Acer Travelmate 660 Service Guide

Chapter 463
Use the following procedure as a guide for computer problems.
NOTE: The diagnostic tests are intended to test this model.  Non-Acer products, prototype cards, or modified 
options can give false errors and invalid system responses.
1.Duplicate symptom and obtain the failing symptoms in as much detail as possible.
2.Distinguish symptom. Verify the symptoms by attempting to re-create the failure by running the diagnostic 
test or by repeating the same operation.
3.Disassemble and assemble the...

64Chapter 4
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.
1.Boot from the diagnostics diskette and start the diagnostics program.
2.See if FDD Test is passed as the...

Chapter 465
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 doagmpstotics program (please refer to main board.
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...

66Chapter 4
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...

Chapter 467
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.
If the...

68Chapter 4
Index of Error Messages
Error Message List
Error MessagesFRU/Action in Sequence
Struck Key See ““Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check” on page 64
System CMOS checksum bad - Default 
configuration usedRTC battery
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system, then reboot system.
Real time clock error RTC battery
Run BIOS Setup Utility to reconfigure system time, then reboot 
system.
Main board
Previous boot incomplete - Default configuration 
used“Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup...

Chapter 469
Error Message List
No beep Error MessagesFRU/Action in Sequence
Power-on indicator turns off and LCD is blank. Power source (battery pack and power adapter.) See “Power 
System Check” on page 65
Ensure every connector is connected tightly and correctly.
Reconnect the DIMM.
Main board.
Power-on indicator turns on and LCD is blank. Power source (battery pack and power adapter.) See “Power 
System Check” on page 65
Reconnect the LCD connector
Hard disk drive
LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
Main...

70Chapter 4
Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message
LCD-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
LCD backlight doesnt work First, plug a monitor to CRT port. Next, enter BIOS utility to running 
“Load Default Settings” then reboot the system.
Reconnect the LCD connectors.
Keyboard (if the brightness function key doesnt work).
LCD cable
LCD inverter
LCD
Main board
LCD is too dark
LCD brightness cannot be adjustedEnter BIOS Utility to execute “Load Setup Default Settings”, then 
reboot system....

Chapter 471
Battery can’t be charged or discharged See “Check the Battery Pack” on page 66. 
Battery pack
Main board
System hang during POST ODD/HDD/FDD/RAM module
Main board
PCMCIA-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
System cannot detect the PC Card (PCMCIA)  PCMCIA slot assembly
Main board
PCMCIA slot pin is damaged. PCMCIA slot assembly
PC Card cannot be inserted or ejected Check if the PCMCIA slot is blocked
Main board
Memory-Related Symptoms
Symptom / ErrorAction in Sequence
Memory...

72Chapter 4
The system doesnt resume from hibernation/ 
standby mode.Connect AC adapter then check if the system resumes from 
Standby/Hibernation mode. 
Check if the battery is low.
Hard disk drive
Main board
The system doesnt resume from standby mode 
after opening the lid of the portable computer.LCD cover switch
Main board
Battery fuel gauge in Windows doesn’t go higher 
than 90%. Refresh battery (continue use battery until power off, then charge 
battery).
Battery pack
Main board
System hangs...