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T60 backlight dead - next steps?

T60/T61 Series
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RichardI
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2012 3:49 pm
Location: Ames, Iowa

T60 backlight dead - next steps?

#1 Post by RichardI » Wed Feb 15, 2012 4:07 pm

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!

RealBlackStuff
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Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?

#2 Post by RealBlackStuff » Wed Feb 15, 2012 4:32 pm

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
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

RichardI
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2012 3:49 pm
Location: Ames, Iowa

Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?

#3 Post by RichardI » Wed Feb 15, 2012 5:00 pm

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.

RealBlackStuff
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Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?

#4 Post by RealBlackStuff » Wed Feb 15, 2012 5:15 pm

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.
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

RichardI
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2012 3:49 pm
Location: Ames, Iowa

Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?

#5 Post by RichardI » Wed Feb 15, 2012 5:20 pm

Thank you, RealBlackStuff! You put my mind at ease.

RichardI
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2012 3:49 pm
Location: Ames, Iowa

UPDATE

#6 Post by RichardI » Wed Feb 22, 2012 8:56 pm

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?

ajkula66
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Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?

#7 Post by ajkula66 » Wed Feb 22, 2012 9:50 pm

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...
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

Cheers,

George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)

One FlexView to rule them all: A31p

Abused daily: T520, X200s


PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.

RichardI
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2012 3:49 pm
Location: Ames, Iowa

Re: T60 backlight dead - next steps?

#8 Post by RichardI » Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:45 pm

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.

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