[thinkpad] [ltp] Strange LCD issue

[lou]

FWIIW: I had similar experience with T20 but not so heat sensitive.
Repositioning the lid (LCD screen) more open or closed would restore
normal operation. It got so that the position of the lid was critical.
Replacing the signal cable from the system board to the LCD screen
repaired it. I found a place in Fort Lauderdale that sold new Thinkpad
parts (actual IBM parts) and replaced it for around $25. The maintenance
manual procedure indicated that the complete LCD assembly, including the
lid itself, had to be removed but that was not really necessary. Some
also suggested reseating that cable, but I had to replace it. I also
replaced the plastic keyboard bezel, which cost more than the cable...
go figure.

Lou

Jim Rockford wrote:
>
> I have been experiencing some ugly LCD flicker and blinking
> kaleidoscopes on my T41p screen, a problem that gets progressively
> worse the longer
> the machine as on (which I presume means that the hotter the machine
> gets the worse the problem is).  However, today I made a puzzling
> observation.
> When I have my Thinkpad placed on my desk, the flicker occurs as usual
> (and it's at its worst when I browse the web and encounter
> flash-intensive websites). 
> However, if I place the laptop on a book, raising it in the air above
> my desk by 3 or 4 inches, then the flicker is almost completely
> absent, and it remains that way.  I should note that if I tilt the
> computer a little then the flickering behavior can return.  However,
> if it sits level on this book (which does not encompass the
> entire underneath surface area of the machine), then the LCD has no
> problems.  If I put it back directly on the desk, then the problems
> occur in a 100% reproducible way.
>
> Can anyone explain this?  Is it a matter of the machine needing to
> "breathe" or something?  Why does tilting the machine exaggerate the
> LCD flickerings?
>
> Thanks,
> Jim
>
>