ThinkPad 500

Compiled from a hardware survey and IBM's product records. A dash means no source records the value.

IBM's table pairs a symbol for each indicator with its meaning. The symbols are drawn on PDF page 252 of the Hardware Maintenance Manual, Volume 1; in the manual's order, the indicators show:

• Battery almost discharged
• Battery is charging (this indicator is on whenever the AC adapter is connected to the computer)
• Computer is powered-on
• Computer is in suspend mode
• Hard disk drive is active
• Diskette drive is active
• Keyboard is in Num Lock mode
• Keyboard is in Caps Lock mode
• Keyboard is in Scroll Lock mode

Start here. The procedures on this page are transcribed from the ThinkPad 500 (2603) chapter of IBM's Hardware Maintenance Manual, Volume 1 (PDF pages 243–268), with the common device checkouts from the same volume.

1. Power-off the computer and all external devices.
2. Check all cables and power cords for correct connection.
3. Insert the Advanced Diagnostics diskette into the diskette drive.
4. Power-on all external devices.
5. Power-on the computer and check for one short beep at the end of POST with a clear and readable diagnostics menu displayed. If you did not get the correct responses, go to Symptom-to-FRU Index.
6. Run the advanced diagnostics tests. For information on how to disable the password, see Power-On Password.
7. Find your symptom below, then go to the appropriate page. Otherwise, see Symptom-to-FRU Index, then go to Undetermined Problems.

Note: For information about how to run diagnostics, error messages, passwords, and various other tests and service checks, go to Related Service Procedures.

If an adapter or device is missing from the Installed Devices list and you are able to add it to the list, do so and continue with the diagnostic tests.

If an adapter or device is missing from the installed devices list and you cannot add it to the list, you might have one of the following conditions:

• The diagnostic code for the missing device is not on your Advanced Diagnostics diskette.
• The missing device is a 5.25-Inch External Diskette Drive Adapter, or another unrecognizable adapter.
• The missing device is defective.
• The bus adapter is defective.
• The adapter or device is not an IBM product.

If the number of drives installed in the computer differs from the number shown in the installed devices list, an error can occur during the diagnostic tests. Restart the computer and correct the drive information in the Set Configuration menu before running the diagnostic tests.

The green LED on the PC test card lights when the PCMCIA test is running. If the LED does not go on, check that the card is installed correctly by reseating the card. If it still does not light after reseating, try using another slot for the test. If the LED still does not go on and the test fails, replace the FRU shown in the diagnostic error code.

• If the TrackPoint II does not work, check the configuration. If the configuration of the TrackPoint II is set to Disabled or Off, change it to Enable or On.

  If the problem remains, continue.

  Note: TrackPoint II automatically compensates to adjust the pointer sensor. This causes the pointer to move slightly on the screen and then stop. Pointer movement might occur when a slight, steady pressure is applied to the TrackPoint II pointer when the computer is powered-on or running, or when exceeded temperature range requires re-adjustment.

• If the cursor floats or moves erratically, power-off and disconnect the mouse. Power-on the computer. If the problem goes away, replace the mouse. If the problem remains, replace the keyboard.

• For click button or pointing stick problems:

  1. Go to the Easy-Setup screen.
  2. Select an item with the pointing stick.
  3. Press either left or right click button.
  4. Verify that both buttons work correctly.

  If the pointing stick or the click button does not work, do the following.

  1. Reseat the keyboard cables.
  2. Replace the keyboard.
  3. Replace the interposer card (355x, 360x, 750x, 755x).
  4. Replace keyboard control card (720).
  5. Replace the system board.

The following auxiliary input devices may be available for IBM ThinkPad models.

• Numeric keypad
• Mouse (PS/2 compatible)
• External keyboard (with Keyboard/Miniature Mouse cable)

• If you suspect a problem with any of the auxiliary input devices (listed above), replace the device. If the problem is not corrected, replace the following FRUs one at a time to correct the problem.

  • Keyboard control card
  • System board

• If the computer receives an incorrect keyboard response, remove other external devices, check the keyboard connections, and recheck the keyboard responses. If the problem remains, replace the following FRUs one at a time to correct the problem.

  • Keyboard
  • Keyboard control card
  • System board
• If a 00030100 error message appears, power-off the computer and the external devices. Then power-on the computer before you power-on the external devices.

1. Make sure the printer is correctly connected and is powered-on.
2. Run the printer self-test.

If the printer self-test does not run correctly, the problem is in the printer. Refer to the printer service manual.

If the printer self-test runs correctly, do the following.

1. Verify the port settings in configuration.
2. Install a wrap plug on the port (indicated in configuration) and run the advanced diagnostic tests.
3. If the advanced diagnostic tests (with the wrap plug installed) do not detect a failure, replace the printer cable. If the problem is not corrected, replace the system board.

