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T60 backlight dead - next steps?
Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 4:07 pm
by RichardI
Hi everyone!
Backlight on my T60 is now dead. LCD is working. Backlight suddenly stopped working, and is off in BIOS as well. Did not have any screen tint.
I reseated LCD connectors, and the graphics card is definitely working.
I don't want to buy an inverter, then a display, and do progressive diagnostics beyond what I've already done. Should I buy a new LCD assembly? Or is there a significant chance (more than 10%) this is a motherboard problem?
Thank you!
Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?
Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 4:32 pm
by RealBlackStuff
Try an external monitor to be sure.
A dead CCFL/backlight will not revive ever.
Depending on your technical level, you could try and replace the CCFL yourself, or buy a replacement LCD.
You MUST buy an IBM/Lenovo original LCD, not a so-called "guaranteed compatible", because they are NOT!
For CCFL swap, see if this helps:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=88991
Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?
Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 5:00 pm
by RichardI
RealBlackStuff, thank you!
The graphics card works - I can see a faint correct screen image, though it doesn't illuminate. Pixels activate properly (bios, starting windows, etc.).
I don't want to replace the backlight to find out that it is an inverter problem or a motherboard blown fuse. Also, technically, this is just beyond what I am willing to do - replacing the display itself is quite fine. (15 inch XGA)
So I figured - buy an assembly and shoot several potential trouble spots at once. But if the motherboard could be an issue, maybe I should be looking for a new machine.
Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?
Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 5:15 pm
by RealBlackStuff
Inverters rarely -if ever- die.
And a mobo problem is unlikely since the picture is displayed.
A complete XGA lid for a 15" T60 will set you back anywhere from $80.- upwards.
But try first in the Marketplace forum.
Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?
Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2012 5:20 pm
by RichardI
Thank you, RealBlackStuff! You put my mind at ease.
UPDATE
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 8:56 pm
by RichardI
UPDATE:
I bought an entire replacement screen assembly (screen, lid, inverter assembled together), installed it and - lo and behold - the problem persists. No change in symptoms.
Backlight on the new lcd assembly does not power on. Display works fine (although it is almost completely black) and I can see pixels activating properly (Bios, starting windows, etc).
Does that mean it is a fuse on the motherboard? I don't have the skills to solder fuses on integrated circuits. Ship to lenovo? How much would that set me back?
Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?
Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 9:50 pm
by ajkula66
You'd be better off buying a new laptop than shipping your unit to Lenovo...for $400-500 they would charge to swap a board you can do a lot nowadays...
Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?
Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:45 pm
by RichardI
Oh well. Thank you, Ajkula. This was a really nice board - C2D 1.66 with Intel graphics. I will be looking to buy the exact same computer, then.