R52 started beeping

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b1791 · #1 Post by **b1791** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:57 pm

I was using my R52 when it started beeping continuously so I tried to restart it and it got about 10 seconds into startup then it shut down and won't restart at all (no lights, fan, nothing). Is it dead? I tried a different battery but it's still not working.

SafeHarbor · #2 Post by **SafeHarbor** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 9:03 pm

Hi, b1791,

I was working at Mapopolis and remember well when NAVTEQ first surveyed Kamloops, BC. They were the first international digital mapping agency to survey you guys, and we were surprised at the positive, enthusiastic uptake it produced.

The first thing I'd wonder about in your case is a stuck key. I supposed that you've unplugged all external devices, removed the Ultrabay, and tried it with one memory stick (if you have two) removed and then the other one?

No recent liquid spills in the keyboard, right?

Can you start it up and enter the BIOS?

Lamar

sjthinkpader · #3 Post by **sjthinkpader** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 9:33 pm

Can you add the type and model numbers of your R52?

b1791 · #4 Post by **b1791** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 1:08 pm

Yes, my son just admitted to spilling some tea onto the keyboard. It worked for a few hours after he did this but then it just started beeping and then shut down and won't restart. It doesn't even try to restart...when I press the power button it does nothing at all.

All I've done so far is remove the ram chip and put it back in to make sure it was seated properly. Oh, I also tried using another battery but still not starting.

Beth

b1791 · #5 Post by **b1791** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 1:11 pm

The model number, I believe is, 1860-2YU (I hope that's the number you're looking for??)

Beth

ajkula66 · #6 Post by **ajkula66** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 11:06 pm

Chances are that your motherboard has gone south after having that last cup of tea...

If the liquid spilled is not immediately attended to with isopropyl alcohol, and then dried in the oven for a considerable amount of time at low heat, the results are usually disastrous.

Good luck.

b1791 · #7 Post by **b1791** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 11:12 am

Oh darn, that's kinda what I was thinking. He was too scared to tell me what he did until much later, by then it was too late. Thanks for your response.

#8 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 11:54 am

I don't know if this is any help for you, but someone posted a similar story after a spill, complete with pictures and how he solved the problem.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=70263
It's probably more technical than your problem, but if it beeps, there's still life in the "old dog".
Check in your neighborhood for someone with Thinkpad knowledge, he/she might be able to bring it back to life.

The nearest forum members I could find are: w!nx and Janektom in Kamloops and ~Ramen~ in N-Vancouver.
(His username includes those ~.)
Send a PM and maybe one can help you?

b1791 · #9 Post by **b1791** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:20 pm

Ok, so here's what we've discovered - when pulled the keyboard out to look inside and there doesn't seem to be any liquid damage to the motherboard. So we reconnected the keyboard and got it to turn on until we get to the windows login screen and then we aren't able to type anything. This is when it starts beeping. Soooo, I'm thinking this is a problem with they keyboard and not the motherboard. Any possibility that by either washing the keyboard or replacing it we may get it to work again??

Beth

#10 Post by **rkawakami** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:39 pm

If no spill damage has affected the motherboard, then yes, replacing the keyboard should get your system up and running again. Some people have had some success in soaking entire keyboards in a shallow bath of isopropyl alcohol and then allowing it to throughly dry. Stir or agitate the keyboard and/or alcohol for several minutes so that it has a chance to dissolve/remove any tea residue. I'd also remove the trackpoint cap (gently pull straight up) as the soft rubber might be affected by the alcohol. After the alcohol bath, shake out any excess fluids and let it air dry. I wouldn't attempt to put it in an oven (alcohol fumes might still be lingering). A few hours sitting in the sun (hmm... check that... does the sun still shine in Canada this time of year

) or with a fan blowing at it should be enough time for the alcohol to evaporate.

If that doesn't get the keyboard working again, then you've only lost a few dollars worth of alcohol and your time. Then it's a matter of putting a wanted ad here in the Marketplace forum or searching eBay or craigslist.

b1791 · #11 Post by **b1791** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:54 pm

Thanks for the instructions Ray...I did what you suggested but it's still not working.

When I connect the keyboard it starts up automatically without me touching the power button. It goes for about 4 or 5 seconds then shuts down again. I noticed that if I gently put the keyboard connector into place but not actually snap it down it will start up automatically and get about 15 seconds or so into start up and then it sits at the password screen but won't let me type anything. Does this sound like a faulty keyboard or maybe something else??

Beth

#12 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 8:37 pm

Sounds indeed very much like a stuck key in the keyboard.
You can get replacements on eBay.
Here's a new one for US$36.- with free worldwide shipping:
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-14-1-Keyboard-I ... 0341043616

Note that you need the 14" version with 4 mounting studs, and not the 15" with 3 mounting studs!

#13 Post by **rkawakami** » Fri Jan 02, 2009 8:51 pm

My best guess would be that the power button is currently shorted. That would explain why the system turns on immediately when the keyboard is attached. It would also explain why it shuts down after a couple of seconds as well. My T41 will do this if you continuously hold the power button down. It may be due to lingering alcohol or there may be some more permanent damage.

As RBS has pointed out, your best bet may be to get another keyboard for your system and hope that nothing has been damaged on the motherboard.

b1791 · #14 Post by **b1791** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:21 pm

Thank you! I've gone ahead and ordered a new keyboard...and I'll cross my fingers this will do the trick

Beth

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R52 started beeping

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