t42 screen blank

[3iris9]

Hello, I have an ibm t42 that a friend gave me, and it worked completely fine for a couple months.
Just recently the screen started to go blank randomly, and it would also start beeping randomly as if it was losing connection with the charger. Now the screen wont work properly, I can still see the outline of my desktop when it powers on so I know the screen isn't completly dead, and it flashes on then off very quickly when I press the button that switches between vga. It kind of just looks like it's on a ridiculously low brightness. I've been using the vga input with another monitor and the computer doesn't seem to have anything else wrong with it. At times it still makes the charging noises while I'm using the other monitor.
Can anyone please help me out and tell me what could be wrong, or if there are any fixes. I've heard there's a common problem with the gpu in thinkpads, but I'm not totally sure thats what's wrong with mine, to me it seems like a connection problem. Help will be appreciated. Thank you!

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

Has your screen been reddish/pinkish on initial boot prior to this last episode?

[3iris9]

If you mean the whole screen, I'm not sure. I just booted it up again, and what happened is the IBM logo popped up but then the screen went back to the super low brightness. Right now, I can even see the start bar and the windows popping up, it's just such a low brightness that I cant see anything unless I inspect it closely. When I press the vga button on the keyboard, it does what I did at start up, It flashes on then goes back. Do you think it's worth it to take it apart and see if the connection inside the screen lid is bad?

Also, thank you for the welcome!!

[ajkula66]

I believe your backlight (CCFL) is on its way out. Replacing the screen - or an entire lid might be your best bet.

If you know your way around it, there's no harm in opening the machine up and checking the connections.

Good luck.

[3iris9]

Thank you for your input. Do you think it would be possible for me to replace the ccfl? Or would I for sure have to buy a new lcd or lid?

[Neil]

Yes, it is possible to replace only the CCFL. It's very difficult to get it right, though. I've done it half a dozen times, and have not got it perfect yet. Came close once, but destroyed two or three panels too. But, if you are looking for adventure, I say give it a shot. If it works out OK, you will have repaired the panel for about $10 in parts. If you fail, you can look for a replacement panel (or complete lid) then.

[3iris9]

Alright, cool... I'll have to research and see if it's worth it to try that..
The computer also beeps on and off charge, do you think that may have to do with the input being loose or defective?
I thought that the screen might be acting strange because the power input was loose, but now it seems like a whole new problem.

[micl9]

I have same issue - but started with a 1-2ft DROP
Good news was only physical damage was to the extended battery case. Or so I thought. Now my backlight goes out every now and then. Image is still there and no color shifts occurred. Sometimes when lights go out I can hear a buzz
Have been too lazy to open the unit up, but need to give it a shot and see if I can get lucky.
I will probably try to replace the CCFL as I have an extra lid assy to practice on.

One question how to confirm it is the CCFL vs the inverter?

Thanks in advance...

Oh and this is on my T42 w/ 14.1 SXGA+(1400x1050) TFT LCD, so worth fixing. Especially now that I got W7 up and running on it.

[ajkula66]

If it's buzzing replace the inverter immediately...

Should it keep doing the same with the new inverter, the backlight needs to be swapped.

Good luck.

[micl9]

I re-seated all the inverter connectors and all seems good for now.
Thanks for the help guys!

UPDATE
Didn't last - Replaced the inverter and so far so good

[fcampbel]

This is a reply to Neil's post above. Is there a step-by-step for disassembling one of these screens to get at the ccfl? I have looked at a generic one but it was held together by tape where my screen has screws. Before I start I would like to see one for a similar model.

[ajkula66]

@fcampbel:

There is no step-by-step guide...the closest you'll come to one is likely this:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3705

Having said that...at the prices that complete T4x lids are going for these days, I wouldn't even bother swapping the CCFL...unless, of course, you want to experience the process...