LCD Backlight

[stevenkahan]

Hi,

  I recently purchase a used a21e with Celeron processor.  1st question, is there any way to exceed the 256MB limit? (I assume no, but thought it worth at least asking).
 
  Background:  

  1.  I didn't realize until afer I had the laptop for a couple of days, but the backlight doesn't always come on.  The seller claims he's never had a problem with it.

  2.  I purchased a new battery.
    
  3.  I did some experimenting (seeing if the cover switch was stuck, for example).  What I found was when I boot the system, the lcd backlight does not come on (I can see the faint words of the windows logo, etc.).  The system does boot to the screen asking me to select a user (again with no backlight).   I then press the power button (which I've set to "ask me what to do"), and using the tab key I select "restart".  When the system restarts, the backlight comes on (as long as the power adapter is attached).

      I then can run on battery power, shutdown and restart the system, and the backlight works.  I've done this 3 consecutive times with about 4 minutes between cycles.

     However, if I leave it off overnight, the backlight won't start unless I repeat the reboot sequence described above.

     I am planning on trying more "experiments" (for example, does the same sequence work on battery only), but was wondering if anyone can give me a suggestion as to what the problem may be or how I can troubleshoot this further.

     Thanks for taking the time to read this long post. 

     Warmest regards,
     Steven Kahan

     

[tfflivemb2 · Accepted solution]

It could be one of two things:  The inverter or the backlight itself

The inverter is the cheaper and easiest route to check first.  The backlight, while not too expensive, is a nightmare to replace.  I have only succesfully replaced a backlight once out of 5 attempts.

[stevenkahan]

Thanks for the advice.  I think I'm just going to "jumpstart" the system until the backlight no longer comes on, then try and replace the inverter.  Any advice/tips/tricks on performing the "surgery" would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

Warmest regards

[tfflivemb2]

I haven't changed the inverter on an A series Thinkpad, but if you follow the Hardware Maintenance Manual, you shouldn't have any problems.

Now, if you try to change the CCFL on your own, then I definately suggest being EXTREMELY careful while removing the display bezel from around the LCD, because they tend to break relatively easily.

[stevenkahan]

Thanks again.  I have ordered an inverter.  May I ask, does anyone know where I can get the replacement screws?

[stevenkahan]

For anyone interested, I did replace the inverter and now everything works fine.  Thanks for the help!!