How To Repair a Bad Dell M170 Motherboard
February 18, 2008 By Jeremy Brock
Recently I had an interesting Dell Inspiron M170 Gen2 XPS in the shop with the following problems.
- The laptop would say an incorrect AC Adapter was installed.
- The laptop would charge the battery but not boot from AC.
- The laptop would only boot from battery not AC.
Replacing the board was cost prohibitive so I repaired the motherboard.
Disclaimer:
A+ Perfect Computers, LLC, is not responsible for any damages to your device, person, or property. Computer, Laptop, or LCD disassembly and part installation is at your own risk. This Guide offers only suggestions for taking apart your device. The components inside your device are highly sensitive. Always ground yourself by using an ESD wrist strap or by touching a metal object while handling sensitive electronics.
After the initial diagnostic I concluded it was a problem with the logic board. Unfortunately Dell no longer sells this logic board and finding a replacement was costly (~$400-$500). Usually these issues are caused by a faulty AC Adapter or DC Jack however after tracing the DC mains I found the solder joints on PL2 and PC3 were cracked and the Maxim MAX1987 Power Supply controller was damaged. Often lead free solder develop cracks from pcb stress or constant voltage. If the MAX1987 Controller doesn't appear damaged I suggest reworking the PL2/PC3 joints before trying to replace the MAX1987. If you are getting an erroneous error message regarding the power adapter wattage try reworking or replacing the MAX1987 controller. If you have a little time and the right equipment you can inexpensively fix the logic board.
Tools Required:
- Soldering Iron
- Solder
- Flux
- Infrared or Hot Air Station (MAX1987 Replacement)
- Replacement MAX1987 Chip
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PL2 and PC3 are located behind the DC Jack. After locating the components apply flux and rework the joints with your favorite soldering iron. |
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The MAX1987 is located on the underside of the board near the DC Jack. Unfortunately you can't replace the controller without special equipment because of the Thin QFN package. I use Infrared however you can use Hot Air. Insulate the surrounding area to prevent damage, then flux, heat to ~450F and replace the chip. |
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hello
i want to know is it possible to replace isl6262 with isl 6266 or not?
please help me if you can !!!
thanks a lot
bye
very informative post. It would be great if you post all details like what problems will occur while doing this and solutions on it.
Thanks for nice information.
www.sacatech.com
very interesting information, my laptop inspiron 9300(the same mobo in your pics) was connected with inverted polarity(bad rework plug) now it wont charge battery and wont boot up wiht ac/dc converter(no lights signals), is possible a max1987 damaged(how i can test it)?, can you suggest me wich part or ic review.
thank from Chile
J.Velasquez