IBM ThinkPad A21m Thermal Problem

G'day Juan,

Go to this link

and download the hardware maintenance manual.

What I normally do is check externally for any obvious obstructions to air flow at the air intake and vents.

If you've never taken apart a laptop then I suggest being very careful with dismantling the Thinkpad, as the A21 is relatively complex to dismantle. If you do decide to dismantle it, follow the intructions meticulously. Keep record of which screws go where. Take anti-static precautions and try to avoid touching circuitry.

Once the covers are off, it is relatively easy to remove the heatsink/fan assembly. I'd clean the fan blades by at least blowing them out, and I'd make sure that there is a good contact between the heatsink and the processor - use some thermal paste.

You can approach IBM re purchasing a new fan/heatsink assembly, but unfortunately you may find that the system board needs replacing, and that is very pricey. You also run the risk of putting the Thinkpad out of action completely, so be careful.

Henry.

Thanks for the aid, but i have an update: There is no a thermal problem, but an motherboard thing: The fan behavour is a synpthom, not a cause. There is that the system falls down, and turns averything off, including the fan. Well, it looks as the motherboard have some electronic hardware failure, that when reached by the system, it cause a collapse. Looks like thermic, because when cold, it stands longer, but now i think it is some kind of broken soldering, or false contact, yhat because when it fails, and the CDrom reader repeatedly starts spinning, a sparking noise occasionally comes from some part of the M.B. Any ideas, anybody? In this moment, i'm ready to quit, and sugest replacement of the mainboard. Any help is welcome. Thanks to all.

Juan Villagra. ERdM

I think you're best bet would be to buy a motherboard on ebay. I see a bunch up there right now for $90. Andy Cuffe

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