E420 motherboard problems

[okiecardinal]

My E420 is back in the "IBM shop"  for the 2nd time in 4 months requring a new board. The first replacement board lasted about 2 1/2 months. 

Purchased the laptop in August. 

Is this a known issue with the 420? 

Is there something I am possibly doing/not doing that is contributing to this problem? I would say that I am far from a "power user" in terms of software, games, etc. 

Any feedback is appreciated. 

[jorgeb49]

The same happened to me though this is the first time it happens to me. My mobo needs replacement. I had 2 dells before (lasting 3 years each), with no problem at all, and swithced to Lenovo bc it's supposed to be better. Still it did not last 2 months and I've been very gentle with it too.

[Boardingnath]

What are the symptons when the motherboard goes? I think mine may have gone as well. Can't get any life in the laptop so is getting picked up tomorrow. When I made the call they seemed to know what was happening which makes me think it's a recurring issue.

[reoa]

Our company bought 14 E420's a few month ago.  Within a few weeks, we had three laptops that won't power up, even the power indicator light (when charger is plugged) is on. We had to send it back and it was fixed...sorta.

Just 2 weeks ago, we've had another three laptops (1 of them was previously 'fixed') go down again with the same problem.  One of them had the orange light on when charger was plugged, but that soon went away to nothing when I took out the battery and di the 30 sec. hold like it was suggested in the site. We've tried other chargers from laptops that work, but still, no response.

5 our of 14 Lenovos going down with the same problem is a huge issue for us.  Is this an issue with the E420, or are we just seriously unlucky!?  Is there a way to fix it without sending it (luckily, warranty is still valid)

[tanujhanda Retired Partner]

It is really said to know you have issue with couple of laptop.

Kindly contact the service center and get the service case log as the laptops are in warranty.

Best Regards,

Tanuj

[mrmmd]

Really? We have 60 and so far I've sent 4 back for motherboard issues. Here is when it happens everytime for me.

Let laptop sit for a week or so until battery is completely drained. Then before plugging in the power adapter, open the lid and press the power button. Then plug in the power adapter. I've noticed when doing it in this order it fails and when plugging in the power adapter the green light just above the AC adapter plug will not light.

I'm on the phone now with another one now. And when I called last time it took more than 5 weeks because the MB was on backorder. Backorder meaning ran out from all the replacements.

So 5 is a failure rate of 8.3% in less than 7 months.

[johna8]

Hi Reoa,

We are having similiar issues and thought a system board would correct this issues.

If it's not a permanent fix then I will have to investigate further.

We also bought a few E420 1141-C3M and having systemboard failures.

What model E420 do you have?

Regards,

John

[johna8]

We are having the same issue and so far have had approx 6-7 cases of systemboard failures. I'm wondering mmmd if a BIOS fix to fix the issues you've addressed? Can you let us know how you get on with escalating with Lenovo?

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

@johna8, are you from Wellington NZ?

[johna8]

@lead_org - Yes I am.