Acer Travelmate 505 Service Guide

							Chapter 355
Disassembling the Hard Disk Drive Module
1.
To disassemble the hard disk drive module, first remove the six screws as shown here.
2.
Detach the left and right brackets from the hard disk drive.
3.
Remove the hard disk drive connection board from the hard disk drive.
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							56Chapter 3
Disassembling the Floppy Disk Drive and CD-ROM Combo Module
1.
To disassemble the CD-ROM drive from the combo module, first remove the three screws as shown here..
2.
Disconnect the CD-ROM FPC cable, then slide out the CD-ROM drive from the chassis.
3.
Remove the CD-ROM FPC cable from the chassis.
4.
To remove the floppy disk drive from the combo module, first remove the three screws as shown here.
5.
Remove the floppy disk drive from the chassis.
6.
Disconnect the floppy disk drive FPC cable from the floppy disk drive.
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							Chapter 457
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.  
Symptoms (Verified)Go To
Power failure. (The power indicator does not go on or 
stay on.)Power System check
POST does not complete. No beep or error codes are 
indicated.Symptom-to-FRU Index
Undetermined Problems
POST detects an error and displayed messages on 
screen.Error Messages List
The diagnostic test detected an error and displayed a 
FRU code.Running PQA Diagnostic Program
Other symptoms (i.e. LCD display problems or others). Error Symptom-to-FRU Index
Symptoms cannot be re-created (intermittent 
problems).Use the customer-reported symptoms and go to Error 
Symptom-to-FRU Index.
Intermittent Problems
Undetermined Problems
Troubleshooting
Chapter 4
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							58Chapter 4
System Check Procedures
Diskette Drive Check
Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, driver, cable 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. 
1.
Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the PQA program.
2.
Go to the diagnostic Diskette Drive in the test items.
3.
Press F2 in the test items.
4.
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 diskette drive.
2.
Replace the diskette driver cable.
3.
Replace the diskette drive.
4.
Replace the system board.
CD-ROM Drive Check
Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, drive, cable, or CD-ROM.  Make sure that the CD-ROM 
does not have any label attached to it.  The label can cause damage to the drive or can cause the drive to fail.
Do the following to select the test device:
1.
Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the PQA program.
2.
Go to the diagnostic CD-ROM in the test items.
3.
Press F2 in the test items.
4.
Follow the instructions in the message window.
If an error occurs, reconnect the connector on the System board.  If the error still remains:
1.
Reconnect the CD-ROM drive.
2.
Replace the diskette driver cable.
3.
Replace the CD-ROM drive.
4.
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 correctly seated in the connector on the system board.
If the keyboard cable connection is correct, run the Keyboard Test.  See “Running the Diagnostics” for details.
If the tests detect a keyboard problem, do the following one at a time to correct the problem.  (Do not replace a 
non-defective FRU):
1.
Reconnect the keyboard cables.
2.
Replace the keyboard.
3.
Replace the system board.
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							Chapter 459
The following auxiliary input devices are supported by this computer:

Numeric keypad

External keyboard
If any of these devices do not work, reconnect the cable connector and repeat the failing operation. 
Memory Check
Memory errors might stop system operations, show error messages on the screen, or hang the system.
1.
Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the PQA program (please refer to “Running PQA Diagnostics 
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.
NOTE: 
Make sure that the DIMM is fully installed into the connector.  A loose connection can cause an error.
Power System Check
To verify the symptom of the problem, power on the computer using each of the following power sources:
1.
Remove the battery pack.
2.
Connect the power adapter and check that power is supplied.
3.
Disconnect the power adapter and install the charged battery pack; then check that power is supplied by 
the battery pack.
If you suspect a power problem, see the appropriate power supply check in the following list:

“Check the Power Adapter”

“Check the Battery Pack”
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”.

