Thinkpads Forum

Hello. I hope someone would have an insight on my situation

I own ThinkPad T60p (2007-FBG model). A few months ago my fan has failed which eventually caused my motherboard to crash (laptop didn't turn on). After 1000$ minimum price offer from the service lab I figured I would try to fix it by myself. I have ordered a new heatsink-fan from eBay and a used motherboard (41V9922) for a very reasonable price. I used firmware PDF to assemble the parts and surprisingly the laptop came to life which made me extremely happy. However I've discovered a few faults:
1) Bluetooth wasn't recongnized.
2) BIOS looks different and doesn't have Bluetooth section for configuration
3) None of the notification leds is working (except for WIfi led)
4) Everything else works fine. (I had to replace the inverter unit because my screen turned dark - that's all). I have installed the most recent BIOS update from Lenovo as well.

What I would like to know is if there is anything I could do to fix it? How could I have avoided this (I guessed there must be subtle differences between MB that ain't reflected by the model number)

Thank you
David

All of the problems you've listed 'could be' caused by a loose or defective LCD cable.

Welcome to the Forum.
Lenovo does not show the specs of your 2007-FBG.
What was the P/N of the original motherboard?
The new one seems to have the ATI X1400 GPU.
Not knowing the specs, and if you have a standard 4:3 or widescreen, and based on your LEDs not working,
you probably got the wrong inverter, OR you did not correctly connect the small LCD cable to the inverter board.

Inverter for Standard LCD 4:3:
- 41W1010 for 14" XGA and SXGA+
- 42T0077 for 15" XGA
- 42T0079 for 15" SXGA+ and UXGA

41W1338 is for 15.4" widescreen WXGA and WSXGA+

Your old mobo probably had a different BIOS version from the new mobo.

Unfortunately, I threw away the old motherboard. But the P/N was the same 41V9922 - I ordered the new one accordingly to its label. There must be a small difference that I don't get.
Secondly, the screen works fine - and the inverter is 42T0079 so I figure it is Ok. Furthermore - one led - "WifI" is working but others don't. Can it still be the cable in this situation? Also, I am pretty sure that the "lid" sensor stopped working. Any connection?
Can I change the BIOS so it supports Bluetooth again? (Does same part mobo can be uncompatible with the BT model?)

telavivi2000 wrote: Furthermore - one led - "WifI" is working but others don't. Can it still be the cable in this situation?
Can I change the BIOS so it supports Bluetooth again? (Does same part mobo can be uncompatible with the BT model?)

Yes it can still be the cable. I've also heard of a dead fuse on the systemboard causing this if I recall correctly. As RBS stated and I alluded to, it could also be a loose LCD cable connection at the inverter, bluetooth module, or at the systemboard. All BIOS support bluetooth. BIOS is not your problem. Is the bluetooth radio enabled ? FN-F5 .

BT is not recognized since the replacement. There is no such option in the BIOS and WinXP doesn't see BT device in the device manager.

I would try to change the LCD cable. All of the signals to the LEDs and to the bluetooth card go through it. If it's not that, and you've replaced the inverter, it's a systemboard problem. Those are the only hardware components involved in lighting the LED's and making bluetooth work. Is the bluetooth radio enabled ? FN-F5

I don't have a spare LCD cable. Since the problem came up after I put the new used mobo I tend to blame it after all. How can I be sure?
Still puzzles me: How come BIOS doesn't show BT control menu? Why only WiFi led is working?

For your question: FN-F5 doesn't show BT device only WiFi (while the original mobo showed both)

I've already told you what I think it is and how to diagnose the problem.

Thank you

the bios option is under config, all the way at the bottom. you may have to scroll down> If you don't have it, try updating bios to the latest. When you hit fn-F5, do you see the bluetooth radio? It needs to be powered on to get the light

richk wrote:the bios option is under config, all the way at the bottom. you may have to scroll down> If you don't have it, try updating bios to the latest. When you hit fn-F5, do you see the bluetooth radio? It needs to be powered on to get the light

I have already updated to the latest BIOS from Lenovo site (2.26 I think) and I BT doesn't appear in the config menu.

If the power light doesn't come on, it sounds like a fuse. I don't remember the designation. There are 2 little ones near the LCD connector. One does the backlight and the other controls the LEDs. The bluetooth modem may be powered off the same. It might be F8, but I'm not sure.

richk wrote:If the power light doesn't come on, it sounds like a fuse. I don't remember the designation. There are 2 little ones near the LCD connector. One does the backlight and the other controls the LEDs. The bluetooth modem may be powered off the same. It might be F8, but I'm not sure.

I had no idea there are fuses. Where exactly are they located? under the keyboard next to the connector? What is "F8"?

Thanks

Very near the connector. You need some sort of heat controlled soldering equipment to do it. If you can, you would be better off asking for a replacement board from the seller. F8 is the designation next to the fuse

Interesting. In your opinion, can I use my multimeter to check if the fuse is functional?

Yes. A multimeter what I use, but I have very fine-tipped probes. The fuse is small, something like 1.5 or 2mm. I think it is F8 for the LCD backlights. I have the same FRU in front of me, and it near to the left half of the connector, closer to the graphics chip than to the edge of the board. It has a designation of "F", which I think means .5 amp. It is right next to a hole, but not under the black plastic. I think the other fuse involved with the LCD is F7 (to the right of the connector). I think if that blows, you get no backlight. Before soldering, you really should try to return the board for a refund or exchange. I don't know what you paid, but I have the same FRU and I ship worldwide.

Hey R

I have realized that I'd have to remove the entire mobo to get to the fuse. Anyway I will follow your advice and contact the seller as well.
Do you have a website? I want to see what you have. Are you on eBay?

Thanks

send me a pm with your email address