Toshiba OverHeat Problem

Hi guys;

I have Toshiba 1905 S series notebook (p4 2.4). It has been almost two years when I bought and after than it has been serviced more than 10 times dor overheating problems. Almost all the parts motherbord( twice), fans, cpu, power supply, battery have been changed but i always had the same problem. Toshiba never acepted responsibility and offered to ship it to depot for another service. January 2004, I had the same problem after my warranty expired and shipped it again to depot, it worked approx a month and then totally died. Currently whenever I try to boot it up it shut itself of within minutes so I can not use it at all.

I know that there are several people with same problem, but I could not find a solution anywhere. What would you suggest? Is there a way to fix it? Or should I basically forget about that crap?

Thanks

 

Bruno,

With this amount of problems this notebook as gone through, it would look like it was a lemon from day one. It should have been replaced by Toshiba after the 3rd or 4th repair attepmt since they obviously don't know what's causing the problem. If you have kept all the records of repair, I'd even consider going directly to Toshiba HQ and discuss this with them and see if an alternative solution can be reached (even though the warranty is up). I'd personally even take it a step further to report it to the BBB or the newspaper. Even a less well known company like Acer will swap out the unit after the 3rd unsuccessful attempt to repair the unit.

If your attempt at Toshiba HQ is unsuccessful, you may want to try a couple things that may help:

1. Remove all memory from the system if there's memory built on the motherboard, if not, try one module in 1 slot and try, swap slots, swap modules (This will tell if it's possibly bad memory)

2. It's possible when they re-installed the CPU/systemboard they didn't apply any thermal paste between the heatsink and CPU. This would cause gaps between the 2 and my not be dissipating the heat correctly. You may want to try removing the heatsink and applying thermal paste

3. Boot into the BIOS and let it sit there, see how long it takes before shutting down. If it doesn't shut down while in the BIOS, it means that it's possibly an OS issue

Don't know what to suggest after that. If it still doesn't work, I'd personally dump the unit and get a new one. You may want to try a different brand.

Good luck!

-Vb-

 

Venombite;

Thank you very much for your time and detailed answer.

I have already contacted BBB at Irvine CA, they told me that they have hundreds of similar cases but Toshiba does not answer to them, they also wrote the same thing on their website.

I have contacted Toshib HQ and talked to Customer Relations Manager(if they have CR, I doubt) he kept saying "Toshiba makes great laptops", and when I call rite now they say your warranty is over.It is kinda joke!

I will try your suggestions and hope one works. I am about the purchase another laptop, for sure it wont be Toshiba. What makes me angry is that, you pay $1400 for a laptop which is a lemon and Toshiba does not do anything at all.

Thanks

 

Bruno,

I would not stop at the CR Manager, I'd try to go to the top with this problem. You have doumented proof that Toshiba's techs didn't know what the problem was and could not resolve the problem while it was under warranty. They kept passing the buck until the warranty expired and now don't have to deal with you. See if you can talk to the president of Toshiba USA to file a complaint. You might be able to get a bit further when they know you're serious about going to the top.

I had a problem when I bought a Honda a few years back. The dealership told me delivery in 4 weeks, 4 weeks later turned to 6 months. They told me if I wanted it sooner, I have to pay an extra $200 otherwise I'll have to wait. Contacted CR, told me they can't do anything. Got fed up and called and asked for the President of Honda Canada. Got his receptionist, explained the issue and she sent me to a CR Manager. CR Manager contact dealership and right after that call, I got a call from the dealership that my car would be ready for pickup in 2 days.

I'd recommend you go this same route and keep harrassing them until they give in before you give up all hope.

Good Luck!

-Vb-