To check the system power, do the following.

1. Power-off the computer.
2. Remove the battery from the computer.

3. Check the battery voltage. The voltage should be 10.8 V dc.

   If the voltages are not correct, try recharging the battery pack.

   If the voltages are correct, continue with the next step to test the AC adapter voltage.

4. Unplug the AC adapter from the computer.

5. Measure the voltage at the points shown.

   

   V dc	+ Lead	− Lead
   +16.3	2	1

   If the voltage is not correct, replace the AC adapter.

   If the voltage is correct, go to Undetermined Problems.

Press Func+F3 to select Power Management setup (any time after the computer is powered-on).

Each time you power-on the computer, the POST is initiated. The POST takes up to 15 seconds to complete, depending on the options installed.

The POST checks the following: system board, memory, display, keyboard, diskette drive, hard disk drive, parallel port, and serial port.

To start the POST, power-on the computer.

1. You will hear one short beep when the POST successfully ends.

   If the POST cannot be completed successfully, an error message appears on the display accompanied by the Configuration Utility box requesting the user to press the Esc or Enter key. If the Esc key is pressed, the computer bypasses the error and attempts to complete the POST. If the Enter key is pressed, the Configuration Utility is shown. The user can then try to correct the error. If a critical error is encountered, the POST is halted.

2. The computer attempts to load the operating system as customized.

The Advanced Diagnostics diskette contains diagnostic and utility programs. The diskette is intended to test only IBM products. Non-IBM products, prototype cards, or modified options can give false errors and invalid computer responses.

To load the diagnostics diskette, insert the Advanced Diagnostics diskette into the diskette drive and power-on the computer.

Accessing the Diagnostic Tests

To access diagnostic tests from the SELECT AN OPTION Menu, do the following.

1. Select 0 (SYSTEM CHECKOUT), then press Enter.
2. At the Installed Devices menu, press (Y), then press Enter.
3. The SYSTEM CHECKOUT menu is then displayed.
4. Select 0 or 1 from the SYSTEM CHECKOUT menu.
5. Select the device to be tested.

Hard disk drives normally contain tracks in excess of their stated capacity to allow for defective tracks. The user is notified by a diagnostic message when the defect limit has been reached and service is recommended.

The Advanced Diagnostics Format program is different from the operating system format program. Before the customer can transfer information from the backup diskettes to the hard disk drive, the hard disk drive must be formatted using the operating system format program. Have the customer refer to the operating system manual for a description of the hard disk preparation commands.

Warning: All data on the selected hard disk drive will be destroyed during a format operation or surface analysis.

After formatting the hard disk drive, copy the System files from the Diagnostics diskette to the hard disk drive.

Restoring the TP500 Subdirectory

The TP500 subdirectory on the Diagnostics diskette and hard disk drive contains the following:

• Installation utilities
• Introductory program
• Other utilities
• OS/2 PCMCIA drivers

If the hard disk drive is reformatted or the files in the TP500 subdirectory on the hard disk drive are corrupted, copy the TP500 subdirectory on the Diagnostics diskette to the hard disk drive. To create a TP500 subdirectory on the hard disk drive and copy the files, do the following:

1. Power-on the computer.
2. At the DOS prompt, type md c:\TP500 then press Enter. A TP500 subdirectory is created on the hard disk drive.
3. Insert the Diagnostics diskette into the diskette drive.
4. Type copy a:\TP500\*.* c:\TP500\*.* then press Enter. The files are copied from the TP500 subdirectory on the Diagnostics diskette to the TP500 subdirectory on the C drive.

If the display problem occurs only when using an external display, use the following instructions to correct the problem.

If the screen is rolling, replace the display assembly. If that does not correct the problem, replace FRUs in the following order until the problem goes away:

1. Video card
2. Display adapter (any type)
3. System board
4. Bus adapter (if used)

If the screen is not rolling, run the display self-test as follows:

1. Power-off the computer and display.
2. Disconnect the display signal cable.
3. Power-on the display.
4. Set the contrast to its maximum position.
5. Set the brightness control to the center detent position.

Check for the following conditions:

• You should be able to vary the screen intensity by adjusting the contrast and brightness controls.

• The screen should be white or light gray, with a black margin (test margin) on the screen.

  Note: The location of the test margin varies with the type of display. The test margin might be on the top, bottom, or one or both sides.

If you do not see a test margin on the screen, replace the display. If there is a test margin on the screen, replace the system board.

On this page IBM's index continues in separate sections: Numeric Error Codes, Beep Symptoms, Miscellaneous Symptoms and Undetermined Problems.

The Symptom-to-FRU Index lists symptoms, errors, and the possible causes. The most likely cause is listed first. Use this index to help you decide which FRUs to have available when servicing the computer.

