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I have seen a few Toshiba Satellite M305 and M305D laptops with exactly the same display problem. When you move the display panel, the image on the screen flickers, some random horizontal lines appear in random places or the image disappears at all. As soon as you stop moving the display, the image ether turns back to normal or the display continue to remain black.
I did some research and found that this problem could be related to the display cable made by CMI.
How can you tell if the display cable was made by CMI? You’ll have to open up the display panel and take a look at the letters and numbers below the barcode on the cable. If first three letters are CMI, the cable was made by CMI.
The following models could have a faulty display cable: Toshiba Satellite M300, M305, M305D and Toshiba Satellite Pro M300.
If you experience a similar problem with your Satellite M305 or M305D laptop, try replacing the display cable first. If the problem still exists, even after replacing the cable, apparently it’s related to the LCD screen.
If the laptop is still under warranty do not open the case or you will lose the warranty. Take your laptop to the authorized repair center.
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February 12th, 2009 at 10:52 am
aras,
When I add RAMs (2×512)all I get is 448 total. I tried different compatible RAMS and still the same problem. Used RAMs as recommended by SONY support and still it did not help. PC works but RAMs total stays exactly 448 instead of 1024.
It’s possible that one of the memory slots is bad and “cannot see” the memory module installed in it.
Test your laptop with different memory modules installed into different slots. If the laptop works fine with both memory modules in the slot A but not in the slot B, the slot B is defective. If that’s the case, you’ll have to replace the motherboard or use the laptop as is with only one working slot.
Thank you for your advice.
Actually, it was just incompatible RAMs. I tried three different “compatible” types and they did not work. Then I ordered the ones from 4allmeory.com (they guarantee compatibility)
and it recognized it immediately. So, now I have 960 of RAMs. I did not expect 1024 to be displayed, since my PC shares RAMs with video. So, problem solved!
February 13th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Heloo,
I have this strange problem with my display.
Everything is working fine except on black colour when some red pale lines appear in the middle of the screen.
Do I have to change the panel or only some parts?
I uploaded some photos.
Nobody answered to my question if this can be fixed or do I have to buy a new lcd panel.
The strange thing is that except the black colour is everything ok.
Thank you.
The link with the photos>
http://s656.photobucket.com/albums/uu288/hpdv/
I wait for your opinion.
February 24th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
daniel,
That’s a strange failure. In order to narrow down the problem you’ll have to test the laptop with an external monitor attached to the VGA port.
If both screens (internal and external monitor) fail the same way and you see exactly the same problem on both monitors, it’s not related to the laptop screen. Apparently there is something wrong with the video card.
If the failure appears only on the laptop screen but the external monitor works fine, there could be a problem with the video cable or laptop LCD.
You’ll have to test it with an external monitor first.
March 8th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
this is a f*** cable problem! nothing else.
don`t buy this shit (sorry but that is what it is)
April 14th, 2009 at 7:40 am
to day i sucsesfully repair my m300 by my self..
make jamper groud of inverter to groud of body.
May 20th, 2009 at 6:02 am
Hi, my Toshiba Satellite M105-S3041 has developed an issue where the screen dims when the screen is moved up and down or due to some vibration, there is also a buzzing noise when this happens. I have to move the screen around normally to correct it. Does this sound like I need to replace the screen inverter? or could it be the video/display cable that is faulty? or something else? It’s normally fine when there is no physical movement. Please also recommend a site to order the part from. Thanks!
June 8th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Dear Laptop Tech
I have same problem with my notebook (m305-s4820). But when in charge the laptop, the screen seem better, but still flicker occasionally. Could that happen because inverter failure. Can you tell me, what can be happened if inverter failure? Maybe more than flickering screen, I dont know.
Thanks.
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:22 am
I have Acer Extensa 2300 laptop. Since last 3 days, he screen displays a vertical light dark mark (about 1.5 inches wide). Does anyone guide me thru steps to resolve this problem. thnx
August 8th, 2009 at 4:58 am
Same here! Monitor SyncMaster 540n 15″
August 18th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
where can i find a new video cable for M305? i have no idea which company makes the genuine video cable which is not faulty…i dont wanna buy a video cable which will again get fucked up in a few months…any suggestions from where and which brand to buy?i have seen some on ebay but i feel those might be from the faulty lot (and maybe used)
August 18th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
sushant,
I’m not sure if there are many different types of cables for different M305 models, but here’s the part number you can use for search: A000029210
There are three cables listed and I mentioned part number for the latest one. I think it’s a new cable.
