X40 LED indicators not working...

[hgl1668]

I just picked up a very nice IBM X40 from a guy but at the time of the purchase, I did not realize the LED indicators, except for the "wireless" indicator, are not working.

The LED indicators below the screen, and the battery and suspend indicator locate on the cover do not work expect for the "wireless" one. I am able to turn the wireless LED indicator with Fn + F5. The computer works perfectly.

I upgraded my BIOS to 2.08 and the embeded program. Also, I believe I installed all of the updated drivers but not sure.

Do any of you know what might be the problem here?
Something not plugged in from the internal?
Missing drivers?

Thanks
Hugo

[Harryc]

I'd guess the inverter as a first attempt at a fix. The LEDs are on it. If that's not it maybe the ribbon cable that connects to the bottom of it as a second choice, and systemboard third. The power lights have nothing to do with windows drivers, they are driven at a hardware/BIOS/embedded controler level. Wireless and Bluetooth can be turned on and off with drivers. You could also try reseating the inverter and the LCD cable at the systemboard. Check fuses too.

[hgl1668]

I have never taken the laptop apart and scared to do so, but if it is going to fit the problem, I will.

When you mentioned inverter, what part is that?

If the "wireless" LED is on, and if it is the lose ribbon that's not properly connected, does that mean there is two ribbon? or it might not be the ribbon's causing the problem.

So, the BIOS and the embedded controller is what drives those LEDs, is there a way I can check the embedded controller and see if it is working the way it is suppose to?

How should I proceed reseating the inverter and the LCD cable at the systemboard? (are there stickies in removing parts on the comp?

Thanks

[Harryc]

All removal procedures and location pics etc. are contained in the X40 Hardware Maintenance manual, linked below.
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mo ... 9t5972.pdf
There is only one LCD signal cable, but it branches out into (2) sections behind the LCD. One cable goes to the back of the LCD, and the other goes to the inverter. Just because one LED illuminates does not mean the entire cable is seated correctly at the inverter or at the main systemboard connector. I've also seen liquid spills in that area of the LCD take out individual LEDs. You have to remove the LCD bezel to get at any of those components/cables. There is no way that I am aware of (at a non-engineer level) to verify embedded controller code. It controls ACPI/APM events which in turn illuminate LEDS under certain power states/conditions.