T30 power button turns system off but only occasionally

[dualdiagnosis]

turns it on.
T30 2366

I have read through most posts referring start up or booting problems and haven't seen this addressed. Is it related to a mobo issue? I can turn system off with no delay, but have to push button multiple times to get any response at all. It will eventually start up but nothing consistent. I moved the 256 memory to the back slot and it seemed to help a small bit, tried pushing on the stick when starting to see if that would help, no difference. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

I've had the exact opposite issue of what you're describing several years ago, with another T30. Although you couldn't feel it by touch, the power button was sticking. Replacing the keyboard (the machine was under warranty at the time) took care of that.

Try borrowing another keyboard just to test that issue and let us know...

If need be, I have a semi-working T30 keyboard that I could send you as the last (testing) resort...

[dualdiagnosis]

Thanks! I am also working on a Thinkpad R40 and the keyboard looks like it is the same, can I try that one without damage? Or is there a way to clean the on/off button out?

[ajkula66]

I don't think that keyboards between T30 and R40 are interchangeable...

As for cleaning the power button, I don't have the answer.

Please be aware that I'm NOT 100% certain that I've correctly diagnosed the issue that you're having...that's why I've advised to test with another keyboard...

[RfromR]

I'm not really sure what was meant -in a comment above- by a power button that was sticking, but what happens sometimes with my T30, is that the power button sticks in the mechanical sense.

In other words, if you push the button down to start up the machine and you do so at an angle instead of 100% vertically, the button can get stuck under (or against) the edge/ridge of the hole it's placed in.

When booting, the result in such cases is a shutdown within a second after the button has started the booting process.

[ajkula66]

Pretty much exactly what I've been referring to...

[RfromR]

Oops OK..

[dualdiagnosis]

Hi, It does not seem to be "sticking" I push the button and it will return to original position no problem. To test it I tried pushing button while computer was on and it turns off each time without a hitch. When I attempt to turn on I have to push repeatedly, and I try slower, different angles or wait and then it will respond and turn on.

What is confusing me is why it would only be affecting one operation and not the other.