Hi people! Need help really fast, i have a laptop here, specifically a Fujitsu Siemens AMILO D8830, that has a short on the power connector on the motherboard. I have had it working a few times, but then i tried to solder it back in and it started shorting again! Any ideas? I also tried Ohm testing from - to + terminals on the board and they appear to have a circuit, because my reading was 0.06 (Which is what i get for a good connection) Could that be the problem or is it meant to be like that? And one other thing: I would rather repair than replace, because it would be pretty cool if i could. As far as i know, i have everything i need.
All measurements should be made with the battery removed.
If you read a short (near 0 ohms) between the + and - terminal of the power connector, there is a short "somewhere". In order to isolate the power connector, you would need to unsolder it from the board and then take resistance readings between the + and - terminals of the power connector off the board. You will also need to take a resistance reading between the + and - terminals where the power connector was before you removed it.
The power connector should read "open" (i.e.infinite resistance or OL on some meters). The reading on the motherboard should be very high (probably not infinite as there may be some bleed through current).
If the connector is shorted you need a new power connector. there are companies on the web that can replace the connector for about $65.00 USD. You may or may not be able to find the exact connector to do it your self.
If the motherboard shows a short you are best to send it off unless you can find a schematic or can trace he location of the source (not likely).
Hi Dailun. Many thanks for that. I just tested the motherboard and it is the problem. On the motherboard i got a reading of 0.06 Ohms - to +, which is a good connection, which is bad in this case. Now i am wondering how the heck i got it working that few times if there's a short on the board? Any ideas on that?
Also, i don't think i could send it off. I doubt it will be under warranty anymore and i have opened it myself which usually voids the warranty. I will get in contact with Fujitsu Siemens support ASAP and see what they say.
I think your best bet here would be to remove the mainboard & bring it to a local electronics repair shop...these places are getting rare, but they are still around. Don't take it to a laptop repair shop...they will just want to replace the board. Try to find a stereo repair shop, tv repair shop, or a monitor repair shop.
