Member Avatar for kdv1982

Hi my name is Karen, I am new to this. I have been searching for answers online and need a little further direction on what exactly is wrong with my laptop and I came across this site, I hope someone can help me!

I have a Toshiba Satellite A20 that I bought about 3 years ago. It has a relatively new HD in it (because it died once already) but most recently something developed with the screen (unrelated to the HD).

It started a few months ago that when ever I turned it on the screen would have a red hue to it, but after running for a few minutes this would go away. I understand that this might be the LCD lamp? But two days ago I turned it on and the screen began shaking. Almost as if I was watching something in fast forward. I understand this might have something to do with a loose connection. It does stop and start. I tried moving my screen slightly but that didn't change much.

As long as I have my problems clear, and correct me if I am wrong, all I need to do to correct the screen shaking is to clean off the connectors. Now my question, where and how do I do that? Or is my comp on the way out?

Thank you!

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described a red tint on power‑up that cleared after a few minutes and then later developed intermittent "shaking" (rapid flicker). That combination strongly points at the backlight system (CCFL lamp or its inverter) or the wiring through the display hinge, rather than the GPU. was on the right track thinking the lamp/inverter; 's note about looking at disassembly manuals is also useful background before opening the lid.

A short diagnostic sequence (safe, low-effort first):

  1. Attach an external VGA/TV output. If the external image is stable and correct, the motherboard/GPU is OK and the fault is in the LCD/backlight subsystem.
  2. While the laptop is on and flickering, shine a bright flashlight at the screen. If a steady, faint image is visible, the LCD is still receiving video but the backlight is failing.
  3. Inspect the cable where it passes the hinge for fraying or cramped routing; gently changing lid angle while powered can reveal a bad cable.
  4. If comfortable opening the bezel: disconnect power and battery first, then look at the inverter board (a slim board near the bottom edge). Reseat connectors and look for burn marks. Do not touch CCFL leads when powered.

Repair guidance and cautions: inverter boards are the lowest-cost part to try first; a failing inverter often causes flicker, color shift, or delayed warm‑up. CCFL replacement requires careful work (adhesives, reflective tape, solder) and contains mercury—panel replacement is often safer and faster. Inverters carry dangerous high voltage when powered; if not experienced with laptop disassembly, professional service is recommended.

Quick checklist summary: confirm with an external monitor, use the flashlight test to confirm backlight loss, visually inspect hinge/cable and inverter connectors, try an inverter swap before committing to panel surgery. Refer to a reliable disassembly guide for the A20 family before attempting any teardown.

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Member Avatar for Teachingmyself

Try this link,I couldn't see you're particular model but my guess is the lcd's are all fairly similiar

http://feeds2read.net/Rss-View/3313/Laptop-Disassembly-Help

It's better than nothing but if you just want to see a very nicely laid out instruction process(It IS going to differ from your screen but it's a great general look at how it's done) check out the dell support site and pick the manual for any of their notebooks screens

Member Avatar for Member #132907

Karen, From what I have seen the Sharp manufactured LCD displays that Toshiba used in the A20's and other Toshiba laptops from around the same time period have many problems with the backlights, and the shaking you are seeing is just interference from the bulb going bad and arcing internally. A company based out of IL called MicroMedics () I know is able to fix that problem and most other laptop problems. You may want to hit them up. I don't know how much fixing/replacing your screen would cost but I have had good luck with them in the past when I have had laptops of mine fixed, both under service plan contracts and out of my own pocket.

Member Avatar for kdv1982

Thank you for the help. I tried cleaning off the connectors from the monitor and that didn't help so it must be the bulb. I will have to get a proffessional to check it out...

Member Avatar for nhesson

I am having the same problem! did you find out how to fix it?

Member Avatar for zukerama

I am having the exact same issue, so I will get a new bulb.
http://www.lcdparts.net/howto/ccflinstallation.aspx
I have already replace the HD and the monitor hinges, and the cord...so I'll spend
another bit of cash to get it back. My other issue is the plug isn't connecting great.
It will be plugged in and I have to wiggle the connector to ensure the laptop (and battery) is receiving power.

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