Screen doesn't lighten up, though it's working

[raptorhertz]

I have a T43 laptop, I am facing strange problem since last week.When I turn on the power the screen starts but it doesn't light up properly, I can see the Window XP logo and once it boots I can see the desktop, but it's too dark to read or use it.When I tap the lid close button number of times then some times the screen starts working otherwise it stays dark.When I manually press down the button the screen goes absolutely blank or lets dead and once i release it, then it turns on but its too dark.Today I had to fiddle with button for 30 mins, then suddenly, it lightened up. What could be the reason for such incidence?what is the remedy>

[Neil]

Could be the connector between CCFL and inverter is loose. Or, the inverter is going bad. Or, the CCFL is going bad. Could also be caused by a faulty LCD ribbon cable. I just replaced a ribbon cable yesterday that was causing the problems you describe.

[raptorhertz]

I am noob, when it come to computers?What is inverter and ribbon cable?
I fail to understand how is it connected the switch.
I have attached the pic of the button switch I am talking about, its on top left side corner just next to silver screen mount.
Source of pic-Flikr, it's just a reference pic, not mine though.

Went out for food, closed the lid partially, again the same problem:-((
One thing more I forgot to mention, the LCD color is quite reddish orange once it lightens up.after few second it turns into white.

[RealBlackStuff]

You need a new CCFL in the LCD.
http://www.lcdparts.net/howto/troublesh ... CCFL1.aspx
Have fun...

[raptorhertz]

Hope by replacing it, the issue would be sorted out?
Button won't need replacement?

[Neil]

No, the button won't need replacing. Really looks like just the CCFL needs replacing. However, replacing a CCFL is NOT an easy job. It is much easier to replace the entire LCD panel.

[raptorhertz]

Thanks for the help everyone!
CCFL costs $30. Any Idea how much will the LCD panel cost?

[Neil]

A quick scan of ebay reveals panels from $50 plus shipping up to around $200. Put a WTB ad in the forum's "Marketplace", and be sure to give your T43 type number, or the exact panel you are looking for, and someone will make you an offer right away.

[raptorhertz]

It's 2668-CA2. I was checking the LCD type:-XGA or sxga? the device manager shows 1400*1050, where as the desktop where as screen resolutions in display properties is 1280*1024.
Laptop is 3.5 yrs old, hard call, weather to buy the LCD or to pull out or just replace the CCFL.
BTW are e-bay bet safe?

[Harryc]

Product: ThinkPad T43 2668-CA2 [change]
Operating system: All [change]

Original description: Based on 2668-4DA:P M 750, 512MB RAM, 60GB HDD, 14.1in 1400x1050 LCD, 64MB ATI Radeon X300, 24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD, Intel 802.11bg wireless(MPCI), Bluetooth/Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip, Fingerprint Reader, 6c Li-Ion, WinXP Pro

It has a 14'1" SXGA+ LCD>

[raptorhertz]

Thanks for confirming it.I am getting new XGA panel for quite less as compared to SXGA. I read on the forum that XGA and SXGA are swappable.Just for confirmation can I put in XGA?What would be the difference if I use XGA insteal for SXga.
Else I should wait for good deal on used SXGA?

[Harryc]

The inverter is the same, the LCD cable is different.
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-58431

[RealBlackStuff]

XGA = 1024 x 768
SXGA = 1280 x 1024 = NOT available in IBM Thinkpad screens (only as a different resolution on an SXGA+ or better screen)
SXGA+ = 1400 x 1050. You see a lot more on the same size screen, but in slightly smaller fonts. This is what you have now.

You won't be happy with XGA after you've had SXGA+ for so long (unless you have bad eyesight).
XGA also uses a different LCD cable but the same inverter.

[raptorhertz]

It's not related to the button, As I thought earlier,Restarted the laptop, without even closing the lid,again there was not display.So the culprit is not the lid button, might be something else.

[raptorhertz]

It's faulty inverter,took the machine to the repair shop to confirm!

thinking of swapping the LCD cable too,it's a SXGA the service part list mentions:-91P6942 replaces 91P6890. So I should be looking to buy 91P6890? Or the first number?
Link:-http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 58431.html

[rookworm]

You won't be happy with XGA after you've had SXGA+ for so long (unless you have bad eyesight).
XGA also uses a different LCD cable but the same inverter.

The truth. Going the other way (XGA to SXGA+) was like night and day.

I tried to replace the CCFL btw. Required soldering by a friend, and the end result looked slightly uneven. Took a number of hours too. Not worth it, IMO. Lid swapping is much easier.

[ajkula66]

While I hate to burst the OP's bubble, red/orange/pink hue on cold boot is a dead giveaway for a CCFL which is on its way out...while the inverter may be bad as well, colours described point to a backlight problem...

