T400 randomly shuts down...

Hi,

I recently acquired a brand new T400 but I got an awefu and very strange problem. Everything works fine but at random times the power just goes out: POOF!. When I press the power button to restart it right away it simply doesnt workbut if I wait a few hours and press the power button again, it starts up...and the same problem occurs after 15min-5hours of usage....

I tired many solutions:

Removing AC adaptor

Removing battery

Doing a memory check

Restoring to factory state

Downloading and installing all the Vista fixes from Lenovo support



None of those solution worked...what should I do?

 

I barely have any knowledge of computers so don't take my advice...but maybe it could be the power unit is faulty?

Maybe the unit overheats too fast (for some odd reason), then random shut down because too hot, and it won't start until a while because it's still too hot.

 

It's probably overheating. Check to see if the fan is working.

 

I would suggest that you download a free utility to monitor the operating temperature of your system - easiest way to rule out overheating problems. (Sorry I don't know the particular software - pls. google)

 

Google HWMonitor and have a look at your Thinkpad temperatures. You can also download TPFanControl ( www.tpfancontrol.com) the preferred choice to control our Thinkpad's fan values. Either your T400 is overheating or there is something wrong with the motherboard. Inspect the temperatures first, then see from there what could be wrong. Have you tried running your laptop on battery only, if you do this test make sure the CPU mode in in Saving mode. This way you could determine if the laptop is overheating because CPU will underclock and work at the lowest voltage & frequency hence the CPU would not be that much hot.

Notice that typical CPU temps on a Thinkpad would be on the 40's range. At load you should see around 55-65C. T400 are not known to have issues with overheating, check first, if the laptop is overheating send it for replacement.

 

So, I tried different power configurations which all ended up in the same result: random power loss. The temperature of the T400 is always around 50-55 even with battery only and in power saving mode.

EDIT: If i manually put the fan to the maximum, i get a cool 39 degree....Ill keep it on that and see if the laptop fails at some point....

 

Don’t drive yourself nuts. Download and create one of those “live” Linux distribution CDs/DVDs and if you can reproduce the problem while running this, there is likely a hardware problem and you’ll want to call Lenovo/send the notebook back to them.

 

Well, I tried to make a back up image using R&R while testing the laptop at lower temperatures and at 85% it said an error had occurred in the process... then 5 minutes later the laptop powered out AGAIN...it was at 39 degree so heat was not the issue.

 

its mostly an overheating issue. might not always be the CPU. Get lenovo to replace your notebook if you are within the 21 day warranty.

 

Yes, I agree with the other posters. Get on the phone to Lenovo as soon as possible and get the machine replaced. This does sound like a hardware problem. Could be a voltage issue, PSU, or heat issue. The sooner you contact them the better. You don't want to be hit with a restocking fee if you can help it.