Thinkpad T40 Crashes whenever moved slightly

[DesolataX]

Ok, So whenever I move my Thinkpad T40 slightly, it just crashes. Most of the time, the screen goes all screwey, goes black then flashes random colors sometimes, Sometimes it just locks on the screen that it was on before the crash.

I am thinking that perhaps a connection on the graphics chip is loose, is there anything I can do to to fix it? Does IBM or Lenovo sell just the motherboard?

Any Help is greatly appreciated!

[JHEM]

Still under warranty?

Known problem with the T4X series machines, bad solder joints on the MB/VPU.

You don't want to pay IBM/Lenovo for a new MB! Runs around US$900.

Regards,

James

[suzannetf]

That sounds like what was happening to my T42 before it's most recent problem. The whole screen would turn into lines or just freeze and go black. IBM just changed the motherboard and backlight when I sent it in the first time. It seemed to be affected when any pressure/movement was put on the left bottom corner where the left wrist rests when typing. Is this where the thing that comes unsoldered is located?

[DesolataX]

It seems to be around the trackpoint/right and left mouse buttons, that when pressure is applied, freezes.
Unfortunately, warranty just ended (1 1/2 months before this occured) IBM/Lenovo wouldn't fix it

I guess my best option is just to purchase a new Mobo from ebay or if anyone here has a mobo that i could purchase. Unless I can perhaps locate the solder point that is broken, and perhaps use a conductive pen?

[JHEM]

Unless I can perhaps locate the solder point that is broken, and perhaps use a conductive pen?

I attempted that several years ago when my original T40 suffered from this malady. I had a full SMT workstation available and I wound up giving up.

Check eBay for a replacement MB.

Regards,

James

[DesolataX]

I'll give the conductive pen a shot, maybe try to do some very fine soldering and drop a few drops in. If I can't fix it, I will have to buy a new board, one going for $80 here in Canada

[meksta]

couldn't you try to extend the warranty and then send it in for repair?

[semaj]

I had the same problem here with my ibm thinkpad t41 modem 2373- xjx

I know if i tapped the top left of the keyboard or hit the sides of my laptop it would fix it. Now it doesnt anymore but for a while that is what i did. I have been looking at replacing it with a r51 motherboard with a 128 mb video card in it. Will the r51 boards work in my laptop? Oh and i thought about upgrading to a dvd burner like the t43 have, will that work in my laptop?

Where is the suspected bad solder joints that may be causing this? I can send pictures if you can circle the locations.

THanks
semaJ

[semaj]

I also noticed it happened a lot more when i had the ac adapter plugged in when it is on my lap and i moved the laptop(moving the cable).