Gericom A360 Troubleshooting & Repair

6

Chapter

Troubleshooting & Repair

6.1 Introduction

This chapter provides the most common problem encountered with the A360 notebook
computer and some troubleshooting means. Some of the common problems are:

• System BIOS Related Problems

• LCD Display Problems

• System Power and Boot-Up Problems

• External Interface Problems (Serial, Printer, CRT, USB, PS/2)

• Audio Problems

• PCMCIA Problems

• Power Management Problems

• Input Device Problems (Keyboard and Glidepad)

6.1.1 Helpful Starters

Here are a few helpful starters to begin with before troubleshootin g the notebook:

• Is there any external power source connected to the computer?

• Does the battery installed been fully charged?

• Is the computer turn on and the POWER LED activated?

• Are all cables connected properly and securely?

• Are all needed device drivers been installed properly?

• Is the Power Management function enabled under OS Setup? Press any key to wake

system up again.

6.2 System BIOS Related Problems

This section provides you with information on how the BIOS handles errors encountered
during POST (P ower On Self Test) and translate them to beep codes and error messages.
Refer to this whenever you encounter error messages or beep codes generated by the
computer during startup.

6.2.1 POST Messages

The following is a summary of the Phoenix BIOS startup error messages that is displayed
on the notebook’s screen. These messages help you in understanding some of the
notebook’s problems that may be corrected by entering the BIOS SETUP program and
checking the original values.

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Table 6-1(a) POST Error Messages

Message Possible Cause Action

Diskette drive A failure The drive failed or is missing.

Floppy Disk Controller is
disabled.

Diskette read failure - press
F1 to retry boot, F2 for
SETUP utility

Display adapter failed,
using alternate

Gate A20 failure The keyboard controller is not

Fixed disk configuration
error

Fixed disk controller failure The fixed disk may be

Fixed disk read failure­press F1 to retry boot, F2
for SETUP utility

Pointer device failure The PS/2-style mouse failed. Try rebooting. If problem

No boot device available ­press F1 to retry boot, F2
for SETUP utility

No boot sector on fixed
disk – press F1 to retry
boot, F2 for SETUP utility

Not a boot diskette - press
F1 to retry boot, F2 for
SETUP utility

No timer tick interrupt The timer chip has failed. Check the system board, Turn

Shutdown failure Either the keyboard controller

Time of day not set - run
SETUP program

The diskette is either not
formatted or is defective.

The primary video adapter
failed.

accepting command,
specifically, the enable and
disable A20 command.

The specified configuration is
not supported or doesn't
match the actual hardware
installed.

defective.
The fixed disk may be

configured incorrectly or is
defective.

Either diskette drive A:, the
fixed disk, or both the
diskette and fixed disk are
defective.

The C: drive is not formatted
or is not bootable.

The diskette in drive A: is not
formatted as a bootable
diskette.

is not accepting the reset
command or the associated
reset logic has failed.

Real Time Clock not set. Run SETUP utility.

Check the drive to determine the
problem.

Enabled the FDD Controller.
Replace the diskette with a

bootable diskette and retry.

Check the primary video
adapter.

Check the keyboard controller
and system board. Turn the
power off, then back on again. If
the problem persists contact
qualified service personnel.

Correct the fixed disk
configuration.

Try rebooting. If that doesn't
work, replace the fixed disk.

Check the drive type selected in
SETUP. Try rebooting. If that
does not work, replace the fixed
disk.

persists, check the mouse, it's
cable and connector.

Try rebooting. If problem
persists, replace the diskette or
the fixed disk.

Format the C: drive and make it
bootable.

Replace the diskette with a
bootable diskette and try
rebooting.

the power off, then back on
again. If the problem persists,
contact qualified service
personnel.

Check the keyboard controller
and system board. Turn the
power off, then back on again. If
the problem persists, contact
qualified service personnel.

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Table 6-1(b) POST Error Messages

Message Possible Cause Action

Timer 2 failure The timer chip has failed. Check the system board. Turn

the power off, then back on
again. If the problem persists,
contact qualified service
personnel.

