T30 Screen Problem

[jwc194]

I have an IBM Thinkpad T30 and I have been having issues with the screen lately. Generally when I boot the machine the screen is ok, however after working with it a few minutes the screen tends to go nuts. It will get extremely pixelated and distored. All I can really see are some colors and lines.

I dont know much about troubleshooting these types of things but it seems like there might be some loose wiring of some sort. I've noticed that sometimes if I press down on a certain part of the laptop (such as where you might place your hands when typing) it will cause the screen to do this. Then, sometimes when I lift my hand back up it goes back to normal.

So my question is: Has anyone else seen this type of thing happen? Do any of you have a more educated guess at what might be causing this or how I might be able to get it fixed?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[tfflivemb2]

Are you moving the T30 when this happens?

I had a problem like this before, but fortunately the system was still under warranty.

I can't remember what they said was replaced, but I am sure that it was probably a loose connection and they replaced a part just to be cautious.

[jwc194]

Nope, not moving the laptop (although it happens when moving it as well).

Part of my job is tech support so I know the info im providing is pretty generic and probably not very helpful, but I'm really not sure how else to describe it. Applying pressure or tapping in certain areas just seems to make the screen go nuts. I have myself pretty convinced that its probably just a wiring issue that shouldn't be too difficult to fix, but perhaps its something more serious.

I guess what I was hoping to find out is if anyone else has experienced this or if it is maybe a common problem with this laptop. If I have to replace the screen I'll prob just trash the whole thing, but I was hoping that maybe I could salvage it with a small investment.

Thanks again.

[JHEM]

Open it up and reseat all cables! Both on the MB and the display.

CLEAN THE FAN!! High ambient temps from the CPU can affect the GPU.

Report back.

Regards,

James