Latitude E6500 locks up during Realtime Clock -RTC Functionality Test

I have the same issue with my Precision M6500. Random lockups, sometimes locks up with blinking grey display. I thought it was a ram problem. After replacing all of 4 modules, same problem. All PSA tests passed without problem. Stuck on 32bit test:

Device = Real Time Clock

Test = RTC Functionality Test

Test Status = Verifying rollover

I was stuck for 2 hours and i had to shut it down by pressing power button. I've contacted DELL service, so if they find out what's the problem with I will let You know.

sorry mispelled:

It was stuck ....

I talked to Dell Support and showed them the diagnostics result.  They say that it will be necessary to replace the motherboard.  They wanted $750 for a new motherboard.  Found one on-line for $199.  Havent replaced it yet, so I can't tell you for sure if this really fixes the problem or not.

Heh, for $750 You can buy a new computer. Fortunately my warranty is still valid.

I would avoid buying a new motherboard. I've had mine replaced, along with another guy I work with, and it hasn't fixed the problem (screen blackouts / Real time clock diag never completes). I'm getting yet another board replacement under warrantee but have been without a reliable computer for months.

Unfortunately we tried a new MB.  It still locks up on the clock.  We bought it surplus for $199 and will try to return it.  This is really unfortunate.  Dell does not seem to know what the problem really is.

Sorry to hear. I have to say that the dell service people have been courteous and excellent.

I know that hasn't been everyone's experience but it has been mine. I would also say that until 3 months ago my m6500 was a pretty good computer (with exception of the trackpad which never worked).

In my case I thing these folks may be dealing with a product, the M6500, that simply has a fatal flaw. So far the two of us at my company with the problem have both had the NVIDIA FX3800M video card. It's not conclusive but so far people with the ATI video card on M6500 have not had complaints. I have NVIDIA on everything else and it's great so I just don't know.

My M6500 have FX2800M and after motherboard replacement everything works fine. No locks up, all tests passed.

Here is what I have found.  Tested 3 E6500 all BIOS version A26 and all locked up on the RTC verify rollover.  Tested 1 E6500 BIOS version A19 passed with no problems.  Updated the BIOS to A26 and now it locks up on the RTC verify rollover.  I hope that this helps.

We did get the Dell Diag. Disk. to work and Realtime clock test was resolved when updated to BIOS A27, that said, we are still having problems with the E6500 MB.  Appears to be MB as well...  On to the next problem.