REG_WRITE(PP_CONTROL, REG_READ(PP_CONTROL) | POWER_TARGET_ON);
                do {
                        pp_status = REG_READ(PP_STATUS);
-               } while ((pp_status & PP_ON) == 0);
+               } while ((pp_status & PP_ON) == 0 &&
+                        (pp_status & PP_SEQUENCE_MASK) != 0);
 
-               /*FIXME: should be backlight level before*/
-               psb_intel_lvds_set_brightness(dev, 100);
+               if (REG_READ(PP_STATUS) & PP_ON) {
+                       /*FIXME: should be backlight level before*/
+                       psb_intel_lvds_set_brightness(dev, 100);
+               } else {
+                       DRM_DEBUG("LVDS panel never powered up");
+                       return;
+               }
        } else {
                psb_intel_lvds_set_brightness(dev, 0);