Good luck.

[raptorhertz]

Need urgent help:-FRU of LCD cable of SXGA 14.1" T43.Have ordered Inverter, Cable is pending.ASAP help will be appreciated.

[iambtk]

change a CCFL,it may take you $10.
don't go to official shop...they are killer...you will feel like hell....

[RealBlackStuff]

T43 26xx ATI gfx: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-58791
T43 18xx Intel Gfx: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-58837

[Nolwendil]

I have a T43 laptop, I am facing strange problem since last week.When I turn on the power the screen starts but it doesn't light up properly, I can see the Window XP logo and once it boots I can see the desktop, but it's too dark to read or use it.When I tap the lid close button number of times then some times the screen starts working otherwise it stays dark.When I manually press down the button the screen goes absolutely blank or lets dead and once i release it, then it turns on but its too dark.Today I had to fiddle with button for 30 mins, then suddenly, it lightened up. What could be the reason for such incidence?what is the remedy>

I'm having exactly the same issue. My screen has been getting reddish hue when turning on, but always got ok after like 3 seconds when the backlight started shining just fine. But now, it doesn't start at all, I can barely see the desktop (but it's there). Tapping the "lcd lid button" produces exactly the same results. Screen just flashes, but goes instantly dark again.
So I guess I need a new CCFL, or a new screen. Or could it be just the inverter?
My laptop is IBM Thinkpad T42 2378-FVU, with ATI graphics...
The thing is I'm using 14" SXGA+ too, so it might be too expensive. I saw the tutorial for replacing the tube, and I think, that I could do it...
Can anybody make me an offer for the tube or the screen? Or should I post it in the marketplace? Thank you for your help!

John

[RealBlackStuff]

Yes, your CCFL is dead.
I think LCDparts/Moniserv ship worldwide.
You can also send your LCD to poshgeordie, who will do it for you.
Check out his website http://www.reflowrepairs.co.uk

[Nolwendil]

Thank you for the websites I will do it myself, hope I won't screw up...

[raptorhertz]

back to square one. swapped the Inverter and LCD flex cable, again the problem is there.though I am writing from the same machine, I have to press the lid close button, then it starts working randomly. I am using the machine since past 24 hrs continuously,it's fine, but on a restart, same problem shall be there.

[Neil]

So... still have not replaced the CCFL or LCD panel? Looks like you are well on the way to confirming what has been suggested above a few times are the source of your problem, the CCFL.

[raptorhertz]

But I fail to understand the relation of the problem to the LCD closure button on the bezel.I am taking it to the Service center though.200$:-( but I will get an year warranty too, on full laptop.

[virge]

But I fail to understand the relation of the problem to the LCD closure button on the bezel.I am taking it to the Service center though.200$:-( but I will get an year warranty too, on full laptop.

When the LCD is on its way out, cycling it on/off will sometimes get it to work temporarily. You can cycle the power by turning on/off the machine, or by flipping the LCD lid switch. I would listen to the advice given here-- its most likely the CCFL in the panel is bad.

I'm surprised the service center only wants $200 to repair it! I would've guess higher!

[RealBlackStuff]

Looking at the country/location of that service center, they probably do not understand what the problem is.
Same as we don't understand them!

[Nolwendil]

I'm now running my T42 in a mini-dock with an external display, mouse and keyboard. I removed the LCD assmebly (that includes the wireless antenas), and in order to do that, I had to remove the keyboard, palmrest, and the keyboard bezel. The only thing I've put back on is the keyboard, so that I could control the volume of the headphones output (the on/off button is located on the mini-dock too, so I wouldn't need the keyboard for the laptop to turn on. I was too lazy to put the palmrest and the keyboard bezel back on, since I would have to remove them again soon, I hope. The laptop is working fine, even without the LCD assembly and all the other parts...
I'm currently waiting for my new CCFL to arrive. (http://www.lcdparts.net/)
I have also dismantled the LCD assembly and was able to remove the CCFL without removing the LCD's filter, though I had to break some plastic frame, that was holding the lamp to the rest of the display. However, this part was also snapped there with some screws (and I can glue the part I torn away if the screws don't hold it firmly enough) so I find it a safer solution than removing the filter, or doing some other stuff that could be dangerous to the LCD.
I didn't use any tutorial. I have just looked at some tutorial on the internet (which was describing the process for a different display, I guess), quickly went through the ThinkPad T42's service manual, and then just let the common sense guide me Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures during the disassembling, but I will try to photograph everything during the re-assembly, so I will post'em here later...
Wish me luck

[netzspannung]

Wish me luck

Good luck! Have phun!