T60 won't boot with AC adapter plugged in

[RayJackson]

Hi. Recently picked up a T60. Not sure which motherboard it has, but under the battery is a sticker that says FRU 42T0163.

Turning it on with just battery and no AC adapter works fine. Turning it on with the AC adapter plugged in (with or without battery) results in it not coming on at all, or coming on briefly before abruptly turning off and it won't turn on again until the battery is removed and put back in. It also seems to work fine if you turn it on without the AC adapter, let it boot up, and then plug in the AC adapter. Issue persists with or without a battery plugged in and with multiple OEM AC adapters.

I'm hoping to find some information on how to troubleshoot this further. Also, if I end up needing to replace the systemboard, is there a list of compatible models somewhere? I'd like to get one that is at least as good if not better than the one already in it.

ETA: Here is what I've tried so far:

• tried different batteries and chargers

• tried both Windoze and linux

• reseated the RAM

• cleaned the CPU fan/heatsink and new thermal paste

• BIOS update

[SAIYAN48]

Remove both the main battery and the CMOS battery then connect the AC adapter. It should turn on.

[RealBlackStuff]

Also, if I end up needing to replace the systemboard, is there a list of compatible models somewhere?

Get the manual (with parts list) from the HMM link above.

[RayJackson]

Remove both the main battery and the CMOS battery then connect the AC adapter. It should turn on.

Thanks for the reply.

I can get the laptop to turn on, but not while the AC adapter is plugged in. This is the procedure I use:

• Unplug AC adapter
• Turn laptop on (battery plugged in)
• Wait a few seconds after it begins booting, plug in the AC adapter

If I try turning it on with the AC adapter plugged in, nothing happens. All the indicator lights turn off and it goes "dead" until I remove the battery and put it back in again.

[kfzhu1229]

Try it with a dock/port replicator.
AFAIK these things should have different MOSFETs and the input circuitry for the charger vs the dock connector's power.
You might have better luck with a port replicator.
Typical fix for this sorts of problem would be replacing a stuck closed circuit MOSFET or something like that (which causes the SuperIO to shut down the laptop, but technically it works just fine if SuperIO doesn't shut down), which might be too much of a hassle for most people.

[SAIYAN48]

Keep main battery out, remove CMOS, give AC power and it will always turn on.

[RayJackson]

Try it with a dock/port replicator.

I don't have a port replicator but I do have a dock. I tested that with the same result. I placed the T60 on the dock, and two green indicator lights came on (battery and charging). I hit the power button, and the lights went off. Completely dead until I removed the battery and put it back in again.

Typical fix for this sorts of problem would be replacing a stuck closed circuit MOSFET or something like that

Is this something I can do myself with a soldering iron? If so, do you know where could I get information about how to identity which component needs to be replaced?

Keep main battery out, remove CMOS, give AC power and it will always turn on.

Thanks for the suggestion. I do not see this being a good longterm solution for me as I wouldn't be able to use the battery and unplugging it would reset the bios date.

[SAIYAN48]

For my R500, I set up Wake on Lan and put the CMOS back in; I can use a PS script to start the machine and it will turn on with ethernet plugged in. Quite useful since the keyboard is dead and the power button is on the kb.

[ibenzawla]

Hi, I have the same exact problem with my T60 and its truly frustrating. Say its completely off and connected to the power adapter. If press the power button all the battery lights goes off and nothing happens. I then disconnect the power adapter and press the power button with the battery still inside and still nothing happens. I'd then remove the battery, press and hold the power button for a second or two. Then I reinstall the battery and press the power and this time it comes on. I'd then reconnect the power cable and it will charge fine. So it comes on fine with battery but not with the charger. I have replaced the CMOS battery but still the same issue. I plan to try it with another adapter.

[andy2000]

I also have this problem with my 15" T60p. It started doing it intermittently, but now it's pretty much 100%. As others have said, if you try to power it on, or wake from sleep while the AC adapter is connected, the system loses all power. You then have to unplug it, and remove the battery before it will power on again. It does this regardless of whether or not the battery is installed, and it doesn't matter if it's getting power from the DC jack, or the docking station. I've ruled out a bad AC adapter. Once running, the system works fine from AC power, or battery.

I swapped my SSD into a backup 14" T60p, and all is well. Today, I finally pulled out a 15" T60p parts machine to do a motherboard swap, and discovered it has the same problem. I know if was working properly when I last powered it on. In fact, it used to be my main T60p until I found a better looking one.

Based on my experience, this post, and other posts it would seem that the T60 has a common problem with the motherboard. I found a schematic, and I'm going to try to figure out the problem. I'll post back with any results.

[J888www]

I found a schematic, and I'm going to try to figure out the problem. I'll post back with any results.

Years ago, I had the same issue of the laptop not turning on, nothing, blank, no life/dead....it was actually quite simple fix, fully discharge the Static Electricity.