Display going out on an IBM laptop

I have an IBM T41p laptop and I’m having problems with the display going out.

Symtoms:
1) it just started doing this a few weeks ago, and it’s progressively getting worse (more often) (I’ve had the laptop for a couple years).
2) It goes in and out – I can sometimes see a very faint view of what’s on my screen in the background, but for the most part it’s black. You can’t see enough to do anything.
3) if I put the computer in sleep mode and then bring it back out, the display comes right back immediately (a bit pink at first).
4) sometimes, if I pick the computer up, the screen goes black – sometimes, I’m just sitting here working on it and it goes black. (driving me crazy)
I just got home, and with the machine unplugged, the display still keeps going black and the laptop works fine with an external monitor.

Looks like your laptop might have a few different problem and here’s what I think.

It goes in and out – I can sometimes see a very faint view of what’s on my screen in the background

It sound’s like there could be a problem with the screen inverter – the board witch converts DC to AC and provides power for the screen backlight. This board is located inside the display assembly and here’s an example how you can replace the inverter board. When the screen inverter goes bad, you loose backlight but still can see a very faint image on the screen.

If I put the computer in sleep mode and then bring it back out, the display comes right back immediately (a bit pink at first).

This part sounds like the screen backlight lamp (CCFL) is going bad. A pinkish tone on the laptop screen usually indicates a failing backlight lamp. Here you can read more on replacing the backlight lamp.

Sometimes, if I pick the computer up, the screen goes black – sometimes, I’m just sitting here working on it and it goes black.

This part sounds like you might have a loose connection between the video cable, motherboard and the LCD screen.

Sounds like a lot of problems?
OK, here’s what I would try to do in this case. Proceed on your own risk. If you are not sure, do not open the laptop case and take it to a professional repair shop.
1. I would check and reseat all connections between the LCD screen and the motherboard/video card. Also reseat connectors on the inverter board.
2. Make sure the video card (if it’s a separate module) is properly connected to the motherboard. Reseat the video card.
3. You mentioned that sometimes the backlight goes off but you still can see the image and sometimes the screen starts with a pinkish tone. You might have a bad inverter, bad backlight or both of them are not functioning properly, you’ll have to guess. I would try replacing the inverter first because it’s much cheaper the backlight lamp and the replacement procedure is much easier. If it doesn’t help, replace the LCD screen. I mentioned that you can replace the backlight lamp inside the screen but it’s not easy (actually it’s hard). That’s why I said replace the LCD screen.

You should be able to find help with laptop disassembly in the IMB hardware maintenance manual for your model.