T30 memory slot problem

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nikemen · #31 Post by **nikemen** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 1:29 pm

I will!

I called IBM to check on the status, they said it was already shipped out.

I asked what had been done though and they said the ECM was checked and updated? I thought this was a motherboard issue?

Well, if it works who am I to comlain.

Strange that it wouldn't work now though, I thought I had done all the EC updates?

ujav · #32 Post by **ujav** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 7:12 pm

john215 wrote:It's posted just above:
"Call 800-IBM-SERV and describe the problem. Say that you heard that there's an "engineering change" available to correct it, described in document MIGR-44772.

Repair should be free within the warranty period, and probably free even outside the warranty. "

Well, I have the same slot problem - interesting, what percentage of t30 has it?
But Ukraine is a little bit far from where the IBM USA is - can they do this update in my country?
I've asked local service - they say that this free update was only till 31th of december, 2005.

Maybe they was wrong?

nikemen · #33 Post by **nikemen** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 7:18 pm

well, box arrived today, nice turnaround.

All appears to be working, don't know if they did an update, but ECs2 was in the workup. all that matters is that it works I guess.
no charge

jds_49 · #34 Post by **jds_49** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 12:11 am

Well I got the box sent it to them and then today get the message about it being $420 bucks. Called and left a message to the lady that called. Telling her about the enginerring change. So we will see what happens. Hopefully there is no issue and they change the board. IF not I guess I will just have them send it back unfixed cause im not gonna pay $420 to fix a 4 year old laptop. Any way to tell if they shipped it without calling? I will call later today and hope to hear good news.

ujav · #35 Post by **ujav** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 10:05 am

Still got no answer - is this replace free within the warranty or lifetime, or something else?

Altough, now I don't think it's a big problem - since T30 supports 1Gb modules, why we need 2Gb?
Maybe, there are game that requires it? Of course, there will be some advantage in heavy-load graphic applications like Photoshop or while running many huge programs with switching between them - but it's a tvivial benefit to pay that price.

And there are one more question - is T30 supports all 1Gb sticks, and what is better to install - pc2700 on 2.5V or pc3200 on 2.6 ?

Website · #36 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 10:26 am

The reason that the second slot issue is a problem for some, is because some people would rather spend less money on two ram sticks to equal a certain amount that a single stick (ie. 2 512mb sticks instead of 1 1gb stick). For others, it is simply the matter of being able to load the system to its fullest extent.

jds_49 · #37 Post by **jds_49** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 2:41 pm

Well I called he back again and she told me that she put it through for a no bill repair. And said that the repair thing actually ended on march 31 06 but since I called in on april 3rd they let it through for another week. If you need it done I wouldnt waste another sec top call. I already shipped and should have it on monday!

doppler · #38 Post by **doppler** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 4:27 pm

I just picked up a 2366-83U today used for a good price. Noticed it only had 256MB of memory. Got it home started cleaning it all and noticed that it had 2x256 in it. Re-seated, no joy, found this thread, pretty much explains everything.

Now, I don't need 2gig of memory, 512MB usually does, but 1GB is ideal. I have a t42 as well and it's memory is interleaved for more speed. Is the T30 that way too? Or if I pick up a $130 gig sodimm I'll be good to go? I'd rather not try and get IBM to fix it, although most of you have had good luck on that.

Thanks

Andrew

hengar · #39 Post by **hengar** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:45 am

Was anyone actually able to get IBM to repair their T30 for this memory slot issue after 03-31-06 free of charge? Please let me know, thanks!

KF9YR · #40 Post by **KF9YR** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 11:33 am

Hi,

I called this last Wednesday (April 19, 2006).

I spoke to one hardware tech and he explained my warranty had expired Jan 1 and the Service Bulletin (or whatever they call it) expired in March.

I asked if there was someone I could appeal to and he put me through to the next level of service. I spoke to them for a while and they basically said tough luck.

I can make my second DIMM slot work by putting a small stack of paper between the memory cover and the DIMM chip (and putting the cover back on).

I asked what they did for the fix besides the new memory cover and she said there is some soldering involved and the removal of a hard drive spacer but wouldn't go into details.

She suggested I try a local IBM repair place and try to get the information from them as the information is unavailable to the public through the internet.

The repair place is about 35 miles from here so I may try that later this spring if someone on this board doesn't have the information...

#41 Post by **archer6** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:48 pm

KF9YR wrote:I asked if there was someone I could appeal to and he put me through to the next level of service. I spoke to them for a while and they basically said tough luck.

This is the same exact experience I had yesterday. My T30 is not "seeing" the memory either. Any tips or suggestions are appreciated.

Website · #42 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:54 pm

KF9YR wrote:I can make my second DIMM slot work by putting a small stack of paper between the memory cover and the DIMM chip (and putting the cover back on).

