Acer Travelmate 280 Service Guide

Chapter 493
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...

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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.
NOTE: Make sure that the diskette does not have more than one label attached to it. Multiple labels can cause 
damage to the drive or cause the drive to fail. 
Do the following to select the test device. See “System Diagnostic Diskette” on page 54 for details.
1.Boot from the diagnostics diskette and...

Chapter 495
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 correctly seated in the connector on the system board.
If the keyboard cable connection is correct, run the Keyboard Test. See “System Diagnostic Diskette” on page 
54 for details.
If the tests detect a keyboard problem, do the following one at...

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Check the Power Adapter
Unplug the power adapter cable from the computer and measure the output voltage at the plug of the power 
adapter cable. See the following figure
1.If the voltage is not correct, replace the power adapter.
2.If the voltage is within the range, do the following:

Replace the System board.

If the problem is not corrected, see “Undetermined Problems” on page 106.

If the voltage is not correct, go to the next step.
NOTE: An audible noise from the power adapter...

Chapter 497
Check the Battery Pack 
To check the battery pack, do the following:
From Software:
1.Check out the Power Management in control Panel
2.In Power Meter, confirm that if the parameters shown in the screen for Current Power Source and Total 
Battery Power Remaining are correct.
3.Repeat the steps 1 and 2, for both battery and adapter.
4.This helps you identify first the problem is on recharging or discharging. 
From Hardware:
1.Power off the computer. 
2.Remove the battery pack and measure the...

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Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message 
The POST error message index lists the error message and their possible causes. The most likely cause is 
listed first.
NOTE: Perform the FRU replacement or actions in the sequence shown in FRU/Action column, if the FRU 
replacement does not solve the problem, 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....

Chapter 499
Index of Error Messages
Error Code List
Error CodesError Messages
006 Equipment Configuration Error
Causes:
1. CPU BIOS Update Code Mismatch
2. IDE Primary Channel Master Drive Error
3. IDE Secondary Channel Master Drive Error
(THe causes will be shown before “Equipment Configuration 
Error”)
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 Incorrect password specified, system disabled. (Text mode only)
 Battery...

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Real time clock error RTC battery
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system time, then reboot 
system.
System board
Previous boot incomplete - Default configuration 
usedRun “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
RTC battery
System board
Memory size found by POST differed from 
CMOSRun “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
DIMM
System board
Diskette drive A error Check the drive is defined with the proper diskette type in BIOS 
Setup Utility
See “External...

Chapter 4101
Error Message List
No beep Error MessagesFRU/Action in Sequence
No beep, power-on indicator turns off and LCD is 
blank.Power source (battery pack and power adapter). See “Power 
System Check” on page 95. 
Ensure every connector is connected tightly and correctly. 
Reconnect the DIMM.
LED board.
System board.
No beep, power-on indicator turns on and LCD is 
blank.Power source (battery pack and power adapter). See “Power 
System Check” on page 95. 
Reconnect the LCD connector
Hard disk drive...

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Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message
LCD-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
LCD backlight doesnt work
LCD is too dark
LCD brightness cannot be adjusted
LCD contrast cannot be adjustedEnter BIOS Utility to execute “Load Setup Default Settings”, then 
reboot system.
Reconnect the LCD connectors.
Keyboard (if contrast and brightness function key doesnt work).
LCD inverter ID
LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
System board
Unreadable LCD screen 
Missing pels in characters...