Thinkpad T60 Screen Goes DARK after 10 seconds of running

[Ervin87]

Hi guys,

I was just given this T60 Laptop Type 2623 and am having issues with setting it up to work properly.

When I turn the Laptop on, the normal IBM screen pops up and everything seems fine. As Windows XP Pro is loading, the screen all of a sudden goes black. I can still barely see through my T60 LCD but I mean barely.

So, I hooked up the laptop to my 21" Desktop LCD monitor and it works fine. If I select FN + F7, both the laptop screen and monitor work simultaneously without any issues, but after about 15 seconds the laptop screen dies again.

If I switch to only laptop screen using Fn+F7 my screen on the laptop will work fine for about 30 seconds and than go black. I have to go back to the 2nd Monitor to be able to use the laptop.

Any input on your expertise would greatly be appreciated.

I appreciate all of your help,
Ervin

[BillMorrow]

sounds to me like a heat related backlight issue..

maybe the inverter is bad..

others will know more..

welcome to the forum..

[RealBlackStuff]

Could you please give us the full 7-character TYPE 2623-xxx ? (See sticker with barcode on the bottom).
That way we'll be able to give you more accurate assistance.
Like Bill said, it could be a bad inverter, or a bad backlight (a.k.a. CCFL tube).
If you put your ear to the (inside, middle) bottom of the LCD when you switch it on, do you hear a buzzing sound?

BTW, is/was your screen showing a pinkish/reddish tint at boot time? And if so, for how long?

[Ervin87]

Could you please give us the full 7-character TYPE 2623-xxx ? (See sticker with barcode on the bottom).
That way we'll be able to give you more accurate assistance.
Like Bill said, it could be a bad inverter, or a bad backlight (a.k.a. CCFL tube).
If you put your ear to the (inside, middle) bottom of the LCD when you switch it on, do you hear a buzzing sound?

BTW, is/was your screen showing a pinkish/reddish tint at boot time? And if so, for how long?

Hi,

Thanks for the welcome.

Full 7 characters are as follows: 2623-D6U

I do not hear a buzzing sound when I put my ear on the bottom of the screen. I know the sound very well as my XPS makes it all the time under low brightness.

The screen does show a redish/pinkish tint at boot time and it lasts for about 1-2 seconds upon which it changes to the proper clear bright screen.

[RealBlackStuff]

Product: ThinkPad T60 2623-D6U [change]
Operating system: All [change]

Original description: T2400(1.83GHz), 512MB RAM, 80GB 5400rpm HD, 14.1in 1400x1050 LCD, 64MB ATI Radeon X1300, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Bluetooth/Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 6c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro

Well, that's definitely your CCFL on its way out. This may take days, weeks or even months, but it will die.
Replace the CCFL, get a new LCD or a whole lid.

In the meantime, I would suggest replacing the inverter, hoping the blackout will disappear.

[Ervin87]

Thank you very much.

Here is the inverter I am looking at.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-41W1010-F-Lenov ... 3a59621206

Will this work?

TIA

[RealBlackStuff]

Yes, it would. But this guy is in the USA and will ship faster and slightly cheaper:
http://cgi.ebay.com/41W1010-Lenovo-IBM- ... 0424630309

[Ervin87]

Thanks for your help. I just purchased the Inverter and Backlight. Might as well replace both while I am at it.
Will keep this thread updated with my status after doing the swap.

[Truthfinder]

I came across your post almost by accident as I noticed the issue with your dislay.

I too own a T60 / 2623-D7U and my display begain giving me the identical problem a few days ago.
Since I was lucky enough to still have warn. coverage I contacted Lenovo on this past Monday evening. They had a box at my door on Tuesday and I shipped the T60 back via UPS. Today, Thursay at 9:30AM my T60 was back in my hands. To my delight they replaced the entire display. They also installed new hinges as well as a spanking brand new lid. My thinkpad is like the day I purchased it and the display looks fantastic.

I can't say enough about the tech support, the super fast turn around on the repair and the quality of the workmanship. Hopefully, you will have your T60 back up and running real soon.

Best of luck, Steve

[Ervin87]

Thanks Steve. Unfortunately I am out of warranty and replacing a screen would be very costly.

Both the inverter and backlight have cost me $25 and I am going to fix them to save some money.

I hope to have it back up and running. It is a great laptop.

Ervin

[GrandMasterKhan]

I came across your post almost by accident as I noticed the issue with your dislay.

I too own a T60 / 2623-D7U and my display begain giving me the identical problem a few days ago.
Since I was lucky enough to still have warn. coverage I contacted Lenovo on this past Monday evening. They had a box at my door on Tuesday and I shipped the T60 back via UPS. Today, Thursay at 9:30AM my T60 was back in my hands. To my delight they replaced the entire display. They also installed new hinges as well as a spanking brand new lid. My thinkpad is like the day I purchased it and the display looks fantastic.

I can't say enough about the tech support, the super fast turn around on the repair and the quality of the workmanship. Hopefully, you will have your T60 back up and running real soon.

Best of luck, Steve

These are the stories I like to hear. Great to hear about good warranty service.

[Truthfinder]

Before Lenovo replaced my LCD, I didn't realize just how dark and lousy it was looking, even before it died. Now it looks so bright and clear. I feel as if I have a new T60.
Basically, it is new, everything has been replaced in the last few months aside from the main board.

Way to go Lenovo