Acer Aspire A315-41-R8J9 starts with blank screen, does nothing.

[Ariel Ruiz]

Hi, I will appreciate if I can get some advice on my problem.

- I have an Acer Aspire A315-41-R8J9, with Ryzen 5 APU (no GPU).
- The laptop can be started (blue led on) but it shows no picture (blank screen), and it looks to be somewhat active, as the fan spins, and processor gets hot.
- I visually inspected and tested some components, with no obvious issues.
- I disconnected not-essential peripherals.
- When testing PL401, I got sparks, smoke smell, and the Acer logo briefly showed in screen but then shut down.
- I tried to re-flash BIOS from USB (Fn+Esc), fan spins fast, but it didn't work.
- I tested BIOS (XM25QU64AHIG), I got 1.8v in 1 and 8 pins (I guess it's OK).
- I bought a CH341 BIOS programmer + 1.8v adapter + clamps. I successfully programmed and verified two .bin I got from this forum. No progress.
- I get lost when seeing schematics, meaning I cannot follow the power chain from the power plug to the supposedly defective component.
- I'd like to learn and fix it myself before going to any service or buying a new laptop.

Do you know anything else I can do? Do you know any specific component I should test? The components I tested seem to work OK (3.3v, 5v, maybe 1v, etc.), but I am afraid of doing another short circuit.

Thanks in advance!

[mcplslg123]

Since you have no experience in laptop repair,there is a huge chance of damaging the device beyond repair. So my suggestion is to get it serviced from a experienced technician. However, its your choice if you want to take risk.
If you agree to take risk,confirm it here and begin with checking voltage on all big grey coils and mention the voltage along with coil number here.The measurements should be done after turning it on.

[Ariel Ruiz]

Thanks for your response. Yes, I'll take the risk. These are the grey coils voltages:

Measurements (both ends):
PL402: 3.3V
PL503: 1.1V
PL301: 0.0V (battery disconnected)
PL804: 1.0V
PL805: 1.0V
PL803: 0.9V
PL602: 0.9V
PL401: didn't test it (short circuit, shut down)

[mcplslg123]

You've not even mentioned the motherboard markings so i couldnt locate the schematic. If the schematic is loaded here,then just link it or atleast mention the mb markings.
PL401 is for which rail? 5VALW?
Measure resistance to GND on PL401. No power attached while measurement. Bleck probe of multimeter to GND and red probe on PL401(Meter set to 20K scale or lower).What's the reading?

[Ariel Ruiz]

OK, let me clarify. It's a motherboard DH5JV LA-G021P, the schematics are in https://www.badcaps.net/forum/troubl...021p-schematic

Let me know if it's enough.

The PL401 is marked with 3.3UH_VMPI1004AR-3R3M-Z01_11A_20% (in schematics) and it's connected to +5VALWP.
The resistance measure is 0.72 both ends (at 20k scale)

Thanks for your patience!

Measurements (both ends)
PL402: 3.3V - 3.3UH_6.3A_20%_7X7X3_M (+3VALWP)
PL503: 1.1V - 1UH_6.6A_20%_5X5X3_M (+1.2VP)
PL301: 0.0V - 4.7UH_PCMB063T-4R7MS_8A_20% (+17.4V_BATT_CHG)
PL804: 1.0V - 0.22UH_24A_20%_ 7X7X4_M (+APU_CORE)
PL805: 1.0V - 0.22UH_24A_20%_ 7X7X4_M (+APU_CORE)
PL803: 0.9V - 0.22UH_24A_20%_ 7X7X4_M (+APU_CORE_SOC)
PL602: 0.9V - 1UH_6.6A_20%_5X5X3_M (+0.9VALWP)
PL401: didn't test it (short circuit, shut down) - 3.3UH_VMPI1004AR-3R3M-Z01_11A_20% (+5VALWP)

[Ariel Ruiz]

Components full markings added:
PL402: 3.3V - 3.3UH_6.3A_20%_7X7X3_M (+3VALWP) - 3R3-849-111
PL503: 1.1V - 1UH_6.6A_20%_5X5X3_M (+1.2VP) - 1R0-916-RQ4
PL301: 0.0V - 4.7UH_PCMB063T-4R7MS_8A_20% (+17.4V_BATT_CHG) - 4R7-915-CM3
PL804: 1.0V - 0.22UH_24A_20%_ 7X7X4_M (+APU_CORE) - R22-851-096
PL805: 1.0V - 0.22UH_24A_20%_ 7X7X4_M (+APU_CORE) - R22-851-096
PL803: 0.9V - 0.22UH_24A_20%_ 7X7X4_M (+APU_CORE_SOC) - R22-851-096
PL602: 0.9V - 1UH_6.6A_20%_5X5X3_M (+0.9VALWP) - 1R0-916-RQ4
PL401: (short) - 3.3UH_VMPI1004AR-3R3M-Z01_11A_20% (+5VALWP) - 3R3-842-344