Acer Aspire 4230 Service Guide

							Chapter 3111
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive Module
NOTE: To prevent damage to device, avoid pressing down on it or placing heavy objects on top of it.  3.Push the ODD module into the ODD bay as shown.4.Ensure that the ODD is flush with the chassis and 
the screw socket is aligned with the screw socket in 
the lower base.
NOTE: Do not insert a screw to secure the ODD. The ODD is secured after replacing the lower cover and 
all captive screws are tightened.
1.Insert the HDD in to the carrier.2.Replace the four screws to secure the carrier. 
						

							11 2Chapter 3
Replacing the WLAN Module
3.Place the HDD assembly in the HDD bay and push 
in the direction shown to connect the interface.4.Replace the two securing screws.
1.Insert the WLAN board into the WLAN socket.2.Replace the two securing screws.
3.Connect the Antenna cables to the terminals as shown.
NOTE: The Antennas must be connected as shown, black to the upper terminal and white to the lower 
terminal. 
						

							Chapter 311 3
Replacing the DIMM Modules
NOTE: If DIMM modules are not installed properly, the computer does not boot, and no service error is 
displayed.
Replacing the Lower Cover
1.Align the notch in the connector with the notch in 
the module and slide the DIMM module firmly in 
place.2.Press down on the module until it clicks in place.
1.Insert the cover tabs as shown and press the lower 
cover in place.2.Secure the nine captive screws to attach the Lower 
Cover. 
						

							11 4Chapter 3
Replacing the SD Dummy Card
1.Insert the SD Dummy Card into the slot and press until it clicks in to place.
Replacing the ExpressCard Dummy Card
1.Insert the ExpressCard into the slot and press until it clicks in to place.
Replacing the Battery
1.Slide and hold the battery latch to the release 
position (1), then replace the battery pack (2).2.Slide the battery lock/unlock latch to the lock 
position.
(1) (2) 
						

							Chapter 411 5
Troubleshooting
Common Problems
Use the following procedure as a guide for computer problems.
NOTE: The diagnostic tests are intended to test only Acer products. Non-Acer 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.
3.Use the following table with the verified symptom to determine which page to go to.
4.If the Issue is still not resolved, see “Online Support Information” on page 187.
Symptoms (Verified)Go To
Power On Issue Page 116
No Display Issue Page 117
LCD Failure Page 119
Internal Keyboard Failure Page 119
Touch Pad Failure Page 120
Internal Speaker Failure Page 120
Internal Microphone Failure Page 122
ODD Failure Page 124
Rightside USB Failure Page 127
Modem Failure Page 127
WLAN Failure Page 128
Acer EasyLaunch Button Failure Page 128
Acer MediaTouch Failure Page 129
Fingerprint Reader Failure Page 129
Thermal Unit Failure Page 130
HDTV Switch Failure Page 130
Other Functions Failure Page 131
Intermittent Failures Page 132
Undermined Failures Page 132
Chapter 4 
						

							11 6Chapter 4
Power On Issue
If the system doesn’t power on, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not 
replace a non-defective FRUs:
Computer Shutsdown Intermittently
If the system powers off at intervals, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1.Check the power cable is properly connected to the computer and the electrical outlet. 
2.Remove any extension cables between the computer and the outlet.
3.Remove any surge protectors between the computer and the electrical outlet. Plug the computer directly 
into a known good electrical outlet. 
4.Disconnect the power and open the casing to check the Thermal Unit (see “Thermal Unit Failure” on page 
130) and fan airways are free of obstructions.
5.Disable the power management settings in the BIOS to ensure they are not the cause of the problem (see 
“Boot” on page 38).
6.Remove all external and non-essential hardware connected to the computer that are not necessary to 
boot the computer to the failure point.
7.Remove any recently installed software.
8.If the Issue is still not resolved, see “Online Support Information” on page 187. 
						