I asked what they did for the fix besides the new memory cover and she said there is some soldering involved and the removal of a hard drive spacer but wouldn't go into details.

Very interesting. If anyone figures out what was done, please share. This might help those in the 600 forum that have a problems with the second memory slot.

Some have used something like your suggestion to "make" the ram read properly, though their problems are a little different in that the second slot reads, but only at half capacity, unless adequate pressure has been applied.

Highwayman · #43 Post by **Highwayman** » Thu May 04, 2006 1:14 am

nedserb wrote:I followed the advice of JHEM and Bruce Markowitz over on the Thinkpad mail list and IBM indeed treated it like a warranty repair despite the T30 being long out of warranty.

I picked up a T30 that had the memory slot issue but the machine was over two years beyond the warranty. I called IBM and they fixed the machine for free. Treated as an EZSERV - sent and picked-up the box and had the laptop back inside a week. The paper that came back with the laptop indicated that they replaced the motherboard. And to my pleasure, they also replaced the keyboard bezel and the keyboard! Both were kinda beat up from use. The repair tech even put new screw covers on the LCD (the former owner had apparently disassembled the LCD).

Left off a hinge screw in the back though...

That's cool, and why I like Thinkpads and IBM!

Sager · #44 Post by **Sager** » Tue May 09, 2006 5:34 pm

Well guys.
I bought a t30 2366 a month ago, from a friend in fla who had upgraded.
I didn't have the money to get a second 512 for it, till today.
Installed it, and,,, yes you guessed it, 512 total read.
I found this thread, and contacted IBM.
Turns out my warranty ended April 16th. (about 2 weeks after I got it)
Tech support said no.
Escalated. said no.
I still say yes, waiting on a call back from second level escalation, which may take up to 72 hours for them to call me back.
I plan to fight this to the bitter end.
2.5 - 3 weeks out of warranty for a new user, is nothing, and it should be handled.
I will keep you updated as this progresses.
Next call, CEO

Sager · #45 Post by **Sager** » Wed May 10, 2006 12:45 pm

The saga continues.
The escalation person called me today, at 8:08am to the number I told them to use after 5pm.
He could barely speak English, and kept saying warranty over, warranty over, (reminded me of a parrot I know, but the parrot speaks better)
I asked to speak to a supervisor, was kept on hold for about 15 mins.
This poor speaking person then says, engineering department will call me with in 72 hours.
As I said, the saga continues...........

captken · #46 Post by **captken** » Fri May 12, 2006 9:18 pm

My T30 motherboard memory slot has failed well past the deadline for non-warranty free repair. Is there some way to have the motherboard repaired or locate and purchase a repaired motherboard for the laptop?

basscleff · #47 Post by **basscleff** » Sat May 13, 2006 1:49 pm

No luck with IBM PC Helpcentre on the ECA for my T30.
oh well

Kaka · #48 Post by **Kaka** » Mon May 15, 2006 10:45 am

Folks,

Bought 512 Mb DDR 266 off Ebay, put it in my T30 that I bought in Canada and Bang, after reboot it was showing me 1 Gb right away.
Feeling lucky first time in my life.

Kaka

jmurch · #49 Post by **jmurch** » Mon May 15, 2006 1:55 pm

Just got off the phone with level 3 escalation. They are repairing my t30 under the expired ECA.

The guy said "tell your buddies on the forum that this is the last one".

Jeff

basscleff · #50 Post by **basscleff** » Mon May 15, 2006 2:02 pm

if my t30 wasn't missing some parts, I'd be all over this. But I doubt they'll cover a incomplete unit anyway.

JHEM · #51 Post by **JHEM** » Mon May 15, 2006 2:37 pm

jmurch wrote:Just got off the phone with level 3 escalation. They are repairing my t30 under the expired ECA.

The guy said "tell your buddies on the forum that this is the last one".

In the US, quite possibly the last one.

In the UK or OZ, there's not a chance it's the last!

Their Trading Practices are eons ahead of the US and an expensive laptop that ceased to function because of a known flaw would be repaired or replaced in a heartbeat, warranties notwithstanding.

Regards,

James

Sager · #52 Post by **Sager** » Mon May 15, 2006 4:21 pm

jmurch wrote:Just got off the phone with level 3 escalation. They are repairing my t30 under the expired ECA.

The guy said "tell your buddies on the forum that this is the last one".

Jeff

Those sons of b*tches!
Mine was one month out of warranty, and they turned me down, before you.
They want me to buy an extended warranty.
God they piss me off!

KF9YR · #53 Post by **KF9YR** » Mon May 15, 2006 11:10 pm

Jeff, glad to hear you were able to get your T30 fixed...

jmurch wrote: The guy said "tell your buddies on the forum that this is the last one".