In the following error codes, X can be any number.

Note: For IBM devices not supported by the ThinkPad diagnostic code, refer to the manual for that device.

If you have not already done so, go to Power Systems Checkout and check the AC adapter and battery voltages.

If the AC adapter and battery voltages are correct and the problem remains, do the following.

1. Power-off the computer.
2. Remove or disconnect one of the following devices:
   • Any external devices or cables
   • Any PCMCIA device
3. Power-on the computer.
4. If the symptom remains, repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 until you find the failing adapter or device.
5. If this does not solve the problem, replace the system board.

Use the following steps to create an error log, run the diagnostic tests, and automatically record any error messages in an error log. This procedure is normally used to diagnose an intermittent problem.

Note: The errors must be logged to a diskette drive or to a printer. If recording errors on a diskette, use a copy of the Advanced Diagnostics diskette that is not write-protected. Do not run any diskette tests when logging to a diskette drive. Do not run a parallel port test when logging to a printer.

Creating the Error Log

1. Insert the Advanced Diagnostics diskette into the diskette drive.
2. Press 0 (SYSTEM CHECKOUT), then Enter.
3. Depending on the options installed in the computer, questions about attached devices may appear on the display. Answer as required; then press Enter.
4. Press Y or N (IS THE LIST CORRECT (Y/N)?), then Enter.
5. Press 2 (LOG UTILITIES), then Enter.
6. Press 0 (START ERROR LOG), then Enter.
7. Press 0 or 1 (LOG TO DISKETTE, OR PRINTER (0/1)?), then Enter.
8. If you are logging to diskette, press A (ENTER THE DRIVE ID FOR ERROR LOG?), then Enter.
9. Press 9 (END LOG UTILITIES), then Enter.

Starting the Test

1. Press 1 (RUN TESTS MULTIPLE TIMES), then Enter.
2. Select the device you suspect has a failure, then press Enter.
3. Select the number of times the test is to be run; then press Enter.
4. Press N (WAIT EACH TIME AN ERROR OCCURS (Y/N)?), then Enter.

5. Follow any instructions on the display and select all available tests.

   Note: Do not press any keys during the keyboard test.

6. To end (RUN TEST CONTINUOUSLY), press and hold the Ctrl key; then press the Pause key. The computer will complete testing and return to the Installed Devices menu.

Display the Error Log

1. Depending on the options installed in the computer, questions about attached devices will appear on the display. Answer as required; then press Enter.
2. Press Y or N (IS THE LIST CORRECT (Y/N)?), then Enter.
3. Press 2 (LOG UTILITIES), then Enter.
4. Press 2 (DISPLAY LOG), then Enter.
5. Press A (ENTER THE DRIVE ID FOR ERROR LOG?), then Enter.
6. If no errors occurred, the Log Utilities menu appears. If errors are displayed, go to Symptom-to-FRU Index.

The exploded view that this sequence follows is not reproduced on this page; it is on PDF page 262 of the Hardware Maintenance Manual, Volume 1.

Follow the numerical sequence in the FRU removal sequence list and the exploded view to remove or disconnect parts in the correct order. The letters in parentheses in the list indicate screw types. See the Screw Size Chart to match the letters to the correct screw type and size before replacing each screw.

Note: Be sure the LED cable is not in the battery compartment of over the keyboard supports.

1. Battery Pack
2. Lift Keyboard (Pry up front of keyboard with a small plastic screwdriver.)

3. Three Ribbon Cables

   Remove Keyboard

   Remove Hard Disk Drive Ribbon Cable (Use caution; the cable pins can scratch the LCD.)

4. Fourteen Bottom Cover Screws (6-G, 2-DD, 6-EE)

   • (2-G screws near mouse buttons)
   • (1-D screw in center)
   • (1-D screw near power button icon)
   • (6-EE screws around bottom cover perimeter)
5. Bottom Cover

6. Ribbon Cable

   (Open the IC DRAM cover on the bottom. From the bottom, keep pressure on the system board while removing the cable.)

   (If replacing the hard disk drive or bottom cover, remove the 4-G screws near FCC notice. Caution; copper flakes easily from the screws.)

7. Hard Disk Drive
8. Mouse Button Cable (Pull connector, not the cable.)
9. Three Cables
10. System Board (Note plastic screw inserts location.)
11. Two Threaded Spacers (In power card)
12. Power Card (Note washer placement.)

Use the chart below to match the size and shape of the screws used in the computer you are servicing.

The drawings these numbers refer to are not reproduced on this page; they are on PDF pages 263–264 of the Hardware Maintenance Manual, Volume 1.

