Thinkpads Forum

Hi everyone,

I was given a Thinkpad 600 laptop and found it had the following error which I could not get past..

SysBoard
DEV 001
ERR 91
FRU 3610

Some wider reading suggested that this error could be fixed by replacing the CMOS battery. The previous owner of this computer claimed it was untouched for at least one year, so I did a full strip, which included removing and reseating the CPU fan, and dusted all of the components with compressed air. I also replaced the CMOS battery using the electrical tape method. After reassembling the system I now boot to a black screen without any beeps or errors. I don't think the BIOS initializes POST as the display just hangs on black. The power light is on, the CPU fan spins and the battery status indicator flashes orange but that's all the computer is telling me at this point.

I will take it apart tomorrow to check for loose connections but is there anything else I should note?

Thanks

Here is the Numeric Error Code Index from lenovo.com, but I don't remember what that error code is. My main R40 is currently on the OR table, so don't have my notes available. Try rebooting without the battery (not the CMOS, if you do you just have to set the clock at boot).

Welcome to the forum!!

The link that vanaya supplied is slightly malformed. Try this one:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... WIK-3SR4PW

However, the error codes being displayed and the format they're in, can be found in the Hardware Maintenance Manual for the 600/E:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... WIK-3SYPX2

In that manual, starting on page 42:
DEV 001 means motherboard
ERR 91 is undetermined (it that the HMM doesn't define how to decode this number)
FRU 3610 means that FRU code 36 (battery pack) and code 10 (system board) are the #1 and #2 suspects

From this I would gather that the main battery pack is dead. This should not affect your display however. I would try connecting an external monitor and see if there's any signs of life there, along with double-checking all of the connections to the lid assembly. If I remember, there's two ribbon cables; one long thin one on the right side which plugs directly into the motherboard and a smaller square connector which plugs into the Sub Card (long, thin board upon which sits the microphone and lid switch). Also, make sure that the lid switch is not stuck down as that can turn off the display.

Double check the CPU to make sure its seated properly. That's what usually causes a black screen for me after dismantling a 600 series. The CPU card should be touching the white plastic of the Ultrabay connector if you have it seated correctly.

I'm not sure where the "white plastic" of the ultrabay connector is. I don't seem to see it on my motherboard. Otherwise CPU looks seated properly (tightened up a couple of screws) but still no luck.

Have you removed the CPU module to make sure none of the pins are messed up?

Have the CPU module stripped now and pins appear fine, though the adhesive to the silver plating (heatsink?) is starting to come up. There's still a bond but I'm able to lift the plates up with ease. Module reconnects fine and sits though I haven't screwed it back in.