T23 (2647) Startup error - won't POST

[ichhabegedroppen]

Hi there,

I recently got hold of an old T23, I am having trouble getting it to boot, when i power on, i get the 1-3-3-1 beep, which i believe is a memory error. I have taken a 256MB module from another T23 that works, and put it in, but i still get the 1-3-3-1 regardless of which slot i put the module in. I know the RAM works, and i know it works in a T23 (same type 2647).

My question is, since i have limited knowledge of the T series earlier than T40, is it common for T23's or similar to have DIMM slot failures? or anything else that could cause this fault.

Also, separate question here, i'm working on another T23 which has a cracked LCD. According to Lenovo's Thinkvantage Toolbox the LCD in my T40 was manufactured in 1999, does anyone know if its possible to use a 14.1" LCD from a T40 in a 14.1" T23?

[Harryc]

The 1-3-3-1 could be a loose inductor if the modules check out in another T23. Do a forum search on inductor. TTBOMK the T2X LCD's are swappable with each other but not with any other Thinkpad family.
http://www.google.com/advanced_search?q ... as_qdr=all

[rkawakami]

I have had at least two T23 systems with a bad memory slot (out of around 60 parts/repair systems), but never one that had both slots inoperative. I doubt that the problem is due to any loose inductor. That type of problem is generally seen as a surging fan, regardless if there's any memory installed. In other words, the system does not get to the point where the memory is checked. I do have a couple of questions:

- What are the full TYPE numbers from your 2647 systems? e.g., 2647-4MU
- Do both of the systems look the same on the bottom? Are the covers to the MiniPCI compartment the same size?
- How many memory chips are on the 256MB module (count both sides) you are swapping between the two systems?

I ask this because your newest T23 may not really be a T23. If somebody has put a keyboard from a T23 on a base for a T20, T21 or T22, then it's possible to have the memory module not work in either slot. Specifically, a 256MB "high density" module (total of 8 memory chips) will work fine in a T23, but not be recognized by a T22 or earlier machine. This is one situation that could explain your problem. Another one would be that the motherboard is hosed. There's also an outside chance that the MiniPCI card is defective so try removing it and see if that allows the system to pass POST.

[Harryc]

I doubt that the problem is due to any loose inductor. That type of problem is generally seen as a surging fan, regardless if there's any memory installed. In other words, the system does not get to the point where the memory is checked.

"I had the exact same problem as described in the first post. After futzing around trying various things, I removed the motherboard. The two 'magnet' things seemed to be firmly in place. However I applied a bit more force and one of them came right off. I resoldered it back on, reinstalled the motherboard, and voila! it works!"
Reference - http://www.ozzu.com/hardware/ibm-thinkp ... 32-90.html

[ichhabegedroppen]

- What are the full TYPE numbers from your 2647 systems? e.g., 2647-4MU
- Do both of the systems look the same on the bottom? Are the covers to the MiniPCI compartment the same size?
- How many memory chips are on the 256MB module (count both sides) you are swapping between the two systems?

The T23 that is mine is 2647-4MG but i don't know what the second part of the other one was because the label had cut off after 2647-4. It's also not my system so i have no idea whether the working T23 is for sure a T23 and not a T20/1/2/.

They both looked identical underneath and the MiniPCI door looked the same.

The Memory module has 8 chips, 4 on each side.


Thanks for your time and knowledge.

Just to add, the Hardware Maintenance Manual suggests my system is a T23 or has atleast a T23 Motherboard due to my system having the "portrait" MiniPCI door and having two separate cards, instead of being more square.

[ichhabegedroppen]

"I had the exact same problem as described in the first post. After futzing around trying various things, I removed the motherboard. The two 'magnet' things seemed to be firmly in place. However I applied a bit more force and one of them came right off. I resoldered it back on, reinstalled the motherboard, and voila! it works!"

Ok thanks for the info, i will take a look at the motherboard if all else fails. But im thinking that i will have to buy some brand new Memory just to make sure that the module wasn't somehow damaged in travelling, after it was checked in the other system but before i tried it in mine.

Thanks for your suggestion.

[RealBlackStuff]

The easiest way to check if you have a T23 or T20/T21/T22 is by counting the USB ports at the back.
T23 has two USB ports, the others all have only one.

[ichhabegedroppen]

The easiest way to check if you have a T23 or T20/T21/T22 is by counting the USB ports at the back.
T23 has two USB ports, the others all have only one.

Hi there, thanks for that, it does have 2 USBs at the back.

On a separate note, how much are your T4x series motherboards? I have a T40 and T41 that both could do with replacement motherboards.

[RealBlackStuff]

Re T4x mobos:
get in touch with Nick Paton on www.reflowrepairs.co.uk
He's much nearer by in Newcastle.

[ichhabegedroppen]

Re T4x mobos:
get in touch with Nick Paton on http://www.reflowrepairs.co.uk
He's much nearer by in Newcastle.

Thanks for the Info.