VAIO PCG 8Z3M wont power on

[jaba56mark]

Can anyone help?

My daughter has a 17" VAIO which wont power on. When connected to the power supply there is a continuous orange flashing light cycle which repeats in two flashes * pause * two flashes * pause. I've removed hard drive and re-seated the ram. Nothing powers up when I press the power button. The model is PCG 8Z3M and I think this model is similar or is based on the VGN-AR51E. Any help or advice to troubleshoot this machine before I screw four legs on it and use it as a coffee table would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Jaba x

[Blencogo]

Hi Jaba and welcome.

The model is a VGN-AR51E - the other code is for the chassis type which is shared by several models.

The Orange 'double-blinking' of the battery light just means that the battery is charging.

Is it completely dead when you try to start up?  Are there any noises or other lights.

Unfortunately, it sounds like a power board failure and it will need a local repairer to have a look inside for a bad connection.

[jaba56mark]

Thanks for the welcome Blencogo!

There is no reaction whatsoever when the power button is pressed - just the tiny click so yes - completely dead. Since I posted this the machine no longer shows a flashing orange light and is playing dead. I'll open him up and take a look around since I've nothing to lose. I'm a Thinkpad man myself yet always had a fascination for Vaio/Apple machines without taking a leap across and trying them! This is my daughters machine - gifted to her by a work colleague when her T43 was stolen nearly two years ago - and she loves this big black beauty. I've fixed machines before and I'll do the work myself if within my scope of ability lol. I'll start with the power board as you suggested and perhaps buy the component first and then try the replacement. Since my amateurish ability is limited I'll post any findings/problems when I come across them. First job open up the machine and remove the powerboard - I'll google the procedure first but any useful links would be particularly helpful.

Jaba x

Message was edited by: jaba56mark

Message was edited by: jaba56mark

[Blencogo]

Have a look here: -

http://home.comcast.net/~nw_systems/VGN-AR.pdf

[jaba56mark]

Blencogo you are a gentleman.

The pdf you linked to is very precise and good reading - I'll keep you informed on my troubleshooting as I go along. I purchased a used but working power board today on ebay for just £4.00 and when I get it I'll install it then post the results.

[jaba56mark]

Update.

Power board arrived on Saturday so spent Sunday evening stripping the machine down to access the area underneath the fan assembly. I switched the board and partially rebuilt the machine (without screws) and still no power on. One unfortunate incident was the ribbon connector for the disc player control board which is a miniscule hinge type clip - managed to lose this clip somehow. Is there anything else I can try? I must say this machine is very well built - almost a pleasure to work on.