t40 usb port/ video/startup problem?

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sunkssss · #1 Post by **sunkssss** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 8:28 pm

i was just setting my t40 down onto a soft surface when when suddenly a tiny rectangular black piece fell out of the top usb port. i can see where it should fit in, but am not sure if i should try putting it back in. first, it will fall right back out, and secondly, i'm not sure if anything has broken inside there. any ideas, suggestions? would it be possible to somehow meticulously paste this back inside where it belongs?

rocky01 · #2 Post by **rocky01** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 11:38 am

Well known issue. Requires new systemboard; do it now rather than put it off since using the socket will eventually short out board. Don't ask.

#3 Post by **underclocker** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 4:11 pm

Actually, I've glued one back in on an A31.

Just use Krazy Glue to glue the plastic back in place, then insert a USB device to hold the plastic in the correct place while the glue cures.

It worked fine for me.

#4 Post by **underclocker** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 4:12 pm

P.S. This breakage is almost always caused by forcing in a USB device upside down. Not a great design.

sunkssss · #5 Post by **sunkssss** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 5:58 pm

that was the idea i had, underclocker. though, i'm pretty sure i never forcefully plunged any usb device into the socket. rocky01, are you sure that this broken piece is a sure sign of a future shorting out of the entire board? if replacement is necessary....is this covered under warranty or not? thanks for the replies guys...

cmarti · #6 Post by **cmarti** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 6:14 pm

sunkssss wrote: if replacement is necessary....is this covered under warranty or not? thanks for the replies guys...

If your lappy is still under warranty you should contact ibm they will replace the motherboard, just make sure to mention that it just fall from it's place by itself.

#7 Post by **underclocker** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 6:31 pm

Definitely go the warranty route.

The short occurs because the plastic piece that fell out kept the four USB leads separated, they could touch without the piece in place. This can cause serious system board damage.

Some people just fill the broken port with silicone - avoiding any future issues.

sunkssss · #8 Post by **sunkssss** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 6:40 pm

ah, so that's how the usb port could short out the rest of the system...interesting. anyways, i suppose i'll call support sometime this week, hopefully this is covered. i've heard several horror-stories regarding t40 motherboard replacements, i just hope i have a fate better than that.

cmarti · #9 Post by **cmarti** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:29 pm

sunkssss wrote:ah, so that's how the usb port could short out the rest of the system...interesting. anyways, i suppose i'll call support sometime this week, hopefully this is covered. i've heard several horror-stories regarding t40 motherboard replacements, i just hope i have a fate better than that.

When the motherboard of my T40 was replaced by IBM my experience was good, good luck on your repair!

sunkssss · #10 Post by **sunkssss** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 5:44 pm

well i'm very glad to report that a service repairman stopped by today and replaced the motherboard. he did a great job and i just hope this is the last time i'll have to call tech services!

#11 Post by **underclocker** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:19 pm

It's nice to hear about another good experience with service. Enjoy your ThinkPad.

#12 Post by **Kyocera** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:59 pm

It's nice to hear about another good experience with service. Enjoy your ThinkPad.

sunksssss, glad you had a positive experience. Sounds like yours went the way it should.

sunkssss · #13 Post by **sunkssss** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 3:18 pm

well, unfortunately, one week into using the new motherboard, it appears that a new problem has arisen. i was typing up a paper, and suddenly the screen went blank, the music i had playing shut off, but the fan kept whirring. so i call up support, and explain what happened, and they say they're going to replace the motherboard again. so two days later the tech guy comes by, replaces the board, but still no image... so he takes the computer for the day, replaces the lcd, and lo-and-behold, no image, yet when attached to an external monitor there is an image and everything works fine, except no image on the actual laptop. so what're the chances that the new motherboard is bad upon installation? call me crazy, but it seems pretty unlucky. what do you guys think might've been the problem? will a new motherboard solve it do you think....? i mean, support has been pretty great so far, new lcd, new motherboard, just....i hope they get it to work before thanksgiving break! i'm confident they will, just seems like it's cutting it close....

t40 usb port/ video/startup problem?

t40 usb port/ video/startup problem?

Re: t40 usb port, a tiny piece has fallen out...?

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