Acer Aspire 5910 Service Guide

							
Chapter 463
This chapter provides instructions on how to troubleshoot system hardware problems. If the problem can’t be 
resolved using the procedures described here, informati on for getting online technical assistance is also 
provided. 
Hardware Diagnostic Procedure
IMPORTANT:   The diagnostic tests described in this chapter ar e only intended to test Acer products. Non-Acer 
products, prototype cards, or  modified options can give false errors and invalid system 
responses.
1. Obtain as much detail as possible  about the presented failure symptoms. 
2. Verify the symptoms by attempting to re-create the fa ilure through diagnostic tests or by repeating the 
same condition that precedes the symptoms.
3. Refer the table below to determine which corrective action to perform. 
ProblemSymptomSection to Refer to
Power failure The power indicator does light up or 
stay lit. “Power System Check” on page 65
POST failure POST does not complete. No beep or  error codes issued. “POST Error Message” on page 67
“Undetermined Problems” 
POST detects an error and displayed 
messages on screen. “POST Error Message” on page 67
Specific component 
failure  Dysfunctional co
mponent symptoms 
(e.g. blurred LCD display). “POST Error Message” on page 67
Intermittent failure Symptoms cannot be re-c reated Use the customer-reported symptoms 
and go to the “POST Error Message” 
section on page 67.
“Intermittent Problems” on page 78
System Troubleshooting
Chapter 4
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64Chapter 1
System Check Procedures
External Diskette Drive Check
Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, driver, or diskette. A write-enabled, diagnostic diskette is 
required.
IMPORTANT:   Make sure that the diskette does not have more  than one label attached to it. Multiple labels 
can damage to the drive. 
1. Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program.
2. Check if the FDD Test is successful (pass).
3. Follow the instructions in the message window.
If an error occurs with the internal diskette drive,  reconnect the diskette connector on the system board.
If the error still remains:
1. Reconnect the external diskette drive.
2. Replace the external diskette drive.
3. Replace the system board.
External CD-ROM Drive Check
Do the following to isolate the problem  to a controller, drive, or CD-ROM. 
IMPORTANT:   Make sure that the CD-ROM does not have an y label attached to it. The label can damage the 
drive.
1. Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program.
2. Check if the CD-ROM Test  is successful (pass).
3. Follow the instructions in the message window.
If an error occurs, reconnect the CD-ROM drive connector on the system board. 
If the error still remains:
1. Reconnect the CD-ROM module.
2. Replace the CD-ROM module.
3. Replace the system board.
Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check
Remove the external keyboard if the internal keyboard is to be tested.
If the internal keyboard does not work or an unexpected  character appears, make sure that the flexible cable 
extending from the keyboard is properly con nected to its system board connector (KB1).
If the keyboard cable connection is  correct, run the Keyboard Test. 
If the tests detect a keyboard problem, do the  following one at a time to correct the problem. 
1. Reconnect the keyboard cable.
2. Replace the keyboard.
3. Replace the system board.
The following auxiliary input devices are supported by this computer:
TNumeric keypad
TExternal keyboard
If any of these devices do not work, reconnect the devic e cable and check if that corrects the device failure.
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Chapter 165
Memory Check
Memory errors might stop system operations, display error messages, or cause the system to hang up.
Make sure that the DIMM is properly installed  in its slot. A loose connection can cause an error.
If the DIMM connection is correct, run the Doagmpstotics Test. 
1. Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the Doagmpstotics program.
2. Go to the diagnostic memory in the test items.
3. Press  F2 in the test items.
4. Follow the instructions in the message window.
Power System Check
To verify the cause of the power problem, power on th e computer using the AC adapter, and then the battery 
pack. 
1. Remove the battery pack.
2. Connect the AC adapter and check if power is supplied.
3. Disconnect the AC adapter and install a fully-charged  battery pack, and then check if power is supplied.
t     If the failure is cause by a defective AC adapter, refer to the “Check the AC Adapter” section. 
t     If the failure is cause by a defective batte ry pack, refer to the “Check the Battery Pack” section.
