Need help with black display on C-141X

**punky215** · 02-11-2011, 02:56 PM

Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? Anyone?

Not sure if anyone is still active on this forum, but here goes, just in case.

My (ancient) C-141X display has a reddish cast, flickers and flashes and then goes black. An external monitor works fine with the computer, so I think that rules out some possible problems.

I'd appreciate any help to diagnose the problem and then ideas how to get if fixed (please, let it be fixable!)

Thanks!

**Agent 9** · 02-11-2011, 05:03 PM

It is almost certainly a dying CCFL backlighting bulb (it is basically a long skinny, and tiny florescent light). from the sound of it it is only the bulb that is going bad -it happens often- but it might be a good idea to replace the inverter board at the same time.

You might be able to replace just the dying bulb and have it all working fine
You will have to open up the bezel and then remove connectors holding the backlighting bulb in place. I'm not sure how much it will cost, but if it is only the CCFL bulb then this will do the trick -LCD CCFL WITH WIRE HARNESS GATEWAY C-140X/C-141X/C-143X - eBay (item 400143868229 end time Mar-10-11 17:53:07 PST)-

You'll be able to find the inverter board and other parts here -C-140X items - Get great deals on Computer Accessories, Computer Components items on eBay.com!- sort by lowest price

**pmatulew** · 02-11-2011, 05:49 PM

Pink screen and then black ? Definitely the light bulb. Flourescent bulbs need a certain voltage to fire, and as the bulbs get older that voltage goes up and the inverter board just can't do it anymore.

I just did a Toshiba not too long ago. A new bulb will only cost ~$10 on Ebay. The length and diameter dimensions are fairly critical though so be sure you're getting the right bulb for your model.

The first part of the job of getting the screen out is usually fairly easy. The last part of disassembling the screen and replacing the bulb requires a delicate hand and a soldering iron. Not for the timid. The bulbs are very thin and very fragile.

Definitely worth doing though even if you have to recruit some steady hands.

**punky215** · 02-11-2011, 08:28 PM

Agent 9 and pmatulew, thanks for your quick responses and detailed diagnosis.

When I had desktop computers I used to open them up and replace parts all the time. But I don't think I trust myself with a laptop. Either of you happen to live in Minnesota?

Actually, I'll pass this on to some techie friends I think might be willing to help me out. I would be thrilled to not have to junk my good old tablet, especially now that I'm just starting to rely on that feature.

Thanks again!

**Spartikiss** · 02-16-2011, 12:03 AM

Originally Posted by punky215

Agent 9 and pmatulew, thanks for your quick responses and detailed diagnosis.

When I had desktop computers I used to open them up and replace parts all the time. But I don't think I trust myself with a laptop. Either of you happen to live in Minnesota?

Actually, I'll pass this on to some techie friends I think might be willing to help me out. I would be thrilled to not have to junk my good old tablet, especially now that I'm just starting to rely on that feature.

Thanks again!

Funny, I just posted something about this.

Check out this other thread, you might find this useful.