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Service Hints & Tips

Document ID: DJON-3LVPK6

TP 770 - General Checkout Guide

Applicable to: World-Wide


Use the following procedure as a guide for computer problems.

Note: The diagnostic tests are intended to test only IBM products. Non-IBM products, prototype cards, or modified options can give false errors and invalid system responses.

1. Obtain the failing symptoms in as much detail as possible.

2. Verify the symptoms by attempting to re-create the failure by running the diagnostic test or by repeating the same operation.

Note: To run the diagnostics, refer to Running the Diagnostics.

3. Use the following table with the verified symptom to determine which section to go to. Search the symptoms column, and find the description that best matches your symptom.

Symptoms (Verified)

Go To

Power failure. (The power indicator does not go on or stay on.)

Power Systems Checkout

POST does not complete. No beeps or error codes are displayed.

Symptom-to-FRU Index and then go to No Beep Symptoms

The configuration is not the same as the installed devices.

Checking the Installed Devices List

POST beeps, but no error codes are displayed.

Symptom-to-FRU Index and then go to Beep Symptoms

POST detected an error and displayed numeric error codes.

Symptom-to-FRU Index and then go to Numeric Error Codes

The diagnostic test detected an error and displayed a FRU code.

FRU Codes

Other symptoms (such as LCD display problems).

Symptom-to-FRU Index and then go to Other Symptoms

Symptoms cannot be re-created (intermittent problems).

Symptom-to-FRU Index and then go to Intermittent Symptom



Audio Checkout
1. Go to the diagnostic menu by selecting Test in the Easy-Setup menu.
2. Select Audio and run the diagnostic tests.
3. If the test detects a audio problem, replace the system board.

Diskette Drive Checkout
Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, drive, or diskette. A write-enabled, blank, formatted 2HD diskette is required.
FDD-1 represents a diskette drive in the UltraBay II.
FDD-2 represents the port replicator, docking station, or diskette drive attached through the external diskette drive connector.
Attention:
Make sure that the diskette does not have more than one label attached to it. Multiple labels can cause damage to the drive or cause the drive to fail.

Do the following to select the test device:
1. Click on Test in the Easy-Setup menu.
2. Press Ctrl+A to enter the advanced diagnostic menu. The ThinkPad FRU Connections window appears.
3. Click on Exit. The keyboard layout screen appears.
4. Click on Exit.
5. Click on FDD-1 or FDD-2.
6. Type Y (Yes) to the question on the screen. Insert the blank diskette when instructed.
7. Press Enter to run the diskette drive test.
8. If the controller test detects an error, FRU code 10 appears. Replace the system board.
9. If the controller test runs without errors, the drive read/write tests start automatically.
10. If the drive test detects an error, FRU code 50 for FDD-1 or 51 for FDD-2 appears. If the diskette itself is known to be good, replace the drive.
11. If FDD-2 test detects an error, move the drive into the computer's UltraBay II, if possible, and test it again as FDD-1. If no errors occur in the FDD-1 position, the drive is not defective. If the drive is attached to the port replicator, go to Common Devices Checkout to isolate the replicator problem. Otherwise, go on to the next step.
12. If the drive is attached through a docking station, go to the service manual of the docking station to isolate the problem.
13. If the drive is attached through an external diskette drive connector and there is not a diskette drive in the UltraBay II, reseat the external diskette drive connector. If the error persists, replace the following FRUs one at a time:
a. External diskette drive kit
b. Video card
c. System board
14. If no error occurs when you test the formatted diskette, suspect the diskette that was used when the customer reported the problem.

Fan Checkout
To check the fan, listen for the fan. If it does not run, replace it. If the fan run, do the diagnostic test.
1. Start the Easy-Setup.
2. Click on Test.
3. Press Ctrl+A to enter the advanced diagnostic mode. ThinkPad Connection windows appears.
4. Click on Exit. The keyboard layout screen appears.
5. Click on Exit.
6. Click on SystemBoard then press Enter to run the test. Follow the description on the window. If the test detects the fan problem, replace it.

Game Port Checkout
Do the following if a joystick problem occurs:
1. Connect the joystick to the game port.
2. Go to the Easy-Setup menu.
3. Move to an item with the joystick.
4. Press any button of the joystick.
5. Verify that all buttons work correctly. If either the joystick or a button does not work, replace the video card. If the problem persists, replace the system board.

Indicator Panel Checkout
If an indicator panel problem occurs, do the following:
1. Power off the computer.
2. Power on the computer. All the icons in the indicator panel should appear for a moment soon after the computer is powered on.
3. Verify that all icons appear correctly. If some of the icons do not appear, replace the indicator panel. If the problem persists, replace the DC/DC card.