If the voltage is not correct, go to the next step.
NOTE: 
An audible noise from the power adapter does not always indicate a defect.
3.
If the power problem occurs only when the port replicator is used, replace the port replicator.
4.
If the power-on indicator does not light up, check the power cord of the power adapter for correct 
continuity and installation. 
5.
If the operational charge does not work, see “Check the Battery Pack”.
Pin 1: +19 to +20.5V
Pin 2: 0V, Ground
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							60Chapter 4
Check the Battery Pack 
To check the battery pack, do the following:
1.
Power off the computer. 
2.
Remove the battery pack and measure the voltage between battery terminals 2(+) and 7(ground). See the 
following figure
3.
If the voltage is still less than 8.0 Vdc after recharging, replace the battery. 
To check the battery charge operation, use a discharged battery pack or a battery pack that has less than 50% 
of the total power remaining when installed in the computer. 
If the battery status indicator does not light up, remove the battery pack and let it return to room temperature. 
Re-install the battery pack.
If the charge indicator still does not light up, replace the battery pack.  If the charge indicator still does not light 
up, replace the system board. 
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 cables.
2.
Replace the touchpad.
3.
Replace the system board.
After you use the touchpad, the pointer drifts on the screen 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 461
Index of Error Message
The symptom-to-FRU index lists the symptoms and errors 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.
If the symptom is not listed, see “Undetermined Problems” on page 69.
The following lists the error messages that the BIOS displays on the screen and the error symptoms classified 
by function. 
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.  Others may indicate a problem with a device, such as the 
way it has been configured. 
NOTE: 
If the system fails after you make changes in the BIOS Setup Utility menus, reset the computer, enter 
Setup and install Setup defaults or correct the error
Error Messages List
Error MessagesAction in Sequence
Failure Fixed Disk Reconnect hard disk drive connector.
“Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
Hard disk drive
System board
Stuck Key “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check” . 
Keyboard error “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check”. 
Keyboard Controller Failed “Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check”. 
Keyboard locked - Unlock key switch Unlock external keyboard.
Monitor type does not match CMOS - Run Setup Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
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 RTC battery and Run BIOS Setup Utility to 
reconfigure system time, then reboot system.
System CMOS checksum bad - Default configuration 
usedRTC battery
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system time, 
then reboot system.
System timer error RTC battery
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system time, 
then reboot system.
System board
Real time clock error RTC battery
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system time, 
then reboot system.
System board
Previous boot incomplete - Default configuration used Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
RTC battery
System board
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							62Chapter 4
Memory size found by POST differed from CMOS Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
DIMM
System board
Diskette drive A error Check that the drive is defined with the proper diskette 
type in BIOS Setup Utility.
Diskette Drive Check. 
Incorrect Drive A type - run SETUP Check that the drive is defined with the proper diskette 
type in BIOS Setup Utility
Diskette Drive Check. 
System cache error - Cache disabled CPU board
System board
CPU ID CPU board
System board
DMA Test Failed DIMM
CPU board
System board
Software NMI Failed DIMM
CPU board
System board
Fail-Safe Timer NMI Failed DIMM
CPU board
System board
Device Address Conflict Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
RTC battery
System board
Allocation Error for device Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
RTC battery
System board
Failing Bits: nnnn DIMM
BIOS ROM
System board
Fixed Disk n None
Invalid System Configuration Data BIOS ROM
System board
I/O device IRQ conflict Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility.
RTC battery
System board
Operating system not found Enter Setup and see if fixed disk and drive A are 
properly identified.
Diskette drive
Hard disk drive
System board
Error Messages List
Error MessagesAction in Sequence
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							Chapter 463
No-Beep Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
No beep, power-on indicator turns off and LCD is 
blank.Power source (battery pack and power adapter). 
Power System Check. 
Ensure every connector is connected tightly and 
correctly. 
Reconnect the DIMM.
CPU board
DC-DC/charger board
System board.
No beep, power-on indicator turns on and LCD is 
blank.Power source (battery pack and power adapter).
Power System Check.  
Reconnect the LCD connectors
Hard disk drive
LCD inverter ID
LCD FPC cable
Inverter
LCD
System board
No beep, power-on indicator turns on and LCD is 
blank.  But you can see POST on an external CRT. Reconnect the LCD connectors.
LCD inverter ID
LCD FPC cable
LCD inverter
LCD
System board
No beep, power-on indicator turns on and a blinking 
cursor shown on LCD during POST.Ensure every connector is connected tightly and 
correctly.
System board
No beep during POST but system runs correctly. Speaker
Audio/Battery connection board
System board
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							64Chapter 4
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 FPC cable
LCD inverter
LCD
System board
Unreadable LCD screen 
Missing pels in characters
Abnormal screen 
Wrong color displayedReconnect the LCD connectors.
LCD inverter ID
LCD  FPC cable
LCD inverter
LCD
System board
LCD has extra horizontal or vertical lines displayed. LCD inverter ID
LCD inverter
LCD FPC cable
LCD
System board
Indicator-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
Indicator incorrectly remains off or on, but system runs 
correctly.Reconnect the LED board
LED board
System board
Power-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
Power shuts down during operation. Power source (battery pack and power adapter).  
Power System Check. 
Battery pack
Power adapter
Audio-I/O & battery connection board
System board
The system doesn’t power-on. Power source (battery pack and power adapter).  
Power System Check. 
Battery pack
Power adapter
Audio-I/O & battery connection board
System board
The system doesn’t power-off. Power source (battery pack and power adapter).  
Power System Check. 
Hold and press the power switch for more than 4 
seconds.  
System board
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