							Chapter 411 7
No Display Issue
If the Display doesn’t work, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace 
a non-defective FRUs:
No POST or Video
If the POST or video doesn’t display, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1.Make sure that the internal display is selected. On this notebook model, switching between the internal 
display and the external display is done by pressing Fn+F5. Reference Product pages for specific model 
procedures.
2.Make sure the computer has power by checking at least one of the following occurs:
•Fans start up 
•Status LEDs light up
If there is no power, see “Power On Issue” on page 116.
3.Drain any stored power by removing the power cable and battery and holding down the power button for 
10 seconds. Reconnect the power and reboot the computer.
4.Connect an external monitor to the computer and switch between the internal display and the external 
display is by pressing Fn+F5 (on this model). 
If the POST or video appears on the external display, see “LCD Failure” on page 119.
5.Disconnect power and all external devices including port replicators or docking stations. Remove any 
memory cards and CD/DVD discs. Restart the computer.
If the computer boots correctly, add the devices one by one until the failure point is discovered.
6.Reseat the memory modules.
7.Remove the drives (see “Disassembly Process” on page 48).
8.If the Issue is still not resolved, see “Online Support Information” on page 187. 
						

							11 8Chapter 4
Abnormal Video Display
If video displays abnormally, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem.
1.Reboot the computer.
2.If permanent vertical/horizontal lines or dark spots display in the same location, the LCD is faulty and 
should be replaced. See “Disassembly Process” on page 48.
3.If extensive pixel damage is present (different colored spots in the same locations on the screen), the LCD 
is faulty and should be replaced. See “Disassembly Process” on page 48.
4.Adjust the brightness to its highest level. See the User Manual for instructions on adjusting settings. 
NOTE: Ensure that the computer is not running on battery alone as this may reduce display brightness.
If the display is too dim at the highest brightness setting, the LCD is faulty and should be replaced. See 
“Disassembly Process” on page 48.
5.Check the display resolution is correctly configured:
a.Minimize or close all Windows. 
b.If display size is only abnormal in an application, check the view settings and control/mouse wheel 
zoom feature in the application. 
c.If desktop display resolution is not normal, right-click on the desktop and select 
Personalize´ Display Settings. 
d.Click and drag the Resolution slider to the desired resolution. 
e.Click Apply and check the display. Readjust if necessary.
6.Roll back the video driver to the previous version if updated.
7.Remove and reinstall the video driver.
8.Check the Device Manager to determine that:
•The device is properly installed. There are no red Xs or yellow exclamation marks. 
•There are no device conflicts. 
•No hardware is listed under Other Devices.
9.If the Issue is still not resolved, see “Online Support Information” on page 187.
10.Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic from the operating system DVD and follow the onscreen prompts.
11 .If the Issue is still not resolved, see “Online Support Information” on page 187.
Random Loss of BIOS Settings
If the computer is experiencing intermittent loss of BIOS information, perform the following actions one at a 
time to correct the problem.
1.If the computer is more than one year old, replace the CMOS battery.
2.Run a complete virus scan using up-to-date software to ensure the computer is virus free.
3.If the computer is experiencing HDD or ODD BIOS information loss, disconnect and reconnect the power 
and data cables between devices.
If the BIOS settings are still lost, replace the cables.
4.If HDD information is missing from the BIOS, the drive may be defective and should be replaced. 
5.Replace the Motherboard.
6.If the Issue is still not resolved, see “Online Support Information” on page 187. 
						

							Chapter 411 9
LCD Failure
If the LCD fails, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a non-
defective FRUs:
Built-In Keyboard Failure
If the built-in Keyboard fails, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace 
a non-defective FRUs: 
						

							120Chapter 4
Touch Pad Failure
If the To u c h  P a d doesn’t work, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not 
replace a non-defective FRUs:
Internal Speaker Failure
If the internal Speakers fail, perform the following actions one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace 
a non-defective FRUs: