Lenovo THINKPAD R50E - Owner's manual

ThinkPad Computer
Hardware Maintenance Manual
July 2005
This manual supports:
ThinkPad R50e Series (MT 1834, 1842)

Note
Before using this information and the product it
supports, be sure to read the general information
under “Notices” on page 159.
First Edition (July 2005)
©Copyright Lenovo 2005.
Portions ©Copyright International Business Machines
Corporation 2005.
All rights reserved.
U.S. GOVERNMENT USERS –RESTRICTED RIGHTS:
Our products and/or services are provided with
RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication or disclosure by
the Government is subject to the GSA ADP Schedule
contract with Lenovo Group Limited, if any, or the standard
terms of this commercial license, or if the agency is unable
to accept this Program under these terms, then we provide
this Program under the provisions set forth in Commercial
Computer Software–Restricted Rights at FAR 52.227-19,
when applicable, or under Rights in Data-General, FAR
52.227.14 (Alternate III).

Contents
About this manual ...........1
Introduction .............3
Important service information .........3
Strategy for replacing FRUs ........3
How to use error messages ........4
Diskette compatibility matrix .........4
Safety notices: multilingual translations ......4
Safety information............16
General safety ............16
Electrical safety ...........17
Safety inspection guide .........19
Handling devices that are sensitive to electrostatic
discharge ............20
Grounding requirements .........21
Laser compliance statement.........22
General descriptions ..........25
Read this first .............25
What to do first ...........25
Related service information .........27
Service Web site ...........27
Restoring the pre-installed system ......27
Passwords .............29
Power management ..........32
Checkout guide ............34
Testing the computer ..........34
Detecting system information with PC-Doctor...37
Power system checkout .........37
ThinkPad R50e Series ..........41
Product overview ............43
Specifications ............43
Status indicators ...........46
FRU tests .............48
Fn key combinations ..........50
Symptom-to-FRU index ..........52
Numeric error codes ..........52
Error messages ...........56
Beep symptoms ...........57
No-beep symptoms ..........57
LCD-related symptoms .........58
Intermittent problems ..........59
Undetermined problems .........59
FRU replacement notices .........60
Screw notices ............60
Retaining serial numbers.........61
Removing and replacing aFRU........64
1010 Battery pack...........65
1020 Hard disk drive ..........66
©Lenovo 2005. Portions ©IBM Corp. 2005. iii

1030 DIMM (optional) .........68
1040 Keyboard ...........69
1050 Ultrabay device ..........73
1060 DIMM (standard) .........74
1070 Modem daughter card (MDC-2) .....75
1080 Keyboard bezel ..........77
1090 Mini PCI adapter (only for wireless models) 81
1100 Fan assembly ..........84
1110 CPU .............85
1120 Backup battery ..........86
1130 Speaker assembly .........87
1140 PC Card slot assembly .......89
1150 Ultrabay Enhanced shield kit ......93
1160 LCD assembly.......... 100
1170 VGA and Ultrabay Enhanced device eject
button cable ........... 104
1180 System board, interposer card, and base
cover ............. 107
2010 LCD front bezel .........112
2020 Inverter card ..........114
2030 LCD panel, LCD cable assembly, wireless
LAN antenna assembly, hinges, and LCD cover .115
Locations .............. 125
Front view ............ 125
Rear view ............. 126
Bottom view ............ 127
Parts list .............. 128
Overall ............. 128
AC adapters ............ 141
LCD FRUs ............ 142
Keyboard ............. 148
Recovery CDs ........... 150
Miscellaneous parts .......... 153
Optional FRUs ........... 156
Common parts list .......... 157
Notices .............. 159
Trademarks ............. 161
iv R50e (MT1834, 1842)

About this manual
This manual contains service and reference information for
ThinkPad
® R50e series (MT1834, 1842) products. Use this
manual along with the advanced diagnostic tests to
troubleshoot problems.
The manual is divided into sections as follows:
vThe common sections provide general information,
guidelines, and safety information required in servicing
computers.
vThe product-specific section includes service, reference,
and product-specific parts information.
Important
This manual is intended for trained service
personnel who are familiar with ThinkPad products.
Use this manual along with the advanced diagnostic
tests to troubleshoot problems effectively.
Before servicing aThinkPad product, be sure to
review the safety information under “Safety notices:
multilingual translations” on page 4, “Safety
information” on page 16, and “Laser compliance
statement” on page 22.
©Lenovo 2005. Portions ©IBM Corp. 2005. 1