Google the part number and you’ll find it.
September 9th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Having same problems with the toshiba screen, m305d-s4380, the screen flickers, i have found that applying a bit of pressure on the borders of the screen the flicker is gone, so i have done a research, everything seems to be a problem of the lcd cable, Question.
How do you know if the cable has to be repalced?
can i fix the same cable? might it be a short o a loosen cable?
what is the cable part number, where can i find it and how much does it costs?
This website was the most helpful one. Regards!
November 7th, 2009 at 11:00 am
giorgio,
Disassemble the display panel and take a look at the cable. If the part number starts with letters CMI, most likely the cable has to be replaced.
I haven’t tried it myself but most likely you cannot. There are many wires inside the video harness and I really doubt that you can fix it.
In your case (m305d-s4830) the cable part number is A000029210.
Google the part number and find how much it is.
November 16th, 2009 at 6:04 am
Laptop tech,
I have an M305-S4822 and I’m experiencing the same problems as shown in the photo above. What would the cable part number for my specific model be?
November 16th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Christine,
Here’s the video cable part number: A000029210
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:03 pm
i have m305-s4822 laptop and i am going through same screen problem. After reading this i opened my lcd panel and try to reconnect my cable but it doesnt work it still flickers after so most likely need a new cable. Try to find it on ebay, i found it for 17$ but its used so lets see if its works ok or not
December 10th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
What is the cable for the screen called??? you guys said u found it on ebay whats it called?
December 10th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
actually i found it and does it usually run about 100$
December 12th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I bought the cable on Ebay and connected it in to my labtop and the screen seem to be working fine. But if I push the screen down to like a 45 degree angle the screen goes blank, When I push the screen back up right the screen is working fine. I’ll see how long this last before the screen will start flickering again?
December 16th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I need some help finding the parts, can anyone give me the website or what to search under on Ebay.
thank you
ps. any ideas on how to fix the UBS port on m305d-4830. do i have to buy the parts separate and solder it in. the port is jammed in.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Tou,
It depends. Which USB port you are asking about?
There are two USB boards on the left side of the laptop. These ports are soldered to the motherboard.
There is one USB port located on the right side of the laptop. This port is soldered to the LAN board.
I doubt that you can find a new USB port separately.
January 31st, 2010 at 6:42 am
I have a M305D-4831 and my screen did the same thing as those listed above but NOW won’t work at all. I tested it on a desktop and know the laptop itself works. Do I order the same part A000029210? Thanks for your help. I want to try and fix it myself since it costs about $200 to have someone else fix it for me. Regards!
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:51 am
I have a toshiba m305-s4819 with the same problem mentioned I have read that you said it was that cable but mine also does it on start up regularly the computer will turn on but the screen stays black and if i shut it off and shake it a bit I can usually get it to come back on the laptop itself works great when the screen cooperates would this also be related to the cable? Thanks for your help
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:52 am
Also I took it to a computer place and they told me the screen is going but I really don’t believe that because it has a nice bright clear picture
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:39 am
Hi. I have a Toshiba M305-S4820, and I have a similar problem. The screen flickers when moved, but instead of being all black, it is all white. When I find a good position it works well unless moved. Is this the same problem? Changing the LCD cable will solve the problem? Thanks you
February 7th, 2010 at 2:47 am
Hello,
I have a Toshiba M305-S4910, I had minor flicker issues recently and then today while on my computer the screen simply went black. The odd thing is I can still start the computer in windows safe mode and it works perfectly fine, no flickers no black screen. When I try to start it in regular mode the screen flickers and then goes black within about 30 seconds. Does that sound like a wire issue to you? I can’t really return it as I’m currently in Afghanistan. I wish i’d known about this problem before I got this damn computer, 6 months left on a deployment without a computer is a major drag.
February 7th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Robin,
In order to troubleshoot the problem, you’ll have to start the laptop with video on external monitor. Can you get video on the external monitor in normal (not safe) mode?
Could be, but I’m not sure. If the laptop works fine with video on the external monitor, but the internal screen remains black or works only in safe mode, it could be related to the video harness.