Strange problem with power on CF-30

I have a CF-30 mk2 that worked perfectly until one day when it just turned itself off. The battery charge indicator would light up after the battery was depleted enough, but no sign of life otherwise. Trying a different battery and power supply did not help. But pulling out the battery and HDD caddy would sometimes make it boot again. So I figured there was a loose connection somewhere.

After removing every cable I could find, and re-connecting them (in case they had worked themselves loose), I tried the power switch again. Nothing happened.

I have finally found that if I open the hinged connector for the ribbon cable (labeled CN701 in the Service Manual) then close it again, I can power on the laptop as usual. But as soon as I turn it off again, I can only restart it by opening that connector and closing it again.

Needless to say, this is not only inconvenient, but can't be good for the connector or ribbon cable either.

Anyone have an idea of how to fix this?

 

What/where is the"hinged connector for the ribbon cable"?

 

It is here:

 

Is it a possible the cable isn´t all the way in?
On the picture it looks like he is not (could be the angle off the picture)

 

I thought that too, but removing and reseating the cable has not helped. I also wonder if a short somewhere could cause this problem?

All I know is that this is a consistenty reproduceable way of turning the laptop on. It does not turn on without opening that hinged connector, then closing it.

Weird, huh?

 

did u check the external ports on the backside if there is any short or anything else?

if u pull the battery out, can u restart the machine by repluging the power chord without the bat?

 

Looking at the parts list there's a fuse F701 on that IO board. If the CF-30 can be switched on/off by a port replicator maybe check the caps on the IO board too.
And tighten earth screws to chassis as well as connectors.

 

onirakiss: There is no obvious damage to external I/O board ports, and removing the battery and using the power cord only produces the same results. It works only if I open that hinge and reclose it.

unclemack: Where is this fuse, and where can I get a replacement? I have tightened every screw in sight. None were labeled as "ground" in the service manual, but I presume that some of those that thread into the case are grounds.

 

Opening and closing that hinge acts as a reset button. When it is opened and closed, then the laptop turns on without using the power switch.

 

Had u used an dockingstation before?

 

I have not used a docking station before, but previous owner may have.

 

Pushing on the docking connector also sometimes will turn the laptop on, so I think that the I/O board or docking connector is the culprit. Please, keep the ideas coming.

Do you think it just needs a new I/O board? Does anyone have one?

 

Power disconnected I'd remove I/O board & look for signs of corrosion products or liquid ingress - sometimes just a faint whitish deposit - which can cause enough of a short. Or bent pins of course. My eyes are old so I use a stereo or usb microscope.
I'm guessing it would be safe to power up with the I/O board removed but check with someone who knows for sure first. If without the I/O board everything else works...
I don't have a CF-30 or a schematic, F701 was just from the parts list in the .pdf manual but usually will be marked on the board. From the symptoms though a short does seem more likely than an open circuit.
The board-to-chassis screws thing is really unlikely with a laptop but I did see it once. And it's past my bedtime.
Good luck!

 

By the way, the connector is CN700, not CN701. When I wrote that, I was looking in the service manual. The drawing on page 9-6 has the 2 connectors labeled backwards.

I will try your suggestion tomorrow. Thanks to all!!

 

I took the I/O panel out, and examined it, as was suggested. I could see nothing wrong. Must have been microscopic metal burrs or small fragments behind it. After wiping both surfaces clean, re-installing it, and tightening the screws, all is good again. Some little burr must have been shorting something out. Thanks again!!

 

Now that this laptop is working again, I have one more related question.

In checking the power switch, I removed the plastic palm rest cover.
What adhesive is recommended to re-attach it?

 

I've never removed one and don't know what adhesive was originally used but here I'd probably use thin double-sided adhesive tape so it can still be removed later.
Could you tell what was originally used - did you have to heat it or just use a blunt spatula type tool to pry it away? Did the residue come off easily by rubbing with your finger?
If there are holes in the metal beneath then I guess there's waterproofing to consider.
If a cut-to-shape adhesive sheet is available maybe it's in the parts list?

 

The adhesive seemed to me like a sheet of double-sided adhesive.It was very hard to get off. It took quite a while, and a lot of rubbing alcohol to remove the residue after pulling off the adhesive layer. I really regret having removed it, but at the time, I thought the power switch was the problem. I may just see about ordering that plastic with the adhesive already on it. The only thing is it will probably cost an arm and a leg with shipping. But the CF-30 mk2 is so nice that it is worth it!

 

That's just about what it's like

Yes you are right, it's about $20.00+ just to have it shipped from Heartland but it is next day delivery ...my guess the palm rest will cost close to $25-$30.00. I will be calling them monday and can check for you . Send me a PM

 

If I didn't already have double-sided tape I'd try this one on ebay. 3M stuff usually does what it's supposed to. You've already done the hardest part, ie removing the adhesive. Stick it to the back of the palmrest, cut round it 1-2mm. in from the edge & remove the backing paper. Easy-peasy.

High Strength Double Sided Adhesive Sheet (12" x 8") (3M) for Guitar Pickguards | eBay

 

3M 9473 vhb tape. vhb = very high bond. I have used it before for palmrests.

sandandstick on fleabay

 

This should do the trick 3M VHB 9473 ADHESIVE TRANSFER DOUBLE STICK TAPE ( 8 ) 3 X 6 STRIPS | eBay

 

Thanks much! I've ordered the 3M VHB sheets.

Unclemack: That 3M doublesided stuff looks good too, but since I live in the USA, I will go with the USA seller to hopefully save shipping time.

Toughasnails: If I don't like the way it turns out, I will get back with you about ordering from Heartland.

 

No problem at all, I think if you got it off ok you should be able to put it back on if you take your time...good luck.

 

Beware, it is really sticky stuff. Aim carefully. You don't get a chance to reposition.