A31 Won't Boot + crashes with movement.

[msnyder101]

I have been reading these forums for quite some time (very impressed/helpful), but this is my first time posting.
Hope someone can help me. I have an A31 that seems to crash with any sort of movement. After it crashes I can't get it to boot again, the power inidicator comes on and all the lights blink for half a second but nothing happens beyond that. The screen stays blank. Occasionally it will boot and will run flawlessly until you type to hard or move it in anyway; it will then crash again.
I've tried booting with memory, hard drive, and ultrabays removed same problem.
I've opened up the laptop and blown off the motherboard and fan, and reset the cpu. still the problem remains.
I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks Mike.

[jdhurst]

Is the problem the same on AC as on Battery? That is, have you checked the power connector on the laptop? Probably, yes, but just checking.

Failing that, and given your description, then it is most likely a motherboard problem. ... JDH

[msnyder101]

Yes, the problem still exists with the battery removed. I forgot to mention I also tried the "pressing the power button 10 times... " fix
I have two a31 doing the same thing, I've swaped parts between them no real change.

[Harryc]

I am guessing that the problem is a loose GPU, a common issue on A31's. Remove the keyboard and keep it connected. Fire up the laptop and tap the GPU with a pencil eraser or similar. The GPU is directly under the fan blades, but you can tap it's edge. Or (a trick I learned from George) you can wedge some post-its under the fan and press down directly on the fan itself. If you can get it to lockup that way, the problem is a loose GPU. The most cost effective repair is to send it out to Superior Reball for $60, return shipping included. It was $50 a week or so ago, so the charge has gone up slightly. You will be without your machine for 2 to 3 weeks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-ThinkPad-Mother ... 0278508658

[Kendas]

Definitely sounds like a GPU problem... I just replaced the complete motherboard on my A30 with a NOS (in IBM box with paperwork) from e-bay. Takes about 2 1/2 hours and you don't "lose" the laptop for 2 weeks. My cost was less than $160 for the new MB including shipping and insurance.

I believe the A31 MB is similar, so the time to R&R yours should be close to the same.

Ken

[msnyder101]

Thanks for all the help; so if by pressing down on the gpu I can get it to boot properly then it is definetly caused by the gpu.
Also on a kind of of topic note: could this problem cause a burnt screen, I also have an A31 that overnight had a hole burn through the screen bezel just up and to the right of the "A31" lettering. It was really wierd.
For those that were wondering, I have six A31's total for my business. 3 of wich work flawlessly, 1 for parts to repair the burnt screen, and 2 which have the problem I described my earlier post.

[Harryc]

From the burn mark location on the A31, it sounds like the inverter is bad.

[sprung]

I have a similar problem with my A31. It continually switches between AC and battery. However, it doesn't crash.

I don't think it is the DC jack because it exhibits the same problem when I've got it in a docking station. I've tried different, tested, AC adapters and still have the same issue.

If it is the onboard AC/DC inverter can that be easily and cheaply repaired or is a new motherboard required? I'd hate to put too much $ into such an old machine.

On the other hand, it is working great in every other respect.