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Checkout
Remove any external keyboard before testing the built-in keyboard. If the keyboard does not work or an unexpected character appears, make sure that the flexible cable extending from the keyboard is correctly seated in the connector on the video card. If the keyboard cable connection is correct, check the video card. If the tests do not detect a keyboard problem, run the keyboard test by doing the following:
1. Go to the diagnostic menu by selecting Test in the Easy-Setup menu.
2. Press Ctrl+A to enter to the advanced diagnostic mode. The ThinkPad FRU Connections window appears. (If the Ctrl+A does not work, triple-click on the icon on the right bottom corner on the basic diagnostic screen.)
3. Make sure that the keyboard connection is Connected; then press Esc to escape the screen.
4. Press Esc. A layout of the keyboard appears on the screen.
5. Check that when each key is pressed, the key's position on the keyboard layout on the screen changes to a black square.
Note: When the Fn key is pressed, a black square briefly appears.
6. Press Ctrl+Pause to end the test. If the tests detect a keyboard problem, do the following one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a nondefective FRU.
- Reseat the keyboard cables.
- Replace the video card.
- Replace the system board.

Auxiliary Input Devices: The following auxiliary input devices are supported for this computer:
- Numeric keypad
- Mouse (PS/2 compatible)
- External keyboard (with keyboard/mouse cable)

If any of these devices do not work, reseat the cable connector and repeat the failing operation.

If the problem does not recur, recheck the connector. If the problem is not corrected, replace the device, and then the system board.

Memory Checkout
DIMMs are available for increasing memory capacity. You can install a 64-MB 2-bank DIMM in slot 1. If you try to install it in slot 2, it will not be recognized as a 64-MB DIMM.

Memory errors might stop system operations, show error messages on the screen, or hang the system.

Use the following procedure to isolate memory problems:
1. Power off the computer and remove any installed DIMM from its slots.
2. Press and hold the F1 key; then power on the computer. Hold the F1 key down until the Easy-Setup menu appears.
3. Select Test and press Enter.
4. Select Memory and press Enter to run the memory test on base memory. If an error appears, replace the system board.
5. Power off the computer and reinstall the DIMM; then power on the computer. Verify the memory size; then test the memory. If an error appears, replace the DIMM.

If memory problems occur intermittently, use the loop option to repeat the test. When the test detects an error, an error log is printed on the printer connected to the parallel port. See Displaying the Error Log for more information.

Flash Memory Update: System setup programs and diagnostic tests are stored in flash memory. A flash memory update is required for the following conditions:
- New versions of system programs
- New features or options

To update the flash memory, do the following:
1. Get the appropriate diskette containing the update.
2. Insert the System Program Service diskette into drive A, and power on the computer with AC power and a fully charged battery.
3. Select Update system programs from the menu.

Modem (DSP) Checkout
1. Go to the diagnostic menu by selecting Test in the Easy-Setup menu.
2. Select DSP and run the diagnostic tests.
3. If the test detects a DSP problem, replace the modem card.

Power Systems Checkout
To determine whether a power systems problem is due to the AC Adapter or the battery pack, do the following:
1. Remove the battery pack.
2. Connect the AC Adapter and check that power is supplied.
3. Disconnect the AC Adapter and install the charged battery pack; then check that power is supplied by the battery pack. If the problem is due to the AC Adapter, go to Checking the AC Adapter. If the problem is due to the battery pack, go to
Checking the Battery Pack. If the problem is not due to the AC Adapter or battery pack, go to the following sections:
- Checking the Backup Battery (Nonrechargeable)
- Checking the Standby Battery (Rechargeable)

Checking the AC Adapter: You are here because the computer fails only when the AC Adapter is used. If the power problem occurs only when AC Adapter is used with a port replicator, replace the replicator.

If the power-on indicator does not turn on, check the power cord of the AC Adapter for correct continuity and installation.
1. Unplug the AC Adapter cable from the computer and measure the output voltage at the plug of the AC Adapter cable. See the following figure:

Pin

Voltage (V dc)

1

+15.5 to +17.0

2

Ground


If the voltage is correct, make sure the connection between DC/DC card and system board is not loose. Replace the DC/DC card. If the problem is not corrected, replace the system board. If the problem persists, go to Undetermined Problems. If the voltage persists, go to the next step.
2. Unplug the AC Adapter cable from the AC power outlet and wait 5 minutes or longer to allow the overvoltage protection circuit to be fully discharged and initialized.
3. Plug the AC Adapter cable into the AC power outlet.
4. Measure the output voltage of the AC Adapter.
5. If the voltage is still not correct, replace the AC Adapter.

Note: An audible noise from the AC Adapter does not always indicate a defect.

Checking the Battery Pack: If the battery pack has a problem, do the following:
1. Power off the computer.
2. Remove the battery pack and measure the voltage between battery terminals 1 (+) and 4 (N). See the following figure:

Terminal

Voltage (V dc) / Signal

1

+0 to +13.5

2

Send

3

Thermal

4

Ground (N)

5

Select


Note: Signal lines not used in these steps are used for communication between the system and the battery.

3. If the voltage is less than +11.0 V dc, the battery pack has been discharged. Recharge the battery pack. If the voltage is still less than +11.0 V dc after recharging, replace the battery.

Note: If the voltage of the battery pack is 0 V, it is defective.

4. If the voltage is more than +11.0 V dc, measure the resistance between battery terminals 3 and 4. The resistance must be 4 to 30 K ohm. If the resistance is not correct, replace the battery pack. If the resistance is correct, replace the DC/DC card.

