Common T43 motherboard problem

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#1 Post by **richk** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:29 pm

This problem is not as common as the dreaded GPU problem, but I have seen it several times and I have 2 of them here right now. (both 64MB X300, but I've seen this on other boards) The machine freezes, most likely at startup. Then if you press on the palmrest, near the upper right, it goes a little more. At first I thought it was the GPU, but pressing the GPU is less likely to help than pressing over near the HDD connector. I then thought it was a bad ground connection, because what helped most was getting the copper pads by the screw holes pressed firmly against the case, but I was unable to confirm this with a meter. Has anyone else seen this or can suggest a repair?

Temetka · #2 Post by **Temetka** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:59 pm

Looking at my T42 it shows the optical and HD on the right side of the unit. Based on that I would gather that the IDE controller is right in the area you mentioned.

Try reseating your drives and see what happens.

#3 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:52 pm

If re-seating the drive does not fix the problem, then try this "clutching-at-straws" suggestion:

- get a copy of PC Doctor for DOS for your system from the Diagnostic section at this link: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-58597
- run the RTC Clock test under the Systemboard heading in a continuous loop (right before you run the test, press the F2 key and change the "Set Pass Count" value to 1000)
- press and release the palmrest while the RTC test is running and see if it makes any difference (passes or fails)

The reason I say this is that I had a T23 act very similar to your T43. It would suspend execution unless the system was twisted in a certain way. The ultimate cause was a badly soldered crystal on the motherboard.

ref: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 414#271414

Temetka · #4 Post by **Temetka** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:26 pm

Good call on the RTC clock time down.

Your level of knowledge never fails to impress Ray, keep it up.

It also couldn't hurt to grab a copy of memtest x86 and give it whirl. It won't help with the HD issue, but it never hurts to check your RAM. Some of the weirdest computer problems I have encountered have been due to bad or failing ram or ram that simply wasn't compatible with the machine and would throw a monkeys wrench into the work every now and then.

Since we are looking at HD issues though, I could also suggest trying out the Hitachi DFT Drive Fitness Tool and seeing what it says. I seem to be lacking a link at the moment...

sarbin · #5 Post by **sarbin** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 8:22 pm

"... Hitachi DFT Drive Fitness Tool and seeing what it says. I seem to be lacking a link at the moment..."

http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/download.htm

#6 Post by **richk** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 8:36 pm

A little more info: The problem occurs whether or not there are drives and with other (known good) memory. Also, the last time I had the problem, I resoldered every componant on the top or bottom in that area with a hot air rework station. I don't know where the RTC crystal is. I'll look.

#7 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:29 pm

Can't tell you exactly where the crystals are on your T43 motherboard but if it uses the same types as found on the T23, here's a picture with three different styles:

http://www.kawakami-ca.com/images/t23_crystals.jpg

The frequency should be stamped on the top of the device and is typically signified on the motherboard by the letter "Y" followed by a number. In the case of the T23, the far left is Y1 @ 24.576 (Khz?), the middle one is Y4 (10.000) and the far right one is Y6 (32.768). Y6 was the one causing my problems with the system freezing. That value (32.768) is a power of two and is usually the one which the real-time clock (RTC) is based upon.

Perhaps coincidentally, the white connector you see between the Y4 and Y6 crystals is the hard drive connector.

#8 Post by **richk** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:24 pm

I could only find 2 in the area. Y3 (14.318) and Y6 (32.768k) Y6 is about 1 inch from the HDD connector. I'll solder them tomorrow and post the results.

thanks

#9 Post by **richk** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 12:44 pm

Solder doesn't help.

Randle · #10 Post by **Randle** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 2:40 am

richk - have you had any luck in repairing your t43? I'm having the same issue with my t43

I have learnt the skill of using my little finger to keep pressure on the point at the same time as working... but I'm really keen for a fix!

#11 Post by **richk** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:30 am

No, but I have seen it several times since. Reflowing the graphics chip didn't help. I'm not sure if I tried to re-solder the southbridge chip. Next time I see one, I will do that.

Common T43 motherboard problem

Common T43 motherboard problem

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