Jeff

Well that doesn't seem to be a very good attitude. Is anyone here on the forum responsible for selling IBM/Lenovo motherboards with defective memory slots?

Hopefully that isn't an attitude shared by many at the company.

I realize it may not be cost effective to replace motherboards on 3-year old laptops but it's not cost effective for us as consumers to buy a new laptop every time the company comes out with a new one either.

A big part of the reason to pay the extra money for a TP is to get top notch quality and customer service.

I'm happy with my Thinkpad I just hope customer service doesn't go downhill...

George

Sager · #54 Post by **Sager** » Tue May 16, 2006 6:09 am

KF9YR wrote:Jeff, glad to hear you were able to get your T30 fixed...

jmurch wrote: The guy said "tell your buddies on the forum that this is the last one".

Jeff

Well that doesn't seem to be a very good attitude. Is anyone here on the forum responsible for selling IBM/Lenovo motherboards with defective memory slots?

Hopefully that isn't an attitude shared by many at the company.

I realize it may not be cost effective to replace motherboards on 3-year old laptops but it's not cost effective for us as consumers to buy a new laptop every time the company comes out with a new one either.

A big part of the reason to pay the extra money for a TP is to get top notch quality and customer service.

I'm happy with my Thinkpad I just hope customer service doesn't go downhill...

George

George, apparently you didn't read my story!
They seem to be the most inconsistent company I have ever dealt with.
They have no rhyme or reason on how they handle this, one person gets turned down, the next gets it fixed.
Thats abhorrant!
It has already "gone downhill", and frankly, they can rest assured this recently screwed person will NEVER buy another one.
I am the tech who EVERYONE comes to for advice in my circle.
I also have input in what hardware the company I work for gets, and it sure won't be IMB thinkpads in either of those aforementioned situations!
We can pay FAR less for crappy and inconsistent support!

siriusnova · #55 Post by **siriusnova** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:56 pm

I just have the same problem..

Should i sent my laptop in for repair?

I didn't have any problem at all ever since i bought this laptop and now all of a sudden my 512mb stick isn't seen.

someone help

jmurch · #56 Post by **jmurch** » Tue May 23, 2006 3:40 pm

You should call IBM maybe you will get lucky as I did and they will fix it.

If they dont, just open the ram cover and put a piece of folded up paper over the front ram stick and then put the cover back oon. I did that before they agreed to fix it and it worked.

Jeff

slipnfall · #57 Post by **slipnfall** » Sun Jun 04, 2006 11:10 pm

I'm a lowly T20 owner reading this thread, because I was considering upgrading to a T30...

Just wondering, has anyone made any active attempts to fix this problem directly(other than bandaid paper wedges?). I think it's obvious EZserve is now turning away free repairs.

Some possibilities:
-the SODIM contacts are not 'sprung(for lack of better terms) enough
-the metal SODIM board retainer clip is not holding the PCB down far enough
-bad solder joints at the connector itself(putting more pressure on the entire connector helps maintain/regain electrical contact)

Your thoughts? Sorry I don't have one at my disposal to fully investigate.

Cheers,
Jamie

agarza · #58 Post by **agarza** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 5:16 pm

[censored] my luck.

I have been using a T30 since 2002. Earlier this year I upgraded to 768MB buying a Kingston 512MB specific P/N for my Thinkpad.

However, just when I'm about to sell this laptop (replaced with a T42p) the first slot started to fail. I'm out of warranty and I live in Mexico.

Should I call them?
The paper trick doesn't work for me, unless I'm doing it wrong.

Any suggestions?

eyal · #59 Post by **eyal** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:17 am

Hi All,

I just bought 2 GB for my old T30. I wish I would read this thread before as I run into this old problem. I called IBM-SERV but they want $475.

I asked them “why didn’t you notify me off the problem before the warranty expired?”. But they could not answer.

I tried the folded paper trick but it did not help.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Eyal

engillis · #60 Post by **engillis** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:30 pm

I just discovered my T30's memory problem. Called IBM . . . they said engineering change solution expired 12/06 . . . just before my problem began!

I tried the paper trick, though, and it worked! Yeah! I can keep my precious ThinkPad a little longer!

T30 memory slot problem

Have you experience of this problem?

update

well

Same problem here

Repair after 3-31-06

Re: Repair after 3-31-06

Re: Repair after 3-31-06

Yet another!!

What to do?

Whooo hooo they are going to cover it

Re: Whooo hooo they are going to cover it

Re: Whooo hooo they are going to cover it

Re: Whooo hooo they are going to cover it

Re: Whooo hooo they are going to cover it

siriusnova

paper trick worked for me

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