Front View

1. Top Cover Release Latches
2. Contrast Control Buttons
3. Brightness Control Buttons
4. On/Off Button
5. PCMCIA Eject Button
6. PCMCIA Slot
7. Pointing Stick
8. Right Button (pointing stick)
9. Memory Card Access Panel
10. Left Button (pointing stick)
11. Battery
12. Status Indicator LEDs

System Board

1. Pointing Device Connector
2. Hard Disk Drive Connector
3. Keyboard Connector
4. Sense Connector
5. Wobble Connector
6. LED Connector
7. Power Card Connector
8. LCD Data Connector
9. Parallel Port Connector
10. PCMCIA Connector
11. IC DRAM Card Socket
12. External Display Connector
13. LCD Power Connector
14. Diskette Drive/Serial Port Connector

The computer has two setup options that allow you to specify how the computer operates. The System Parameters (Ctrl+Alt+F3) provides access to the power management parameters and the following system elements.

• Time
• Date
• Password
• Diskette drive
• Hard disk drive
• Cache
• Parallel port

Press the key combination for the setup program you want to start.

Press Esc to exit.

The system is configured with several utility programs. These programs provide added function that enhance the usability of the system. It is recommended that you backup these programs to prevent loss of data. Use the INTRO program shipped with the computer to backup the utilities. The utility programs are:

SIMUL

Allows you to enable/disable simultaneous display on both the LCD and external monitor.

Note: The computer will not enter Suspend/Resume while in the Simultaneous mode. You must exit Simultaneous mode before Suspend/Resume is allowed. Also, the Func + F7 function is not recognized until you exit the Simultaneous mode.

EPP2

Provides Enhanced Parallel Port Utility. This utility needs to be added to the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS if the option attached to the parallel port supports the enhanced parallel port mode.

PHDISK

Prepares the hard disk drive for the hibernation feature, including formatting and the marking of defective areas. A partition is reserved on the hard disk drive to save data before the computer enters Hibernation mode.

Warning: Running this utility causes loss of data on the hard disk drive. It is important that the customer backup all data prior to using this utility.

Important

Run the PHDISK utility if you change the operating environment, reformat the hard disk drive, or add additional memory.

PCMCIA Drivers

IBM22SS01.SYS and PCMCIA.SYS provides the ability to use PCMCIA cards in an OS/2 environment.

The exploded view that the index numbers refer to is not reproduced on this page; it is on PDF page 265 of the Hardware Maintenance Manual, Volume 1.

System Unit

Tools and Miscellaneous

Power Cords

Warning: Use the power cord certified for your country.

Avant de retirer une unité remplaçable en clientèle, mettez le système hors tension, débranchez tous les cordons d'alimentation des socles de prise de courant, retirez la batterie et déconnectez tous les cordons d'interface.

Die Stromzufuhr muß abgeschaltet, alle Stromkabel aus der Steckdose gezogen, der Akku entfernt und alle Verbindungskabel abgenommen sein, bevor eine FRU entfernt wird.

Prima di rimuovere qualsiasi FRU, spegnere il sistema, scollegare dalle prese elettriche tutti i cavi di alimentazione, rimuovere la batteria e poi scollegare i cavi di interconnessione.

Antes de quitar una FRU, apague el sistema, desenchufe todos los cables de las tomas de corriente eléctrica, quite la batería y, a continuación, desconecte cualquier cable de conexión entre dispositivos.

Avant de remettre l'ordinateur sous tension après remplacement d'une unité en clientèle, vérifiez que tous les ressorts, vis et autres pièces sont bien en place et bien fixées. Pour ce faire, secouez l'unité et assurez-vous qu'aucun bruit suspect ne se produit. Des pièces métalliques ou des copeaux de métal pourraient causer un court-circuit.

Bevor nach einem FRU-Austausch der Computer wieder angeschlossen wird, muß sichergestellt werden, daß keine Schrauben, Federn oder andere Kleinteile fehlen oder im Gehäuse vergessen wurden. Der Computer muß geschüttelt und auf Klappergeräusche geprüft werden. Metallteile oder -splitter können Kurzschlüsse erzeugen.

Prima di accendere l'elaboratore dopo che é stata effettuata la sostituzione di una FRU, accertarsi che tutte le viti, le molle e tutte le altri parti di piccole dimensioni siano nella corretta posizione e non siano sparse all'interno dell'elaboratore. Verificare ciò scuotendo l'elaboratore e prestando attenzione ad eventuali rumori; eventuali parti o pezzetti metallici possono provocare cortocircuiti pericolosi.

Antes de encender el sistema despues de sustituir una FRU, compruebe que todos los tornillos, muelles y demás piezas pequeñas se encuentran en su sitio y no se encuentran sueltas dentro del sistema. Compruébelo agitando el sistema y escuchando los posibles ruidos que provocarían. Las piezas metálicas pueden causar cortocircuitos eléctricos.