Check the AC Adapter
Unplug the AC adapter cable from the computer and meas ure the output voltage at the plug of the AC adapter 
cable. Refer the figure below.
1. If the voltage is not correct , replace the power adapter.
2. If the voltage is within the range, do the following:
a.Replace the system board.
b. If the problem is not corrected, see the  section “Undetermined Problems” on page 79.
c. If the voltage is still not corrected, proceed to the next step.
NOTE:   An audible noise from the power adapter does not always indicate a defect.
3. If the power indicator does not light  up, check the power cord of the AC  adapter for correct continuity and 
installation.
4. If the operational charge does not work, see the “C heck the Battery Pack” section on the next page. 
 Pin 1: + 19 to +20.5V
 Pin 2: OV, ground
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66Chapter 1
Check the Battery Pack  
Check the battery pack via the OS control and by checking the actual battery pack. 
Using the OS control:
1.Open the  Power Management  setting in the Windows Control Panel
 screen. 
2. On the Power Meter
 tab, confirm that the  Current Power Source  and Total Battery Power Remaining  
parameters are correct.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 using both the battery  pack and the AC adapter as the power source.
This will help you identify if the prob lem is on recharging or discharging. 
Checking the battery pack voltage:
1. Power off the computer. 
2. Remove the battery pack and measure the voltage  between battery terminals 1 (+) and 6 (ground). 
3. If the voltage is still less than 7.5 Vdc  after recharging, replace the battery. 
Checking the battery charge function:
1. Use a discharged battery pack or a battery pack that  has less than 50% of the total power remaining when 
installed in the computer. 
2. If the battery charge indicator does not light up, remo ve the battery pack and allow it to return to room 
temperature, then reinstall the battery pack.
3. If the charge indicator still does no t light up, replace the battery pack. 
Touchpad Check
If the touchpad doesn’t work, do the following actions  one at a time to correct the problem. Do not replace a 
non-defective FRU:
1. Reconnect the touchpad cable.
2. Replace the touchpad board.
3. Replace the system board.
After you use the touchpad, the pointer drifts on the scr een for a short time. This self-acting pointer movement 
can occur when a slight, steady pressure is applied to the touchpad pointer. This symptom is not a hardware 
problem. No service actions are necessary if the  pointer movement stops in a short period of time.
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Chapter 167
POST Error Indicators
When POST detects a system failure, it either displays a POST error message, or emits a series of beep 
codes. 
POST Error Message
Whenever a non-fatal error occurs during POST, an error message describing the problem appears onscreen. 
These text messages are displayed in normal video (white  text on black background). It shows the details of 
the error.
The POST error message index in this section lists  the error messages and their possible causes. The most 
likely cause is listed first. The listed  error symptoms classified by function.
NOTE:   Perform the FRU replacement or actions in the  sequence shown in FRU/Action column, if the FRU 
replacement does not solve the proble m, put the original part back in the computer. Do not replace a 
non-defective FRU.
This index can also help you determine the next possible FRU to be replaced when servicing a computer.
If the symptom is not listed, se e “Undetermined Problems” on page 79.
NOTE:   Most of the error messages occur during POST. Some  of them display information about a hardware 
device, e.g., the amount of memory installed. Ot hers may indicate a problem with a device, such as 
the way it has been configured. 
IMPORTANT:   If the system fails after you make changes  in the Setup Utility menus, reboot the computer, 
enter Setup, then press  F9 to load the Setup defaults to correct the error. 
Error Code List 
Error CodeError Message
006 Equipment Configuration Error
Causes:
1. CPU BIOS Update Code Mismatch
2. IDE Primary Channel Master Drive Error
(The causes will be shown before the Equipment 
Configuration Error  message)
010 Memory Error at xxxx:xxxx:xxxxh (R:xxxxh, W:xxxxh) 
070 Real Time Clock Error
071 CMOS Battery Bad
072 CMOS Checksum Error
110 System disabled. Incorrect password is specified.
 Battery Critical Low In this situation BIOS will issue four short beeps, then shut 
down the system, no message will show.
 Thermal Critical High In this situation BIOS will shut down the system, no 
message will show.
