Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

[Agent24]

This is my first attempt to fix a laptop... from a friend. Don't have a lot of hope for it but thought I'd give it a go.


It's a Dell Vostro 1310 and it won't start at all. Tried stripping down to the basics, disconnect everything except 1 stick of RAM (tested OK in another machine) and it won't start.

Fan spins up, then stops, then Caps Lock and Scroll Lock come on solid and NumLock starts flashing. Google suggests this means motherboard problem (surprise, surprise)


Friend said it used to fail POST and beep sometimes, but would start others. Now it won't do anyhing. No beeps so far for me. Tried reset BIOS by removing battery, no change.


Found schematics online (attached)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_PM1DJUQ_M

Any ideas on where to look first?

[siddiq]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

Try reseating the processor.

[Agent24]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

Try reseating the processor.

Sorry, already tried that, no good.

[Agent24]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

Looks like I found one problem for a start - the crystal for the clockgen is smashed. Guess I'll have to replace that and see what happens after...

Any advice on replacement or known issues?

[lumduan]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

I have same problem. (Num Lock LED flashing rapidly some time.)
Could you suggest me, How to solve it ?
Thanks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v7lN7n0MC8

[bruvolo]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

I have the exact same problem too. Has anyone had any success fixing the issue yet? Thanks!!

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

Reflow the Intel northbridge/IGP chipset. That oughta fix it. What happens with those particular Dells is that the motherboard warps and some of the solder balls under the chipset no longer make contact. This is not the common lead-free solder cracks problem, it's a physical defect of the board itself, it is made of low quality material.

For this reason i would not recommend attempting a reball on this mainboard, you will likely ruin it. Just reflow and hope for the best.

[bruvolo]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

Hi Th3_uN1Qu3, thanks so much for the reply! I can take computers apart and then put them back together, but never did any soldering. Can you briefly explain what Reflow the Intel northbridge/IGP chipset means? I think maybe I can try it if you can tell me what i need to do. Thanks again!

Brian

[ravi_1617]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

Hi
my dell vostro 1310 in the 3 led's two side's num and scrollock I think blinking but (center one)caps lock is constant on external monitor display ok on board no display no light its led screen15''6. ,no power beside screen side conector from mainboard board .THANKYOU

[speedypro]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

Hi Th3_uN1Qu3, thanks so much for the reply! I can take computers apart and then put them back together, but never did any soldering. Can you briefly explain what Reflow the Intel northbridge/IGP chipset means? I think maybe I can try it if you can tell me what i need to do. Thanks again!

Brian

Reflow:

In its simplest form means to hover heat, over the gpu, which re-joins solder balls underneath the chip if they are cracked. If the balls are joined together, then a reball is needed.

Reball:

To replace solder balls on a bga chip.

[Alfa is auto]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

Ya need to get proper equipment and (HI QUALITY)flux and i think thats again gpu/sb etc el chip...

[dj_ricoh]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

just a reflow its ok. this is my 1310 i did http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihxjo...0ORz_hRD4VCYeQ

[Lobo]

Re: Dell Vostro 1310 won't POST, Num Lock LED flashing rapidly.

...those particular Dells is that the motherboard warps and some of the solder balls under the chipset no longer make contact.

I see this on a lot of Dells. They are notorious for overheating because they throttle down the cooling fan. In fact, sometimes the fan isn't even on. It can be a pain to take control of the fan also. Speedfan has had to actually add a setting specifically for Dell laptops. Dell is one of those companies that thinks that even after you have given them money for a product, they still own it and should have control over it.

So if you do get this thing running again> install Speedfan, adjust the fan speeds properly, and set it to run at start up.