IBM t41 thinkpad turns on sometimes

[arcolino]

I've been reading a lot of post about this issue. mine seems a bit different.
sometimes I press the power button on the laptop it tries to turn on but goes right off.

sometimes I am able to get it to work but I cant move it around. seems like the same problem others are having whats the fix for it? new mother board?

I read some post where they say its the monitor cable?

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

Many of the problems with the T4x systems that are described as, "it works as long as I don't move it", is usually attributed to the graphics (GPU) or Southbridge chip coming loose from the motherboard. About the only fix, besides replacing the board, is to subject the board to a solder reflow operation.

While I doubt that the monitor cable is the issue, if there is an intermittent electrical short somewhere in the system it can cause problem as you describe.

[poshgeordie]

When you say it goes right off, are the indicators still lit / Hard Disc still appearing to work / fan running etc but nothing on the screen?

if so it's probably an unsoldered graphics chip.

If it switches on and then immediately switches completely off (no lights, no fan etc) it can be a number of things.
Can you check the following:
1. CPU screw is clicked fully clockwise (?) so that the CPU chip is fully locked in place.
2. If you remove both RAM modules does the Thinkpad give a series of beeps?

This fault can also indicate an unsoldered Southbridge as well.

You may be interested in The Board Room which is about to open and will be a reliable a source of refurbished T4x and R5x motherboards in US.