Hi Rupesh,

4 beeps for this system model indicate an issue with the RAM. 5 beeps indicate an issue with the CMOS battery. There is a possibility that the motherboard may have come in contact with water which damaged the motherboard. You may try to run the LCD BIST to check the LCD screen:

To run the LCD BIST (Built in Self-test):

• Power off the computer
• Press and hold the D key on the keyboard while pressing the power button, then release both at the same time.
• This will initiate A grey screen, then Red, then Blue, then Green, then White

In case you do not get any display. check by connecting an external monitor.

I would also suggest you to try and run the diagnostics:

To run ‘Dell Diagnostics’

• Power off the computer
• Restart the computer, press F12 on the Dell logo
• Select ‘Diagnostics’ from the boot menu
• Please refer to the link if any error code shows up http://dell.to/OUGnqT

If the above steps do not work, the motherboard may have to be replaced.

Please reply if you have any questions.

Hi Appu,

Thanks for the response.

I tried to run LCD BIST suggested by you but the keyboard only CPAS Lock button LED is on and nothing else happens even when I try to press "D" and Power. I tried this with external USB keyboard as well.

Since Display is blank and keyboard doent work I cannot select to run Dell Dignostics as explained by you.

I will try to connect an external display and see if something different happens.

Fan starts, CD drives gets the signal so as Maintenance / Mobility lights/buttons, External USB Keyboard gets the signal and flashes lights for a second,and then nothing else happens.

I tried pressing Windows Mobility/maintenance Center button light turns ON and then after few secons turns OFF again.

Regards

Rupesh

Hi Rupesh,

Thank you for the response. You may try to connect an external display and check. If the external display does not work, then it might be an issue with the motherboard and may require replacement.

Thanks Appu,

As suggeted by you it look like its a issue with motherboard.

How can I get replace the motherboard with correct part number?

My Dell wanrraty has expired.

Please sugegst further.

Hi Rupesh,

Since the computer is out of warranty, you may contact our out of warranty support team. Click on the link http://dell.to/TW4K3h , choose your region from the top right hand side, type the service tag of the computer to get the contact information.

Hello Appu,

Just wanted to give you an update on same.

Some how after heating the motherboard it started working again.

But now I have a different issue with the Laptop.

Display is showing up but its very Dim to see so what I did is I connected a external monitor and it works fine for it.

Can you please let me know how I can resolve this issue?

Also intermittantly I get 5 beep codes during boot.

Kind Regards

Rupesh

Hi Rupesh,

I would suggest you to try to perform LCD BIST as mentioned in my previous post. Please check the status of the display in the BIST screen. If the screen external monitor works fine, it might be an issue with the LCD cable. You may try to reseat the LCD cable and check.If the issue persists, you may need to replace the cable. You may refer to the manual http://bit.ly/15jCkbr

Does the system boots to the desktop after you get 5 beeps?
5 beeps indicate an issue with the CMOS battery and may require replacement.

Please reply if you have any questions.

Hi Appu,

I tried BIST with external monitor and everything works fine.

Even Laptop monitor also shows something but the brightness is too low so see anything on it.

I tried by runninig Dell maintenance utilities but it does not give me any error and test Passes.

How to find the issue? You mentioned about Reseat the Video cable please give me details.

also someone metioned about the grpunding issues can you please update me further?

CMOS battery has been changed.

Kind Regards

Rupesh.

Hi Rupesh,

Since the external monitor works fine, it might be an issue with the LCD cable or the LCD screen. Here are the steps to reseat the LCD cable:

• Locate the keyboard
  
  
   
  
  
  
• Press the keyboard down. Pry the keyboard with the use of a plastic scribe towards the display to reveal the first keyboard retainer which is above the Home key
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Pry up the 2nd keyboard retainer which is above the Insert key
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Pry up the 3rd keyboard retainer which is above the F7 Key
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Pry up the 4th keyboard retainer which is above the F1 Key
  
  
   
  
  
  
• Pull up the keyboard from the palm rest
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Release the latch on the system board connector then disconnect the keyboard cable
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Please remove the silver (color may vary from system to system) board
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Locate the LVDS cable. Release the latch on System Board then disconnect the LVDS cable.
  
  
  
  
  
  

If reseating the cable does not resolve the issue, you may replace the LCD cable. If the issue persists, you may need to replace the LCD screen.
You may refer to the manual http://bit.ly/15jCkbr 

Please reply if you have any questions.

Hi Rupesh,

Since you've replaced the display cable and the issue persists, it seems to be an issue with the LCD. You might consider replacing it.

Please reply if you have any questions.

Hi Appu,

I did tried changing the LCD and the cable also but still the result is same.

Please please help me to rectify the issue.

Still the Laptop shows very Dim display. External display works fine.

Please help me out.

Kind Regards

Rupesh

Hi Rupesh,

Since you have replaced the LCD and the cable and the issue persists, it seems to be an issue with the motherboard. I would suggest you to replace the motherboard.

Please reply if you have any questions.

Thanks Appu,

Before changing the Motherboard, Just wanted to know if LCD screen with slightly different part number makes any difference?

I tried to replace the LCD screen with smilar specification not the exact part number and it did not resolved my problem.

Please update.

You have a bad motherboard. Dell got a bad batch of computers at the end of the year and failing to boot is a common problem. I had the same problem and Dell sent a technician with a new motherboard. I am typing on it now.