Laptop Power Issue

[indy-pc]

This MIGHT be a related issue to this, but I wanted to start a new one just in case.

I have an HP dv6-6110us that won't stay powered on. It will post and start to boot Windows, but shuts off after a few seconds (even before the login screen). I originally tried to swap out the RAM, put the RAM in a different slot and swap out the CMOS battery to no avail, so I ordered a new mobo.

I got the new mobo today and it started working just fine. I was able to boot into Windows and left it running for a few minutes while plugged in as well as on battery power. Everything was working fine, so I took it back to the client only to have the same issue when I took it to them.

Back on the bench and I've swapped out the battery, but it's still not working. The fan is working, but could this be a heat issue even after just a few seconds? The mobo I bought was used, so could it just be bad luck? Do I have something else shorting out the mobo that's causing it to lose power? I'm open to suggestions.

 

[glennd]

could this be a heat issue even after just a few seconds?

could be, given the model laptop. try booting linux, see how far it gets. boot into safe mode of windows. is the case hot? do those things have a temperature monitor in the bios? load up CoreTemp or RealTemp to check the cpu temp.

 

[frase]

Have you checked the output of the charger?
Nothing shorting out system, is the wifi still connected [watch them cables they are tentacles to a mobo] if not restricted; if disconnected.

 

[Sergio3]

If you can get it running for a few minutes in windows you can try speedfan to see CPU temp.

I had a similar case this week, a dv6-7000 series, which did not post and powered off after a few seconds. I removed the motherboard out of the case, tried to power it up as bare as possible (only pw switch, lvds and dc jack hooked up, no wifi card and 1 ram) and POOF, I saw a nice HP logo on the LCD.
So I've put the motherboard back in place, hooked all connectors one at a time while making sure it is still POSTing and guess what was the culprit? A few drops of coffee or cola (can't tell for sure) went under the touchpad and oxidized the connector, shorting a few pins. 20$ later for a new touchpad board and I'll have a nice Core i7 3rd gen running like new
You might be into a similar situation if you are still having the same issue after a motherboard change. Or if the cpu is removable and you have a similar spare one laying around you can try to swap it. I've seen a few cases of bad cpus over the years (mostly AMDs). It's a long shot but worth a try.

 

[coffee]

Does it shutdown when it sits awhile on the bios screen?

 

[indy-pc]

Update:
Here's what I've done so far...

• Replaced CPU paste
• Swapped battery with known-good
• Swapped power cord with known-good
• Stripped down and booted/shutdown adding one component at a time
• Looked for signs of corrosion everywhere inside case
• Booted to Ubuntu
• Booted to safe mode
• Left in BIOS screen

It doesn't seem to matter what I do. This system is just FUBAR. I had it going yesterday doing the bulk of the above with almost no problem. For some reason, out of the blue, it decided that it wanted to cooperate. I took things slow and deliberate and wasn't having any problems with it staying powered on. Although, it seemed to be randomly going to sleep for no apparent reason. Then, it started acting up again.

Sometimes it would boot into Windows and be fine for 15+ minutes before I would reboot. Other times, it would barely get past the HP splash screen and shut off. Today, I can't get loaded into Windows at all or leave BIOS screen up for more than a minute before it shuts off.

To complicate things further, it seems to try booting up on its own even before I press the power button. If I leave it plugged in and don't touch it, it will just start to power up. I'm at a loss on this one and I'm about to admit defeat.

 

[indy-pc]

I think I have it!!

After I re-read my last post, that last paragraph gave me an idea: the power button! I prepped the system by getting the keyboard off. As soon as I pressed the power button, I disconnected the ribbon cable from the motherboard that is attached to the power button. Sure enough, it booted up and stayed on. Time to investigate a faulty power button.