Pleasse HELP. IBM 560Z, Error 161-163 ????????????????????

[aleks]

I have recnetly purchased a 560z, with the error 161 and 163. I have done many searches and i know its a cmos battery issue, although when i changed it with a new one i still have the same issue?? the error still comes up after the RAM check and then opens up a screen that looks like it pointing to a Manual. I just wanted to know if its a motherboard problem, or if its posible to reload or update the CMOS. I dont have a floppy or CD drive, althogh could get a hold of one if needed. Ive read about a bot disk, or system disk, but will that boot before BIOS has a chance to load?

Any help would be great, because everything else on the laptop is fine.

[Rick Aguinaldo]

Was the "new cmos battery" tested whether it would output the expected correct voltage under load? Did it come with an expiry date? With such a slow moving part as a cmos battery for a legacy Thinkpad, I would suspect the condition of the battery even for a new purchase.

[aleks]

I have not checked the Power of the battery. I would expect it to work since it s brand new, i had no idea there may be an issue with a new battery. I will have to test it to mak sure. Assuming the battery is fine, does that point towards the System Board?

[Rick Aguinaldo]

... Assuming the battery is fine, does that point towards the System Board?

That is what the troubleshooting guide in the HMM suggests, but it does not hurt to do some more tests. Remove all peripherals that are attached to the laptop (memory modules, pcmcia cards, main battery and hdd) and initialiaze using the reset switch. Power up the unit using the AC adapter and push the reset switch (accessible through a small hole at the bottom of the unit and labeled in the HMM as Power Shutdown Switch) using a small screw driver or a suitable pin. If you can get to Easy Setup (refer to page 33 of the HMM; also extensively discussed in various posts of these forums) you can reset the bios to factory settings by clicking on the Initialize button in the cmos setup. If the error persists then it is logical to folow what the troubleshooting guide suggests.

If, however, you have the confidence to open up a laptop then you can proceed to the next level of tests, the foremost - making sure that power is delivered to the cmos. It is a long shot, but on one occassion a defective cmos battery connector socket was the culprit. The tiny socket was found to have have been partially dislodged from its surface mount on the mainboard. Good luck.

[Rick Aguinaldo]

I dug up my notes on the 161, 163 error and found out that if the supervisor password is set (on a 600x), the 161/163 error is not cleared even if the cmos battery is replaced. Do you see an icon that looks like a lock before you are directed to the error screen with an arrow pointing to something like a manual? If yes, then you have to enter the correct supervisor password at the screen with a lock icon to get you past the error.

[aleks]

the computer turns on, ---- Memory Check with error 161 and 163 ---- Then it asks for a passwrd, im guessing one has not been set because when i click enter It Loads past it and brings up the Error that looks like its pointing to a Manual. If i enter in any other didgit for the passwrd it wont let me through so im guessing hitting ENTER clears me through ??

[Rick Aguinaldo]

Well the supervisor password is likely to have been set then. Hitting just Enter will get you past the initial 161/163 error screen but you will be locked on the second one. One last try you can do before concluding for a system board change: check if it is only the power on password that has been set and not the supervisor password. The power on password can be cleared by shorting the two pads located under the memory cover. Refer to the HMM for exact location and procedure.

[aleks]

Thanks for all your help, i have checked the volatage of the CMOS battery and its 3.11 Volt. I think a little bit higher than whats stated in the manual. Could this be the cause. If not ill have to try and get rid of the passwrod on boot up

[wireless4laptop]

We sold the 560z cmos battery in the past. It should be CR2326 (not quite sure) button battery. You can exchange it by yourself. But make sure to cancel all passwords in bios.

[aleks]

The battery i replaced inside the shrink wrap was a cr 2025? unless it was the incorrect one

[wireless4laptop]

Yes, should be CR2025. (see the type in the yellow cover pls)

[aleks]

is 3.11 Volt too high for the mainboard. Therefore still prividing the error

[Rick Aguinaldo]

3.11V is OK. Lithium cells can go as high as 3.6V. It is not low either. The HMM says 2.57V and over is OK.

[aleks]

ok because i read in the onlione service manual voltages between 2.5V to 3.7 Volt. 3.11 is slightly higher but should be ok. Also i tried to short the 2 poins to clear the password on prompt, no luck its still there. Loads up with a tiny screen and a lock next to it. When i hit Enter is says OK then brings the 161, 163 page up. Might be at the end of the line i think.

[tfflivemb2]

Correct me if I am wrong, but 3.11V is between 2.5 and 3.7. If you read it to the second digit past the decimal point, it would make sense if you looked at it like this: Range 2.50 to 3.70. 3.11 is less than 3.70, and great than 2.50.

[aleks]

haha ok i didnt do too good in elesctronics, thanks for the help. Might have to get a new system board or sell it as it.

[aure_]

Hello

I had the same problem.
- If you enter a wrong password, it refuses it
- If you enter empty password, you go to the Bios screen ERROR and you can't continue.

The only way to set the date/time is to enter the right supervisor password, not an empty password.

Good Luck

Aurelien