles in less then 5 minutes.

Great for you. He did take quite a bit of pictures, but it is pretty much how it would come apart.

[jamerslong]

Great for you. He did take quite a bit of pictures, but it is pretty much how it would come apart.

After much delay from a broken wire and different end connectors I have to put this finish on hold until tomorrow.

I did get the light transfered and it still works though. tomorrow i will install the new cable and reassemble.

[jamerslong]

God has smite me and I cracked my LCD I have had to many Complications with this project and will not post a giude.

[sjthinkpader]

Yes, last one I did I didn't get the BEF (brightness enhancement film) flat enough and the final product had this wavy look to it. I still haven't fixed it to this day.

These are not 5 minutes jobs.

There is always services available such as James but it is hard to justify the $100-$150 cost to replace the CCF. The good thing is that a new CCF will get the panel back to the 200NIT brightness. Most used panels are closer to 100-120NIT. If the panel is a 15 inch Flexview, then it may be worthwhile. And yes, I have a luminance meter.

[jamerslong]

i knew it wouldnt be a 5 minute job, it took 3 hours... i am just sad the LCD cracked

[Johan]

If of interest, there are a few CCFL-replacement guides scattered over the net, including Tutorial for Replacing CCFL Backlight on Thinkpad 600s and Replacing the CCFL of an IBM A31 notebook and How to replace laptop backlight lamp (CCFL) guide pointing to Taking apart IBM ThinkPad display panel and T23 SXGA+ is it worthwhile to replace red tinted backlight? pointing to Replacing failed backlight lamp on IBM laptop and to Replacing the backlight lamp of ThinkPad T23.

Johan