T43 with boot problems

[l.butler]

Hi, I got a defective T43 recently. On delivery, the machine would boot to the IBM splash screen and then halt. After stripping out the battery, modem, hdd, optical drive, mini-pci card, pc-card dock, and both sticks of ram, I booted and got the 1-3-3-1 beep. After this, I replaced a stick of ram and the fan powered on, the power led lit up, but the lcd remained dead. I've permuted the ram sticks between slots, but that is all I get now.

Any suggestions on what I might do?

[USSS]

Send it back for refund or replacement.

But if you've already disassembled it, neither may be an option. Did you contact the vendor at the first sign of problems? Or did you buy the unit "as-is" with the intention of repairing it yourself?

[killer]

@l.butler: What type of T43 do you have? Most T43s are 4 years old now so they are out of warranty. Maybe you need to contact forum member poshgeordie in Newcastle-upon Tyne to seek his help?.

[l.butler]

Or did you buy the unit "as-is" with the intention of repairing it yourself?

Yes, that is my intention--an after-work/weekend project. The machine looks to have been well cared for, and I have had some success in repairing older thinkpads. I think that I have done the obvious things (as per the hmm and numerous threads on this forum) to diagnose the problem and I was hoping that someone would have additional suggestions.

It is a 2668-46G.

[Harryc]

Remove the AC adapter and battery, hold down the power button repeatedly for 10 repetitions, and hold it down for 30 seconds on the last repetition. Release the button. Now plug in AC power only and to power on. If that fails you most likely have a problem on the systemboard.

[l.butler]

Ok, did that numerous times, no luck.

Do you recommend replacing the motherboard?

[Harryc]

Yes, or contact member poshgeordie for a repair estimate. It could be a loose GPU or Southbridge. Judging from the symptoms I'd be more inclined to think the Southbridge has come loose on the motherboard.

[crashnburn]

Remove the AC adapter and battery, hold down the power button repeatedly for 10 repetitions, and hold it down for 30 seconds on the last repetition. Release the button. Now plug in AC power only and to power on. If that fails you most likely have a problem on the systemboard.

I was looking for T43 related help and found this.. I did this for my T61. I thought it died but it came back Brilliant hidden nugget

PS: T43 issue. I'd like to restore my C: to Factory install using the Service / Restore Partition on the HDD. I dont have the CDs/ Disks and not worth the effort to buy them.

When I went through: 'Access IBM' > Options - F11 > Repair / Restore Option.... I get NTLDR missing. What direction do I need to go to make my Hidden Partition functional again.

[l.butler]

Yes, or contact member poshgeordie for a repair estimate. It could be a loose GPU or Southbridge. Judging from the symptoms I'd be more inclined to think the Southbridge has come loose on the motherboard.

@Harryc:

Ok, I've contacted poshgeordie. We'll see what he says.

On a whim, I tried again, but this time I applied pressure to the Southbridge when powering on. The splash screen re-appeared, but it hung there. I take that the original problem is elsewhere and my disassembly aggravated this issue. Is that about right?

[Harryc]

Not exactly. I think the original problem was the Southbridge, still is the problem, but has gotten worse.

[poshgeordie]

Ok, I've contacted poshgeordie. We'll see what he says.

On a whim, I tried again, but this time I applied pressure to the Southbridge when powering on. The splash screen re-appeared, but it hung there. I take that the original problem is elsewhere and my disassembly aggravated this issue. Is that about right?

Hi - PM sent - it sounds fairly classic SB but we'll check it fully when we have a look at it.