T42 Display Issues

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invictus · #1 Post by **invictus** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:05 am

At work I've got a T42 (2378-FZU) that has a weird display problem. I was just starting the R&R process of reinstalling the laptop to the factory default, and the display went 'static' like (I'm not quite sure how else to explain it) and then went black. I checked with an external monitor and nothing shows up. I powered down the laptop and when I start it back up, nothing happens - the hard drive doesn't start, but the power and battery LED turns on.

The kicker is that the laptop is out of warranty. I'm not sure what to check to determine what's causing the issue.

Can I pick up a systemboard from eBay or someother place? Also, where can I get a screw set?

Invictus

JHEM · #2 Post by **JHEM** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:46 am

Try replacing the CMOS battery, it's always the first place to start with suddenly deceased Thinkpads.

Yes, you could possibly get a new MB on eBay, but a T42 is pretty new, so there won't be a lot to findand they'll probably be expensive.

The screw set is available from IBM for about $6 plus exorbitant shipping charges.

I'll bet you're sorry now you didn't extend the warranty!

Regards,

James

invictus · #3 Post by **invictus** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:40 pm

Hrm... How does one go about getting to the CMOS battery? I've removed the keyboard but I don't see the battery. Do I need to remove the whole cover?

And yes, I wished we had gotten the extended warranty. The company tried to save a few bucks and now we'll probably have to purchase a new one. I'm going to make sure that we get the extended (3 year) warranty too!

Thanks for your help JHEM.

Jon

#4 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:44 pm

Hardware Manual

JHEM · #5 Post by **JHEM** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 6:22 pm

invictus wrote:And yes, I wished we had gotten the extended warranty.

"If you have an IBM machine that is out of warranty, or if you have an existing warranty service upgrade (WSU) or maintenance agreement that is about to expire, then post-warranty maintenance (MA ServicePac) is right for you."

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... =TPAD-PWMA

Regards,

James

hoya · #6 Post by **hoya** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 11:37 am

I had the same problem and found that this worked:

1) unplug AC and remove battery.

2) press the power button ten times.

3) hold the power button down for 20 seconds.

4) insert AC and power on.

if nothing happens, then repeat steps 1-3, then insert battery and attempt to power on.

I eventually had to have my system board replaced but this got my machine back to life for awhile.

invictus · #7 Post by **invictus** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 4:17 pm

Well, I was able to get the company to purchase a warranty extension and tomorrow an IBM/Lenovo tech will be coming out to replace the systemboard.

Replacing the CMOS worked at first, but then the laptop had the same issues all over again.

I can't wait for this to be all done and over with...

Thanks to all for your suggestions and input.

Jon

Ryan T. · #8 Post by **Ryan T.** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 2:47 pm

This is incredible, I'm having the EXACT same issue w/ my 2378-FVU, and it just started about a week ago. I'm considering buying the extended warranty to have it fixed, but if it's the CMOS battery, I'd rather save the $200. Anyone have any opinions?

T42 Display Issues

T42 Display Issues

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