Question : Problem: Bad inverter or ccfl?

When I turn it on, the monitor will light up for 2-3 seconds, then go dark. The screen can still be seem very dimly.

How do I tell if it is the inverter or the cold cathodes that are bad?

I have already taken the monitor apart and took out the cathodes. There seems to be black stuff near the edges of the bulbs, is this normal or are they bad?

Also, there are 4 ccfl's, 2 at the top and 2 at the bottom. Since they all go out is it the inverter?

found this on the datasheet (FLC43XWC8V)

This LCD module has 4 lamps. Each 2 lamps are placed at upper and lower side of the
display.
2 lamps are connected in parallel.


I think its one or two of the bulbs that are bad. I hooked them back up to the inverter and turned them on. One set of two glows bright white while the other glows a pinkish tint before everything turns off.

I also hear a high pitched whine when i switch the monitor on

so basically:

1. all 4 ccfl's light up for 2 seconds before turning off
2. one set glows bright white while the other has a slight pinkish tint

thanks for your help!

Answer : Problem: Bad inverter or ccfl?

A pinkish tint would indicate a bad CCFL but the sound you are hearing is probably from the inverter. Plus the lights go out which is more an inverter issue.
Sounds like you may have a problem with both the pinkish CCFL and the inverter.