2R50e (MT1834, 1842)

Introduction
Important service information
Important
BIOS and device driver fixes are
customer-installable. The BIOS and device drivers
are posted on the customer support site
http://www.lenovo.com/think/ support
Advise customers to contact the Customer Support
Center at 800-426-7378 if they need assistance in
obtaining or installing any diskette fixes.
Customers in Canada should call the Customer
Support Center at 800-565-3344 for assistance or
download information.
Strategy for replacing FRUs
Before replacing parts
Make sure that all diskette fixes are installed before
replacing any FRUs listed in this manual.
Use the following strategy to prevent unnecessary expense
for replacing and servicing FRUs:
vIf you are instructed to replace aFRU but the
replacement does not correct the problem, reinstall
the original FRU before you continue.
vSome computers have both aprocessor board and a
system board. If you are instructed to replace either the
processor board or the system board, and replacing one
of them does not correct the problem, reinstall that
board, and then replace the other one.
vIf an adapter or adevice consists of more than one
FRU, any of the FRUs may be the cause of the error.
Before replacing the adapter or device, remove the
FRUs, one by one, to see if the symptoms change.
Replace only the FRU that changed the symptoms.
Attention: The setup configuration on the computer you
are servicing may have been customized. Running
Automatic Configuration may alter the settings. Note the
current configuration settings (using the View Configuration
option); then, when service has been completed, verify that
those settings remain in effect.
©Lenovo 2005. Portions ©IBM Corp. 2005. 3

Strategy for replacing ahard disk drive
Always try to run alow-level format before replacing ahard
disk drive.
Attention: The drive startup sequence in the computer
you are servicing may have been changed. Be extremely
careful during write operations such as copying, saving, or
formatting. If you select an incorrect drive, data or
programs can be overwritten.
How to use error messages
Use the error codes displayed on the screen to diagnose
failures. If more than one error code is displayed, begin the
diagnosis with the first error code. Whatever causes the
first error code may also cause false error codes. If no
error code is displayed, see whether the error symptom is
listed in the Symptom-to-FRU Index for the computer you
are servicing.
Diskette compatibility matrix
The compatibility of each of the drives with the diskettes
for it is as follows:
Diskette
drive
Diskette
capacity
Compatibility
3.5-inch 1.0 MB Read and write
2.0 MB Read and write
4.0 MB Not compatible
Safety notices: multilingual translations
In this manual, safety notices appear in English with a
page number reference to the appropriate multilingual,
translated safety notice found in this section.
The following safety notices are provided in English,
French, German, Hebrew, Italian, and Spanish.
Important service information
4R50e (MT1834, 1842)

Safety notice 1
Before the computer is powered on after FRU
replacement, make sure all screws, springs, and other
small parts are in place and are not left loose inside
the computer. Verify this by shaking the computer and
listening for rattling sounds. Metallic parts or metal
flakes can cause electrical shorts.
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 éstata
effettuata la sostituzione di una FRU, accertarsi che
tutte le viti, le molle etutte le altri parti di piccole
dimensioni siano nella corretta posizione enon siano
sparse all’interno dell’elaboratore. Verificare ciò
scuotendo l’elaboratore eprestando attenzione ad
eventuali rumori; eventuali parti opezzetti 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 yno
se encuentran sueltas dentro del sistema.
Compruébelo agitando el sistema yescuchando los
posibles ruidos que provocarían. Las piezas metálicas
pueden causar cortocircuitos eléctricos.
Safety notices
Introduction 5

