A31 power up issue

[Basstronics]

Hello all, first post.

I acquired an A31 with a 1.6 Ghz, 512 Ram and 30 GB hard drive.

The problem is this. I can plug the AC adapter in and start the laptop. However with the AC unplugged it will not start up. I press the button, nadda... Plug it in- powers right up.

Now if I start the laptop up and unplug the AC it runs fine. I can even do a restart thru windows and it restarts fine. Again it only will not start when I try to start with the power button with no AC power.

I bought a replacement battery as the one it had was weak (only 14 Wh). The new battery is charged up to 100% per indicator with a capacity of 44.7 Wh. With the new battery if I unplug the AC it says I have 3 Hrs 22 minutes of battery. Previous battery was 56 minutes.

I have looked around the internet for an answer but Im not finding anything. I have spent about two hours looking in total. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

The charging circuit on the motherboard is damaged, probably a liquid spill or exposure to excessive humidity sometime in the past. If you were to open the machine you'd likely find some corrosion there.

Given the age of the ThinkPad in question, I'd advise you to get used to that state of affairs. Swapping a board on A31 is not difficult if you choose to follow that route, though.

Good luck.

[Basstronics]

That is bad news!

I looked on E bay and I cant find a good motherboard for a fair price considering what I already have into this unit. Guess I will just sell it and pick up the $300 wal mart special which I should of done in the first place...

[ajkula66]

I don't know what that A31 cost you but a replacement board shouldn't be more than 30-40 bucks at the most...a complete working machine can barely bring $100 nowadays...

Good luck.

[Basstronics]

I got $80 into it at this point.

One option is I could start the computer and just put it to sleep and wake it when needed.

Im gonna give that a try.

Its a decent laptop for what I need. Hate to start over on a hunt for another used one for a reasonable price...