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68Chapter 1
Error Message List
Error MessageFRU/Action in Sequence
Failure Fixed Disk Reconnect the hard disk drive to its connector.
Run the Setup Utility, then press F9 to load the system 
defaults.
Hard disk drive
System board
Stuck Key Refer to the “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check”  section on page 64. 
Keyboard Error Refer to the “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check”  section on page 64.
Keyboard Controller Failed Refer to the “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check”  section on page 64.
Keyboard locked - Unlock key s witch Unlock external keyboard
Monitor type does not match CMOS - Run 
Setup Run the Setup Utility, then press 
F9 to load the system 
defaults.
Shadow RAM Failed at offset: nnnn BIOS ROM System board
System RAM Failed at offset: nnnn DIMM System board
Extended RAM Failed at offset: nnnn DIMM System board
System battery is dead - Replace and run 
Setup Replace the RTC battery, then 
access the Setup Utility to 
reconfigure the system  time setttings.
System CMOS checksum bad - Default 
configuration used RTC battery
Run the Setup Utility to reconfigure the system time settings.
System timer error RTC battery Run the Setup Utility to reconfigure the system time settings.
System board
Real time clock error RTC battery Run the Setup Utility to reconfigure the system time settings.
System board
Previous boot incomplete - Default 
configuration used Run the Setup Utility, then press 
F9 to load the system 
defaults.
RTC battery
System board
Memory size found by POST differed from 
CMOS Run the Setup Utility, then press 
F9 to load the system 
defaults.
DIMM
System board
Diskette drive A error Check if the drive ma tches the diskette type set in the Setup 
Utility.
Refer to the “External Diskette Drive Check” section on 
page 64.
Incorrect Drive A type - run SETUP Check if the dr ive matches the diskette type set in the Setup 
Utility.
System cache error - Cache disabled System board
CPU ID: System board
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Chapter 169
System Error – No Beep
DMA Test Failed DIMM
System board
Software NMI Failed DIMM System board
Fail-Safe Timer NMI Failed DIMM System board
Device Address Conflict Run the Setup Utility, then press  F9 to load the system 
defaults.
RTC battery
System board
Allocation Error for device Run the Setup Utility, then press  F9 to load the system 
defaults.
RTC battery
System board
Failing Bits: nnnn DIMM BIOS ROM
System board
Fixed Disk n None
Invalid System Config uration Data BIOS ROM
System board
I/O device IRQ conflict Run the Setup Utility, then press  F9 to load the system 
defaults.
RTC battery
System board
Operating system not found Run the Setup Uti lity and see if fixed disk and drive A: are 
properly identified.
Diskette drive
Hard disk drive
System board
Error MessageFRU/Action in Sequence
No beep, power indicator turns off and the 
LCD screen is blank. Power source (battery pack and power adapter). Refer to the 
“Power System Check” section on page 65. 
Ensure every internal cables are properly and securely 
connected. 
Reinstall the memory module.
System board.
No beep, power indicator turns on but the 
LCD screen is blank. Power source (battery pack and power adapter). Refer to the 
“Power System Check” section on page 65. 
Reconnect the LCD-CCD cable.
Hard disk drive
LCD-CCD cable
Inverter board
LCD panel
System board
Error MessageFRU/Action in Sequence
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70Chapter 1
POST Beep Codes
No beep, power indicator turns on, the LCD 
screen is blank, but you can view POST 
when connected to an external CRT. Reconnect the LCD-CCD cable.
LCD-CCD cable 
Inverter board
LCD panel
System board
No beep, power indicator turns on and a 
blinking cursor appears on screen during 
POST. Ensure every internal cables are properly and securely 
connected. 