Safety notice 2
DANGER
Some standby batteries contain asmall amount of
nickel and cadmium. Do not disassemble astandby
battery, recharge it, throw it into fire or water, or
short-circuit it. Dispose of the battery as required
by local ordinances or regulations. Use only the
battery in the appropriate parts listing. Use of an
incorrect battery can result in ignition or explosion
of the battery.
Certaines batteries de secours contiennent du
nickel et du cadmium. Ne les démontez pas, ne les
rechargez pas, ne les exposez ni au feu ni àl’eau.
Ne les mettez pas en court-circuit. Pour les mettre
au rebut, conformez-vous àla réglementation en
vigueur. Lorsque vous remplacez la pile de
sauvegarde ou celle de l’horloge temps réel, veillez
àn’utiliser que les modèles cités dans la liste de
pièces détachées adéquate. Une batterie ou une
pile inappropriée risque de prendre feu ou
d’exploser.
Die Bereitschaftsbatterie, die sich unter dem
Diskettenlaufwerk befindet, kann geringe Mengen
Nickel und Cadmium enthalten. Sie darf nur durch
die Verkaufsstelle oder den IBM Kundendienst
ausgetauscht werden. Sie darf nicht zerlegt,
wiederaufgeladen, kurzgeschlossen, oder Feuer
oder Wasser ausgesetzt werden. Die Batterie kann
schwere Verbrennungen oder Verätzungen
verursachen. Bei der Entsorgung die örtlichen
Bestimmungen für Sondermüll beachten. Beim
Ersetzen der Bereitschafts-oder Systembatterie nur
Batterien des Typs verwenden, der in der
Ersatzteilliste aufgeführt ist. Der Einsatz falscher
Batterien kann zu Entzündung oder Explosion
führen.
(continued)
Safety notices
6R50e (MT1834, 1842)

(continuation of safety notice 2)
Alcune batterie di riserva contengono una piccola
quantità di nichel ecadmio. Non smontarle,
ricaricarle, gettarle nel fuoco onell’acqua né
cortocircuitarle. Smaltirle secondo la normativa in
vigore (DPR 915/82, successive disposizioni e
disposizioni locali). Quando si sostituisce la
batteria dell’RTC (real time clock) ola batteria di
supporto, utilizzare soltanto itipi inseriti
nell’appropriato Catalogo parti. L’impiego di una
batteria non adatta potrebbe determinare l’incendio
ol’esplosione della batteria stessa.
Algunas baterías de reserva contienen una
pequeña cantidad de níquel ycadmio. No las
desmonte, ni recargue, ni las eche al fuego oal
agua ni las cortocircuite. Deséchelas tal como
dispone la normativa local. Utilice sólo baterías que
se encuentren en la lista de piezas. La utilización
de una batería no apropiada puede provocar la
ignición oexplosión de la misma.
Safety notices
Introduction 7

Safety notice 3
DANGER
The battery pack contains small amounts of nickel.
Do not disassemble it, throw it into fire or water, or
short-circuit it. Dispose of the battery pack as
required by local ordinances or regulations. Use
only the battery in the appropriate parts listing
when replacing the battery pack. Use of an
incorrect battery can result in ignition or explosion
of the battery.
La batterie contient du nickel. Ne la démontez pas,
ne l’exposez ni au feu ni àl’eau. Ne la mettez pas
en court-circuit. Pour la mettre au rebut,
conformez-vous àla réglementation en vigueur.
Lorsque vous remplacez la batterie, veillez à
n’utiliser que les modèles cités dans la liste de
pièces détachées adéquate. En effet, une batterie
inappropriée risque de prendre feu ou d’exploser.
Akkus enthalten geringe Mengen von Nickel. Sie
dürfen nicht zerlegt, wiederaufgeladen,
kurzgeschlossen, oder Feuer oder Wasser
ausgesetzt werden. Bei der Entsorgung die
örtlichen Bestimmungen für Sondermüll beachten.
Beim Ersetzen der Batterie nur Batterien des Typs
verwenden, der in der Ersatzteilliste aufgeführt ist.
Der Einsatz falscher Batterien kann zu Entzündung
oder Explosion führen.
(continued)
Safety notices
8R50e (MT1834, 1842)

(continuation of safety notice 3)
La batteria contiene piccole quantità di nichel. Non
smontarla, gettarla nel fuoco onell’acqua né
cortocircuitarla. Smaltirla secondo la normativa in
vigore (DPR 915/82, successive disposizioni e
disposizioni locali). Quando si sostituisce la
batteria, utilizzare soltanto itipi inseriti
nell’appropriato Catalogo parti. L’impiego di una
batteria non adatta potrebbe determinare l’incendio
ol’esplosione della batteria stessa.
Las baterías contienen pequeñas cantidades de
níquel. No las desmonte, ni recargue, ni las eche al
fuego oal agua ni las cortocircuite. Deséchelas tal
como dispone la normativa local. Utilice sólo
baterías que se encuentren en la lista de piezas al
sustituir la batería. La utilización de una batería no
apropiada puede provocar la ignición oexplosión
de la misma.
Safety notices
Introduction 9

