Lenovo T61 Backlight Problem !

[lazybones18]

Hi, so i bought a notebook Lenovo T61 last year in september. The model is 6459CTO with a 15.4 WSXGA screen. This is how it shows on the packing list.

15.4 WSXGA- TFT

So 25 days after warranty expired the notebook screen died. How **bleep**ty is that ? When i turn on the notebook, i only see very dim thinkpad on the screen and then it gets completely dark. After researching, I am quite sure its either the inverter or the backlight. Since i am a college student i cant really afford getting it fixed so i have to do it myself.

Can anyone help me find the backlight ? I tried finding the backlight online but no success. Also it would be great if someone knows how to open up the notebook LCD and replace the backlight. I have all the required tools including the solder. Please help me out !!! Thanks

[ajkula66 Guru]

Welcome to the forum!

Before you start pulling that T61 apart, let's review a couple of things:

a) Does it have Intel or nVidia graphics?

b) Does it display anything on external monitor?

c) Was the LCD reddish/pinkish on initial boot before this last episode?

While it may very well be the inverter or backlight (more likely) you may also be looking at a motherboard problem. That's why I'm asking whether the machine displays on external monitor.

Replacing a backlight is NOT a job for a novice, take it from someone who's done it in the past but chooses to have it done by another party nowadays...

Good luck and let us know.

[lazybones18]

1) It has the Nvidia QuadroNVS Card

2) It works perfectly fine on the external monitor

3) When the LCD was working fine, it used to turn reddish/pink sometimes while running windows. 

I have some experience with electronics i think i can pull it off. If not, I talked to a technician he said if i bring him the parts he can install them for $50. But first i need to find the backlight somewhere that matches the exact model. However, i dont know if it is the inverter or the backlight ? However, i found the inverter online, but i am unable to find the backlight. Does anyone know where to get one ?

[ajkula66 Guru]

Try eBay...make sure that it matches the LCD size.

BTW reddish/pinkish hue on the boot is a dead giveaway for a failing backlight, nothing else gives out this symptom.

Good luck.

[lazybones18]

is there a different backlight for wsxga ? or the WXGA one would work ? because i can only see WXGA backlights not the WSXGA

[lazybones18]

since i only see WXGA backlights online ! and not the WSXGA !

[harryc]

I think this is the CCFL needed -

http://www.lcdparts.net/ccflDetail.aspx?ProductCCFL=MSLLENOVOIBM154W

Send Moniserv an email or call them to confirm before ordering. 

Message Edited by harryc on 11-05-2008 07:37 AM

[TSR]

All you need is the inverter card. That should solve your problem. Rarely do you see dimness cause by the LCD

[TSR]

According to:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-68233#wsxga

Inverter card
Foxconn -  41W1338
TW Sumida - 13R1015

To order the part you can call
1-800-388-7080

Also this might be useful
HMM:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-67980
This will tell you how to replace the inverter

[ajkula66 Guru]

Not to offend anyone, but changing the inverter will NOT solve the problem. You most definitely need a new backlight.

Screen size does matter. Resolution does not, when buying a CCFL.

Good luck.