IBM ThinkPad A21m Thermal Problem

[Juan Villagra]

Hello everybody.
I need some help with an IBM ThinkPad A21m, 2628-D1S type.
It have some problem with the CPU fan.After a long period to be off,
it boots ok, and can work for a little while, but suddenly it falls
off. After that, it enters in a quick boot-fail cycle. If i leave it
off for a while, it can boot again, but go quickly do dead again.The
cause is CPU overheating, because the CPU fan dont work. But, the fan
is OK (i tested it ith direct poer supply (5V)), and occasionally it
starts ok with the notebook boot up, but it stops and don´t restarts.
It looks like some power management or thermal sensor failure, or
maybe the BIOS... i don't know. Has anybody seen this kind of problem
before? Can anybody put some light on this?

Thanks from now.



Juan Villagra.
ERdM

 

[hemyd]

G'day Juan,

Go to this link

http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=psg1MIGR-4PER6S

and download the hardware maintenance manual.

What I normally do is check externally for any obvious obstructions to air
flow at the air intake and vents.

If you've never taken apart a laptop then I suggest being very careful with
dismantling the Thinkpad, as the A21 is relatively complex to dismantle. If
you do decide to dismantle it, follow the intructions meticulously. Keep
record of which screws go where. Take anti-static precautions and try to
avoid touching circuitry.

Once the covers are off, it is relatively easy to remove the heatsink/fan
assembly. I'd clean the fan blades by at least blowing them out, and I'd
make sure that there is a good contact between the heatsink and the
processor - use some thermal paste.

You can approach IBM re purchasing a new fan/heatsink assembly, but
unfortunately you may find that the system board needs replacing, and that
is very pricey. You also run the risk of putting the Thinkpad out of action
completely, so be careful.

Henry.

 

[Juan Villagra]

Thanks for the aid, but i have an update: There is no a thermal
problem, but an motherboard thing:
The fan behavour is a synpthom, not a cause. There is that the system
falls down, and turns averything off, including the fan. Well, it
looks as the motherboard have some electronic hardware failure, that
when reached by the system, it cause a collapse. Looks like thermic,
because when cold, it stands longer, but now i think it is some kind
of broken soldering, or false contact, yhat because when it fails, and
the CDrom reader repeatedly starts spinning, a sparking noise
occasionally comes from some part of the M.B.
Any ideas, anybody?
In this moment, i'm ready to quit, and sugest replacement of the
mainboard.
Any help is welcome.
Thanks to all.

Juan Villagra.
ERdM

 

[Andy Cuffe]

Thanks for the aid, but i have an update: There is no a thermal
problem, but an motherboard thing:
The fan behavour is a synpthom, not a cause. There is that the system
falls down, and turns averything off, including the fan. Well, it
looks as the motherboard have some electronic hardware failure, that
when reached by the system, it cause a collapse. Looks like thermic,
because when cold, it stands longer, but now i think it is some kind
of broken soldering, or false contact, yhat because when it fails, and
the CDrom reader repeatedly starts spinning, a sparking noise
occasionally comes from some part of the M.B.
Any ideas, anybody?
In this moment, i'm ready to quit, and sugest replacement of the
mainboard.
Any help is welcome.
Thanks to all.

Juan Villagra.
ERdM

I think you're best bet would be to buy a motherboard on ebay. I see
a bunch up there right now for $90.
Andy Cuffe

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