Safety notice 4
DANGER
The lithium battery can cause afire, an explosion,
or asevere burn. Do not recharge it, remove its
polarized connector, disassemble it, heat it above
100°C (212°F), incinerate it, or expose its cell
contents to water. Dispose of the battery as
required by local ordinances or regulations. Use
only the battery in the appropriate parts listing. Use
of an incorrect battery can result in ignition or
explosion of the battery.
La pile de sauvegarde contient du lithium. Elle
présente des risques d’incendie, d’explosion ou de
brûlures graves. Ne la rechargez pas, ne retirez pas
son connecteur polarisé et ne la démontez pas. Ne
l’exposez pas àune temperature supérieure à
100°C, ne la faites pas brûler et n’en exposez pas
le contenu àl’eau. Mettez la pile au rebut
conformément àla réglementation en vigueur. Une
pile inappropriée risque de prendre feu ou
d’exploser.
Die Systembatterie ist eine Lithiumbatterie. Sie
kann sich entzünden, explodieren oder schwere
Verbrennungen hervorrufen. Batterien dieses Typs
dürfen nicht aufgeladen, zerlegt, über 100 Cerhitzt
oder verbrannt werden. Auch darf ihr Inhalt nicht
mit Wasser in Verbindung gebracht oder der zur
richtigen Polung angebrachte Verbindungsstecker
entfernt werden. Bei der Entsorgung die örtlichen
Bestimmungen für Sondermüll beachten. Beim
Ersetzen der Batterie nur Batterien des Typs
verwenden, der in der Ersatzteilliste aufgeführt ist.
Der Einsatz falscher Batterien kann zu Entzündung
oder Explosion führen.
(continued)
Safety notices
10 R50e (MT1834, 1842)

(continuation of safety notice 4)
La batteria di supporto euna batteria al litio epuo
incendiarsi, esplodere oprocurare gravi ustioni.
Evitare di ricaricarla, smontarne il connettore
polarizzato, smontarla, riscaldarla ad una
temperatura superiore ai 100 gradi centigradi,
incendiarla ogettarla in acqua. Smaltirla secondo
la normativa in vigore (DPR 915/82, successive
disposizioni edisposizioni locali). L’impiego di una
batteria non adatta potrebbe determinare l’incendio
ol’esplosione della batteria stessa.
La batería de repuesto es una batería de litio y
puede provocar incendios, explosiones o
quemaduras graves. No la recargue, ni quite el
conector polarizado, ni la desmonte, ni caliente por
encima de los 100°C (212°F), ni la incinere ni
exponga el contenido de sus celdas al agua.
Deséchela tal como dispone la normativa local.
Safety notices
Introduction 11

Safety notice 5
If the LCD breaks and the fluid from inside the LCD
gets into your eyes or on your hands, immediately
wash the affected areas with water for at least 15
minutes. Seek medical care if any symptoms from the
fluid are present after washing.
Si le panneau d’affichage àcristaux liquides se brise et
que vous recevez dans les yeux ou sur les mains une
partie du fluide, rincez-les abondamment pendant au
moins quinze minutes. Consultez un médecin si des
symptômes persistent après le lavage.
Die Leuchtstoffröhre im LCD-Bildschirm enthält
Quecksilber. Bei der Entsorgung die örtlichen
Bestimmungen für Sondermüll beachten. Der
LCD-Bildschirm besteht aus Glas und kann zerbrechen,
wenn er unsachgemäß behandelt wird oder der
Computer auf den Boden fällt. Wenn der Bildschirm
beschädigt ist und die darin befindliche Flüssigkeit in
Kontakt mit Haut und Augen gerät, sollten die
betroffenen Stellen mindestens 15 Minuten mit Wasser
abgespült und bei Beschwerden anschließend ein Arzt
aufgesucht werden.
Nel caso che caso l’LCD si dovesse rompere ed il
liquido in esso contenuto entrasse in contatto con gli
occhi ole mani, lavare immediatamente le parti
interessate con acqua corrente per almeno 15 minuti;
poi consultare un medico se isintomi dovessero
permanere.
Si la LCD se rompe yel fluido de su interior entra en
contacto con sus ojos osus manos, lave
inmediatamente las áreas afectadas con agua durante
15 minutos como mínimo. Obtenga atención medica si
se presenta algún síntoma del fluido despues de
lavarse.
Safety notices
12 R50e (MT1834, 1842)

