Sony VAIO PCG-V505 Series Installation guide

VAIO Notebook
PCG-V505 Series
Troubleshooting and Disassembly
Course: PC-03A
Training Manual

Table of Contents
PC-03A - Introduction ................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1 - PCG-V505 Series Troubleshooting ......................................................................2
Overview ...........................................................................................................................2
Warranty Policies and Procedures ...................................................................................2
Startup Problems ..............................................................................................................3
No Power .........................................................................................................................................3
Failure to Complete POST Sequence .............................................................................................5
Operating System Malfunctions ........................................................................................7
Operating System Will Not Load: ....................................................................................................7
System Recovery ............................................................................................................................8
Display Problems ..............................................................................................................9
No Video ..........................................................................................................................................9
Video Distortion .............................................................................................................................10
Additional Troubleshooting Information ..........................................................................10
Chapter 2 - PCG-V505 Series Disassembly ..........................................................................11
Preparation .....................................................................................................................11
Keeping Track of the Screws ......................................................................................................... 11
The Workbench Area ..................................................................................................................... 11
ESD Protection .............................................................................................................................. 11
Bottom Cover and Palm Rest Disassembly ....................................................................11
Bottom Cover ................................................................................................................................. 11
Hard Drive .....................................................................................................................................12
Keyboard .......................................................................................................................................14
Front Screw Cover and Retaining Screw ......................................................................................15
Palm-Rest Removal .......................................................................................................................15
Peripheral Hardware Removal .......................................................................................17
Optical Disc Drive ..........................................................................................................................17
Wireless LAN .................................................................................................................................18
LCD Panel .....................................................................................................................................20
PC Card Slot and Shield ................................................................................................................22
Motherboard Removal ....................................................................................................22
Removal From Chassis .................................................................................................................22
Modem ...........................................................................................................................................24
CPU Heat Sink ..............................................................................................................................24
CPU Removal ................................................................................................................................25
Power Supply Heat Sink and Backup Battery ...............................................................................26
VIF-33 and CX192 Boards ............................................................................................................26
Cooling Fan ...................................................................................................................................27
MBX and CPU Brackets ................................................................................................................28

1
PC-03A - Introduction
This course is designed to aid the technician in servicing the Sony PCGV505 series notebook computers.
Although there are several versions of this model, including those built for different countries, the troubleshooting
and disassembly procedures remain relatively the same. The product used for reference is a PCG-V505DX.
This manual will be divided into two sections. The first chapter will discuss troubleshooting procedures for
analyzing potential failures. The first step in deciding what is causing a failure is to determine if the problem is
caused by hardware or software. Knowing where to obtain information about the product is also a key to proper
diagnostics and repair.
Topics that will be discussed are:
• Troubleshooting “No Power” conditions
• Locating the cause of a Power On Self Test (POST) failure
• Operating System failures
• Proper identification of major components such as motherboards and drives
• How to order the correct motherboard
• On-line resources for technical assistance
• System recovery procedures, including Configured To Order (CTO) models
• BIOS and software upgrades
The second chapter will cover the proper disassembly and reassembly of each component all the way to a
complete teardown. Proper inventory of the screws removed during disassembly is crucial to prevent poorly
mounted components and/or damage. Detailed photos and descriptions will aid the technician in returning a
properly reassembled unit to the customer.

2
Chapter 1 - PCG-V505 Series Troubleshooting
Overview
Troubleshooting computers is a unique experience compared to other electronic devices due to their high
dependence on software to operate. Missing or corrupted software files can sometimes generate what appears
to be a hardware issue. Fortunately, the operating systems on computers have extensive diagnostic capabilities
to assist in isolating a hardware or software failure.
The self-help programs embedded within the software, along with the availability of knowledge bases located
on the Internet, allows many customers to apply patches and/or manually correct these problems. The use of
system recovery discs supplied with the computer is also a convenient tool for the customer to restore or repair
corrupted files. Units will still come in for repair with these problems and it is up to the technician to determine
if the failure is software related. It is a wise practice to have customers bring their computer in with all of the
supplied accessories (especially any recovery discs).
This chapter will cover the different types of failures experienced with computers based on symptoms at initial
startup or during operation. Although most common failure symptoms will be covered, there is always that obscure
symptom which unexpectedly shows up. These are usually software related. In cases where hardware is the
cause, it is wise to visit the Sony ESI website to view the knowledge base. The address is:
http://service.sel.sony.com/ and you will need a user ID and password to access the site. If you work for a service
company, ask for the ID and password.
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport can also be accessed for the latest information regarding software and device
drivers for each model. This site can scan the computer and prompt for any upgrades. It is also accessible to the
customer without the need for a user ID or password.
Warranty Policies and Procedures
Submitting warranty claim forms for Sony VAIO computers differs slightly than other products. Normally, only
the product model and serial number is required to be entered on the claim form in the serial number field. VAIO
claims must include the 8-digit product code and 7-digit serial number. The model number must also be the
correct one. The model number on the bottom of the unit is not the correct one for the claim form. You must use
the number that can only be seen by raising the LCD panel and exposing the keyboard. It is located on the right
side, on the LCD panel or the hinge cover. Figure 1-1 illustrates the locations of these numbers. Visit the Sony
ESI site mentioned above for the latest information regarding warranty policies and procedures.
NOTE: Some electronic warranty programs do not allow more than 14 digits to be entered in the serial number
field. If this is the case, the fist digit of the product code may be omitted.

3
1. PCG-V505 Series Troubleshooting
8 DIGIT
PRODUCT
CODE
7 DIGIT
SERIAL
NUMBER
NOT CORRECT
MODEL
NUMBER
CORRECT MODEL NUMBER VIEWED
WHEN LCD PANEL OPEN
FIGURE 1-1 - DATA REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY CLAIM
Startup Problems
Failure of the computer to boot up to full operating condition can be caused by hardware, firmware, or software
failures. In most situations, the cause is apparent. Sometimes it may be obscure. Startup problems can be
classified into the following groups:
• No Power
• Power On Self-Test (POST)
• Operating System Software
No Power
Since the regulation circuits required for notebook computers to operate are located on the AC adapter and the
motherboard, isolating the cause of a unit that will not power up is relatively simple. If the unit will power up with a
known good battery, this helps to determine if the AC adapter may be at fault. If the AC adapter outputs a voltage
that is excessively higher or lower than the specified voltage, a protection circuit located on the motherboard will
engage and prevent the onboard regulator circuits from applying power to the circuits. It is, therefore, important to
verify proper voltage levels generated by the AC adapter. The following voltages were recorded from a properly
operating AC adapter supplied with a PCG-V505DX.
• Unloaded: 15.78VDC.
• Connected to unit, power off, with fully charged battery: 15.73VDC.
• Connected to unit, power off, with battery charging: 15.58VDC.
• Connected to unit, power on: 15.25 to 15.45VDC (Varies by CPU and hard drive activity).
NOTE: The loaded voltage of the AC adapter can be checked by removing the keyboard. A white connector
located near the top left, having a black and red wire, provides power to the motherboard from the AC adapter.
If the AC adapter voltage is lower than 15 or greater than 16 volts, the UL Protect circuit on the motherboard
will latch and prevent the unit from powering up. This generates a symptom of a dead power supply on the