Thinkpads Forum

My TP755CD (model 9545) was working fine when I put it away a couple of months ago, but now it is dead. The battery seems to charge up OK, (flashing orange charge light eventually goes to steady green) and it holds its charge at least overnight.

However, when switched on with mains power, I just get the memory count and then, below it on the next line, a single digit - either a "2" or an "8". No beeps, no "Stop" sign, not even a cross, just one digit.

On the first start it was the "2", on the next, an "8". Rebooted with F1 pressed, and got a "2". Rebooted normally and got a "2" again. Waited a few hours (on charge) and got an "8" after another startup attempt.

All the TPs I've had give 3 digit error codes, usually preceded with a an "X" or (if I remember aright, on later models) a "stop" sign.
On the IBM/Lenovo website the earliest model catered for is the 770 series - which have 3-digit error codes - and I can't find a tech manual.

Does any old timer out there (Heavens, its's only 11 years old!) know what my problem may be? I have a new CMOS battery for a TP600X, but I don't know if it is the right voltage, nor, lacking a manual, how to get the machine apart or where to put it in to see if it would work. (I have found the 755CD User Manual on the Web, which tells me how to lift the keyboard, but it says that "...the Emergency battery can only be replaced by the dealer..." and gives no further help on this subject).

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

The document you want is called the Hardware Maintenance Manual (HMM). It lists the parts that are in your system and gives fairly good instructions on how to take it apart (and re-assemble it). The current HMM index at Lenovo does not show the 755CD (no surprise) but if you Google "755cd hmm", this site appears:

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:755CD

On that page, there is an active link to the HMM for the 755CD. Not sure what the "emergency" battery is referring to; there's a "standby" and "backup" battery listed in the HMM starting from page 364. Neither one looks like what is used in the 600X. Quickly scanning the numeric error codes on pages 331-334, I don't see any single-digit error codes listed.

Thank you, Ray - that link was *very* useful! (Not that it directly answers my question - the HMM doesn't know about one digit error codes either...) But it does tell me about the batteries I might need - I wonder if they are still obtainable?

I guess the little one - the "back-up" battery (85G1501) - is what I'd call the CMOS battery, and is probably the most likely cause of my failure: it has never been replaced.

Steve

I have two thinkpads of roughly the same vintage, and neither owner's manual shows 1-digit error codes.

If it were me, I would first replace the battery, as you've mentioned. Then, if the problem persists, I would un-seat and re-seat any removable memory, hard drive, floppy, etc. I can't exactly give you a reason for this suggestion, it's just intuition...

Thank you, Leoblob. I am now on the hunt for the back-up battery!

I might be able to help you if you are still in need......I have a couple of oldies somwhere that may have good batteries. They have two as I remember
Let me know. I am in the UK nr London

I meant I might be able help with batteries.....

Steve80 - PM sent re batteries that I have.