ThinkPad 730T / 730TE

2 variants of this machine type, side by side. A cell spanning several columns is shared by those models, so the narrow cells are the differences — memory type, battery chemistry and panel are what usually change across a range.

IBM model codes — 4 models of machine type 2524

Variant	Model codes
ThinkPad 730T	2524-801, 2524-80F, 2524-901, 2524-90F

General Checkout 730TE (2524)

Use the following procedure as a guide for computer problems.

NOTE: The diagnostic tests are intended to test only IBM products. Non-IBM products, prototype cards or modified options can give false errors and invalid responses.

  If more than one error code appears, diagnose the first error code first. The cause of this first error code can cause additional false error codes to appear. Multiple error codes may appear on the LCD during POST process.

Use the following procedure to isolate the diskette problem to a controller, drive or diskette. A scratch, write enabled 2HD diskette is required.

1. Select the icon FDD on the TEST MENU .  By doing this, the controller test and the drive read/write test run. If the  controller test detects an error, FRU code 10 appears. In this case, replace the system board.
2. If the controller test run without errors, follow the instructions on the  screen and insert a scratch diskette.
3. If the drive test detects an error, FRU code 50 appears. If the diskette media  are known to be good, replace the drive or the drive cable.

1. Make sure the printer is properly connected and power is switched on.
2. Run the printer self-test, if available. If the printer self-test does not run  correctly, the problem is in the printer. Refer to the printer service manual.
3. Disconnect the printer cable.
4. Select Parallel on the Test Menu and perform the parallel test, if  the printer is attached to the parallel port. If the test detects an error, replace the system  board. If the test runs error free, replace the printer cable, and check by the program which  may recreate the error. If the problem remains, replace the system board.

If a device is installed but the icon appears in gray shade rather than dark shade on the Test Menu, it means that the device is defective. Make sure that the device is connected properly. If the symptom continues, replace the device or the system board.

Use the following procedure to analyze a short or an open circuit in the computer.

1. Visually check the cables, wires, and connectors for any short circuits, open wires, and damage. If  a short circuit or burned part are found, replace the parts.
2. Disconnect, then reconnect all the external devices from the computer  one by one and see if the same symptoms appears. If you find that an external device  has a problem, follow the maintenance procedure for that device.
3. If the same symptom remains with no external device connected, the problem is in the  computer. Isolate the failing component in the system unit by changing the FRU one by one  until you find the problem. Replace the system board first. If the symptom is that the battery becomes low on power quickly, and all the  tests run without detecting any errors, replace the battery pack first.

NOTE: Before removing a IC DRAM card, switch off computer power.

To isolate the FRUs, remove the IC DRAM card and run the memory test again. Otherwise, replace the IC DRAM card. If an error occurs without the IC DRAM card, replace the memory card first. (The memory card contains the first 4 MB or 8 MB of the memory.) If the problem remains, replace the system board.

Use the following procedure if you suspect a computer power problem, for example:

• The computer does not power-on.
• The computer attempts to power-on, then shuts down immediately.

Obtain from the user all information about the symptoms of the power failure.

Use the following procedure to analyze an AC adapter problem.

1. Unplug the AC adapter from the power outlet and the computer.
2. Inspect the AC adapter for any signs of overheating or damage.
3. Inspect the AC adapter power cord for cuts or damage. Replace the power cord, if necessary.
4. Plug the power cord into a power outlet. Listen for any sound  that might indicate defective operation.
5. Measure the output voltage at the AC adapter plug.

 

• If the voltage is incorrect, but not 0, replace the AC adapter.
• If the voltage is 0, check the power cord and the power outlet.
• If the power cord and power outlet are OK, replace the AC adapter.
• If the voltage is correct, suspect a short circuit or a  failure in the computer. Go to 'Short Circuit Test'

Use the following procedure if you suspect a car battery adapter problem.

1. Unplug the car adapter from the computer and the cigarette socket.
2. Measure the cigarette socket voltage. It should be between 10.5 Vdc  and 16.0 Vdc.
3. Plug the adapter into the car socket. Measure the output voltage of the adapter.

 

• If the voltage is incorrect, but not 0, replace the car battery adapter.
• If the voltage is 0, check the adapter connector has good contact with  cigarette socket. If there is nothing wrong with the connection, replace  the adapter.
• If the voltage is correct, and the computer works with no problems with the AC adapter,  replace the car battery adapter.
• If the voltage is correct, and the computer fails with AC adapter also,  do the 'AC Adapter Test' procedure.

1. Remove the battery pack.
2. Measure the voltage at the battery contacts

 

• If the voltage is not correct, charge the battery.
• If the voltage is not correct after being charged, replace the battery.
• If the voltage is correct, suspect a short circuit or failure  in the computer. Go to 'Short Circuit Test'

Use the following procedure to check if the thermal protection has tripped.

1. Measure the resistance with an ohmmeter between the (T) and (-) contacts.
2. The resistance should not be open.  The thermal protection is detected when the temperature exeeds 70°C to 80°C (158°F to 176°F).  Wait until the temperature of the battery becomes low, then verify the  conduction of the terminals. If it is open, replace the battery.

Symptom-to-FRU Index 730TE (2524)

The Symptom-to-FRU Index lists the symptoms and 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 a computer.

For errors indicated by the diagnostic tests, see 'FRU Codes'. If the symptom is not listed, go to 'Undetermined Problems'

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

NOTE: For IBM devices not supported by ThinkPad 730TE diagnostic code, refer to the manual for that device.

1. Power off the system.

2. Remove or disconnect one of the following devices:

   • Any external device or cables (including the keyboard)

   • Switch on computer power and run diagnostic tests.
   • If the symptom remains, repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 until you  find the failing adapter or device.
   • If all devices are disconnected and the symptom remains, go to 'Power Systems Checkout' . If this does not solve the problem, replace the  system board.
   • If an intermittent problem remains after replacement of the FRUs,  consider external electrical noise that can have effect on the computer.  Check that the EMC contacts on the system board are not broken. The contacts  are fragile and can be easily damaged.

If the problem remains, see 'Undetermined Problems'

FRU Codes 730TE (2524)

If an error is detected by the diagnostic tests, a four-digit FRU code is displayed.

The FRU code indicates two suspected FRUs.

Replace the FRU that is indicated by the two leftmost digits first, then replace the FRU indicated by the two rightmost digits. No FRU is assigned to code 00 If only one FRU is suspected, the other FRU code is filled with 00.

Use the 'External Diskette Drive Test' to isolate diskette problems to a FRU.

If the problem still remains and the system board has not been replaced, replace the system board.

The reset button is used to power off the system when the system will not power off normally or when the system is hung.