Safety notice 6
DANGER
To avoid shock, do not remove the plastic cover
that protects the lower part of the inverter card.
Afin d’éviter tout risque de choc électrique, ne
retirez pas le cache en plastique protégeant la
partie inférieure de la carte d’alimentation.
Aus Sicherheitsgründen die Kunststoffabdeckung,
die den unteren Teil der Spannungswandlerplatine
umgibt, nicht entfernen.
Per evitare scosse elettriche, non rimuovere la
copertura in plastica che avvolge la parte inferiore
della scheda invertitore.
Para evitar descargas, no quite la cubierta de
plástico que rodea la parte baja de la tarjeta
invertida.
Safety notices
Introduction 13

Safety notice 7
DANGER
Though the main batteries have low voltage, a
shorted or grounded battery can produce enough
current to burn personnel or combustible materials.
Bien que le voltage des batteries principales soit
peu élevé, le court-circuit ou la mise àla masse
d’une batterie peut produire suffisamment de
courant pour brûler des matériaux combustibles ou
causer des brûlures corporelles graves.
Obwohl Hauptbatterien eine niedrige Spannung
haben, können sie doch bei Kurzschluß oder
Erdung genug Strom abgeben, um brennbare
Materialien zu entzünden oder Verletzungen bei
Personen hervorzurufen.
Sebbene le batterie di alimentazione siano abasso
voltaggio, una batteria in corto circuito oamassa
può fornire corrente sufficiente da bruciare
materiali combustibili oprovocare ustioni ai tecnici
di manutenzione.
Aunque las baterías principales tienen un voltaje
bajo, una batería cortocircuitada ocon contacto a
tierra puede producir la corriente suficiente como
para quemar material combustible oprovocar
quemaduras en el personal.
Safety notices
14 R50e (MT1834, 1842)

Safety notice 8
DANGER
Before removing any FRU, power off the computer,
unplug all power cords from electrical outlets,
remove the battery pack, and then disconnect any
interconnecting cables.
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 icavi
di alimentazione, rimuovere la batteria epoi
scollegare icavi 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.
Safety notices
Introduction 15

Safety information
The following section presents safety information with
which you need to be familiar before you service a
ThinkPad computer.
General safety
Follow these rules to ensure general safety:
vObserve good housekeeping in the area of the
machines during and after maintenance.
vWhen lifting any heavy object:
1. Make sure that you can stand safely without
slipping.
2. Distribute the weight of the object equally between
your feet.
3. Use aslow lifting force. Never move suddenly or
twist when you attempt to lift.
4. Lift by standing or by pushing up with your leg
muscles; this action removes the strain from the
muscles in your back. Do not attempt to lift any
object that weighs more than 16 kg (35 lb) or that
you think is too heavy for you.
vDo not perform any action that causes hazards to the
customer, or that makes the equipment unsafe.
vBefore you start the machine, make sure that other
service representatives and the customer’s personnel
are not in ahazardous position.
vPlace removed covers and other parts in asafe place,
away from all personnel, while you are servicing the
machine.
vKeep your toolcase away from walk areas so that other
people will not trip over it.
vDo not wear loose clothing that can be trapped in the
moving parts of amachine. Make sure that your sleeves
are fastened or rolled up above your elbows. If your hair
is long, fasten it.
vInsert the ends of your necktie or scarf inside clothing or
fasten it with anonconductive clip, about 8centimeters
(3 inches) from the end.
vDo not wear jewelry, chains, metal-frame eyeglasses, or
metal fasteners for your clothing.
Attention: Metal objects are good electrical
conductors.
vWear safety glasses when you are hammering, drilling,
soldering, cutting wire, attaching springs, using solvents,
or working in any other conditions that might be
hazardous to your eyes.
Safety information
16 R50e (MT1834, 1842)