Laptop capacitor type

[silvergoat]

I just replaced the screen and the inverter from my laptop and it still doesn't work. I bought both used (screen from ebay and a possibly refurbished inverter) and I still have the exact same issue---- so before spending more money, I want to diagnose the problem correctly.

Toshiba L35-S2161 (PSL33U-02401D)

Over the course of a few weeks the display started to disappear. It would work normally sometimes (even powered on for a full day), and sometimes I could only see a very very faint image.

I have connected the laptop to an external monitor and the image on the external monitor is fine.

I replace the inverter first and the problem didn't change, so I ordered a used screen from ebay, and the problem didn't change. So, today I opened it up to see if there was any visible damage (or anything that would indicate a motherboard problem) and I noticed that a couple of the capacitors had some black tar-like gunk on them. I'm not sure what the type of capacitors are called, but am I safe to assume that they don't leak like electrolytics? I have pictures on my phone, but am not able to upload them at the moment.

I was unable to find a diagram online, but the affected capacitors are marked on the board with these labels: PC503, PC505, PC509, PC510. They could just be dirty with some spill damage, but I've never played with this type of cap so I'm not sure what it is.

[Uranium-235]

Re: Laptop capacitor type

did you ever replace the cable going from the board to the screen? (did your replacement screen include this cable?)

[silvergoat]

Re: Laptop capacitor type

No, I have not replaced the cable yet. The image is on the screen, however faint, so I'm leaning towards a motherboard (maybe not providing a strong enough signal to the inverter) or a faulty refurbished inverter. I am likely going to try to call to get a replacement inverter tomorrow......but I am near the point where I don't want to spend anymore money. The inverter was purchased from a vendor that was not through ebay and may provide a replacement, so I will take that path (of least resistance and cost), however I was curious if the motherboard caps could be an issue.

[Uranium-235]

Re: Laptop capacitor type

if its one of those all-in-one cables that has the inverter voltage plug in the motherboard with the lcd signal (my toshiba L45 does) it COULD be your cable. I have had these break before

[silvergoat]

Re: Laptop capacitor type

The cable has a 6 pin for the inverter, and the harness terminates at one plug on the motherboard, with the LCD ribbon joined at the same harness. Can't locate the cable on ebay.

Same cable in this link:

http://www.zkarlo.com/selected-zkarl...able-p2216.php

[Uranium-235]

Re: Laptop capacitor type

found it used here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toshiba-Sate...item35bc29975f

could be your problem, iv'e had those go out on laptops before. Not often, but they have.

and a bunch of new ones too, but $25+, so that store would be your best bet

[silvergoat]

Re: Laptop capacitor type

Thanks- I'll check it out and save it for a last resort. Going to try to exchange the inverter first (hoping the online store lets me since they sell refurbished goods).

[silvergoat]

Re: Laptop capacitor type

Couldn't find the right cable so I ordered another inverter. It worked for a second and then stopped working when I finished putting the laptop back together. I knew I should have tested it again. Looked for the cable again on ebay, but no dice.....at least not from a US source.

I really don't want to spend another dime on this laptop so is there a way to eliminate the motherboard as the problem? Is it possible that the motherboard is burning out my inverters? I have purchased two replacements and the latest one only worked temporarily. Also, the laptop screen has worked randomly and it appears the trend continues after having replaced the screen and the inverter.