System board
No beep during POST  but system runs 
correctly.  Speaker
System board
CodeBeepsPOST Routine Description
02h Verify Real Mode
03h Disable Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI)
04h Get CPU type
06h Initialize system hardware
08h Initialize chipset with initial POST values
09h Set IN POST flag
0Ah Initialize CPU registers
0Bh Enable CPU cache
0Ch Initialize caches to initial POST values
0Eh Initialize I/O component
0Fh Initialize the local bus IDE
10h Initialize Power Management
11h Load alternate registers with initial POST 
values
12h Restore CPU control word during warm  boot
13h Initialize PCI Bus Mastering devices
14h Initialize keyboard controller
16h 1-2-2-3 BIOS ROM checksum
17h Initialize cache before memory autosize
18h 8254 timer initialization
1Ah 8237 DMA controller initialization
1Ch Reset Programmable Interrupt Controller
20h 1-3-1-1 Test DRAM refresh
22h 1-3-1-3 Test 8742 Keyboard Controller
24h Set ES segment register to 4 GB
26h Enable A20 line
28h Autosize DRAM
29h Initialize POST Memory Manager
2Ah Clear 215 KB base RAM
2Ch 1-3-4-1 RAM failure on address line xxxx
Error MessageFRU/Action in Sequence
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Chapter 171
2Eh 1-3-4-3 RAM failure on data bits xxxx of low byte 
of memory bus
2Fh Enable cache before system BIOS  shadow
30h 1-4-1-1 RAM failure on  data bits xxxx of high byte 
of memory bus
32h Test CPU bus-clock frequency
33h Initialize Phoenix Dispatch Manager
36h Warm start shut down
38h Shadow system BIOS ROM
3Ah Autosize cache
3Ch Advanced configuration of chipset  registers
3Dh Load alternate registers with CMOS  values
42h Initialize interrupt vectors
45h POST device initialization
46h 2-1-2-3 Check ROM copyright notice
48h Check video configuration against CMOS
49h Initialize PCI bus and devices
4Ah Initialize all vi deo adapters in system
4Bh QuietBoot start (optional)
4Ch Shadow video BIOS ROM
4Eh Display BIOS copyright notice
50h Display CPU type and speed
51h Initialize EISA board
52h Test keyboard
54h Set key click if enabled
58h 2-2-3-1 Test for unexpected interrupts
59h Initialize POST display service
5Ah Display prompt “Press F2 to enter  SETUP”
5Bh Disable CPU cache
5Ch Test RAM between 512 and 640 KB
60h Test extended memory
62h Test extended memory address lines
64h Jump to User Patch1
66h Configure advanced cache registers
67h Initialize Multi Processor APIC
68h Enable external and CPU caches
69h Setup System Management Mode (SMM)  area
6Ah Display external L2 cache size
6Bh Load custom defaults (optional)
6Ch Display shadow-area message
CodeBeepsPOST Routine Description
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72Chapter 1
6Eh Display possible high address for UMB 
recovery
70h Display error messages
72h Check for configuration errors
76h Check for keyboard errors
7Ch Set up hardware interrupt vectors
7Eh Initialize coprocessor if present
80h Disable onboard Super I/O ports and  IRQs
81h Late POST device initialization
82h Detect and install external RS232 ports
83h Configure non-MCD IDE controllers
84h Detect and install external parallel ports
85h Initialize PC-compa tible PnP ISA devices
86h Re-initialize onboard I/O ports
87h Configure motherboard configurable  devices (optional)
88h Initialize BIOS Area
89h Enable Non-Maskable Interrupts (NMIs)
8Ah Initialize Extended BIOS Data Area
8Bh Test and initialize PS/2 mouse
8Ch Initialize floppy controller
8Fh Determine number of ATA drives  (optional)
90h Initialize hard-disk controllers
91h Initialize local-bus hard-disk controllers
92h Jump to UserPatch2
93h Build MPTABLE for multi-processor  boards
95h Install CD ROM for boot
96h Clear huge ES segment register
97h Fixup Multi Processor table
98h 1-2 Search for option ROMs. One long, two  short beeps on checksum failure.
99h Check for SMART drive (optional)
9Ah Shadow option ROMs
9Ch Set up Power Management
9Dh Initialize security engine (optional)
9Eh Enable hardware interrupts
9Fh Determine number of ATA and SCSI  drives
A0h Set time of day
A2h Check key lock
A4h Initialize typematic rate
A8h Erase F2 prompt
CodeBeepsPOST Routine Description
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