Checking Operational Charging
Note:
Battery charging will not start until the Fuel-Gauge shows that less than 95% of the total power remains; with this condition the battery pack will charge to 100% of its capacity. This restriction protects the battery pack from being overcharged or from having a shortened life.

To check operational charging, use a discharged battery pack or a battery pack that has less than 50% of the total power remaining when installed in the computer. Power on the computer while it is connected to the AC Adapter. If the battery status indicator does not turn on, power off the computer, remove the battery pack and let the battery pack return to room temperature. Reinstall the battery pack, and power on the computer (still connected to the AC Adapter). If the charge indicator still does not turn on, the battery pack should be replaced.

Checking the Backup Battery (Non-rechargeable)
1. Power off the computer and unplug the AC Adapter from the computer.
2. Open the DIMM cover.
3. Remove the backup battery. (Refer to 1050 Backup Battery or DIMM to remove the battery.)
4. Measure the voltage of the backup battery connector. See the following figure:

Wire

Voltage (V dc)

Red

+2.5 to +3.7

Black

Ground


If the voltage is correct, replace the system board.

If the voltage is not correct, the backup battery has been discharged. Replace the backup battery. If the backup battery discharges quickly after replacement, replace the system board.

Checking the Standby Battery (Rechargeable)
1. Power off the computer and unplug the AC Adapter from the computer.
2. Remove the battery pack and keyboard.
3. Remove the standby battery. (Refer to 1100 Standby Battery to remove the battery.)

Attention:
Be careful not to cause a short circuit when measuring the voltage.

4. Measure the voltage of the standby battery. If the voltage between red and black wire of the battery is 3.5 V dc or greater, the voltage is correct. Go to step 10 to verify standby battery operation. If the voltage is less than 3.5 V dc, go to the next step.
5. Plug the AC Adapter into the computer and power on the computer.

Attention:
Be careful not to cause a short circuit when measuring the voltage.

6. With the battery unplugged, measure the output voltage at the connector.

Pin

Voltage (V dc)

+

+4.0

N

Ground



If the voltage is less than +4.0 V dc, replace the DC/DC card. If the voltage is still low, replace the system board.
If the voltage is more than +4.0 V dc, power off the computer, replace the standby battery, and go to the next step.

7. Ensure that the AC Adapter is plugged into the computer; then power on the computer.
8. Charging of the standby battery starts immediately. A depleted battery needs approximately 30 minutes to be recharged to the operational voltage of +3.5 V dc.
9. Unplug the AC Adapter.
10. Verify the standby battery function by removing and installing the battery pack during suspend mode.

Note: Removing and installing the battery pack during suspend mode should be done within 1 minute. If the system does not resume after a charged battery pack is installed, replace the DC/DC card. If replacing the DC/DC card does not resolve the problem, replace the system board.

System Board and CPU Card Checkout
The processing functions are performed by both the system board and the CPU card. Processor problems can be caused by either FRU. However, the CPU card generally has a lower probability of failure. If a numeric code indicates the system board or the CPU card as a failing FRU, or the CPU card is indicated by a diagnostic test by showing FRU code 11, use the following procedure to isolate the problem:

1. Run the system board test to verify the symptom. This test verifies both the system board and the CPU card. If no error is detected, return to Checkout Guide.
Note: Don't touch the keyboard and pointing device when the system board test is running. This may cause an unexpected error.
2. If FRU code 10 appears, replace the system board but do not replace the CPU card. Transfer the CPU card from the old system board to the new system board.
3. If FRU code 11 appears, reseat the CPU card.
4. Rerun the test to verify the fix.
5. If FRU code 11 remains, replace the CPU card. If this procedure does not correct the problem, go to Undetermined Problems.

TrackPoint Checkout
If the TrackPoint does not work, check the configuration in the ThinkPad Configuration program. If the configuration of the TrackPoint is disabled, select Enable to enable it. If this does not correct the TrackPoint problem, continue with the following.
The TrackPoint automatically compensates to adjust the pointer sensor. During this process, the pointer moves on the screen automatically for a short time. This self-acting pointer movement can occur when a slight, steady pressure is applied to the TrackPoint pointer while the computer is powered on or while the system is running, or when readjustment is required because the temperature has exceeded its normal temperature range. This symptom does not indicate a hardware problem. No service actions are necessary if the pointer movement stops in a short period of time.

If a click button problem or pointing stick problem occurs, do the following:
1. Go to the Easy-Setup menu.
2. Move to an item with the pointing stick.
3. Press any one of the three click buttons.
4. Verify that the item is selected.
5. Move to another item with the pointing stick.
6. Press the pointing stick (press-to-select).
7. Verify that the item is selected.
8. Verify that all buttons work correctly. If either the pointing stick or the click button does not work, do the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a nondefective FRU.
- Reseat the TrackPoint cable.
- Replace the video card.
- Replace the system board.

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Date Created

13-09-97

Last Updated

17-08-98

Revision Date

14-08-99

Brand

IBM ThinkPad

Product Family

ThinkPad 770

Machine Type

9548, 9549

Model

All

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