F2 to enter ROM-based
SETUP

Invalid configuration
information - please run
SETUP

Keyboard clock line failure The keyboard, the keyboard

Keyboard data line failure The keyboard controller

Keyboard stuck key failure A key is jammed. Locate the jammed key and fix

Memory failure at hex-
value, read hex-value,
expecting hex-value

Unexpected interrupt in
protected mode

Real time clock failure The RTC or battery failed. Run SETUP and turn the power

Invalid configuration
information must be changed.

Display adapter is configured
incorrectly.

Memory size is incorrect.
Wrong number of diskette

drives.
Other configuration errors.

cable connection, or the
keyboard controller is
defective.

firmware has failed.

Circuitry associated with the
memory chips has failed.

Hardware interrupt or NMI
occurred while in protected
mode.

You must run SETUP utility and
correct configuration
information.

Run the SETUP utility.

Make sure the keyboard cable
and keyboard are connected
properly. Check the keyboard
controller and the system
board. Turn the power off, then
back on again. If the problem
persists, contact qualified
service personnel.

Check the keyboard controller
and system board. Turn the
power off, then back on again.
If the problem persists, contact
qualified service personnel.

it. Make sure the keyboard
cable and keyboard are
connected properly. Turn the
power off, then back on again.
If the problem persists, contact
qualified service personnel.

Turn the power off, then back
on again. If the problem
persists, contact qualified
service personnel.

Check the timer chip or the
interrupt controller on the
system board.

off and on. If the problem
persists, replace the RTC
battery. If the problem remains,
contact qualified service
personnel.

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6.2.2 Informational Messages

This section lists the messages that provide information to the user but require no action.

Table 6-2 BIOS Informational Messages

Message Meaning

nnnK Base Memory The amount of base memory that tested successfully.
nnnK Extended The amount of extended memory that tested successfully .

Memory tests terminated by
keystroke

Press the F1 key to continue This message indicates that an error was found during

Beginning memory test Press the
SPACEBAR to terminate the
memory test

Press the F1 key to continue, F2
to run the Setup utility

The message indicates that a user pressed the spacebar
while memory tests were running and stopped the
memory tests.

POST. Pressing the F1 key allows the system to attempt
to reboot.

A user can stop the memory tests by pressing the
spacebar.

This message indicates that an error was found during
POST. Pressing the F1 key allows the system to attempt
to boot. Press F2 allows users to run the ROM -based
SETUP utility to correct configuration information.

6.2.3 Beep Codes

Beep codes are used to identify a POST error that occurs when the screen is not available.
Once the screen is operating, diagnostic messages are reported to the screen. There are beep
codes for both fatal and non-fatal system board errors.

i No beep code is generated if a test is aborted while in progress. However,

diagnostic cards can be installed in order to display the contents of the
diagnostic port 80h and identify the area of failure.

Explanation of test terms for beep code table

The following terms are used in the Test Performed column of the beep code table:

1. Pattern test - One or more particular patterns are written to a location then read back
from the same location. Examples of patterns used are 55h and AAh. If the value read
does not match the value written, the test is considered a failure.

2. Rolling ones test - Several patterns are constructed. These patterns represent a one rolling
through the given location. For example, to roll a one through three bits, the following
patterns would be constructed: 001, 010, 011, 100, 101, 110, and 111. The patterns are
written to the location and then read back, one by one. If the value read does not match
the value written, the test is considered a failure.

3. Rolling zeros test - Several patterns are constructed. These patterns represent a zero
rolling through the given location. For example, to roll a zero through three bits, the
following patterns would be constructed: 011, 001, and 000. The patterns are written to
the location and then read back, one by one. If the value read does not match the value
written, the test is considered a failure.

4. Checksum test - All of the values in a given range of locations are added together. The

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range includes a location which when added to sum of the ranges, will produce a known
result, such as zero.

Beep codes for system board errors

Table 6-3 (a) BIOS Beep Codes

Beep
Code

none 01h CPU registers test in

1-1-3 02h CMOS write/read test in

1-1-4 03h ROM BIOS checksum test in

1-2-1 04h Programmable interval timer

1-2-2 05h DMA channel 0 address and

1-2-3 06h DMA page register write/read

1-3-1 08h RAM refresh verification test

none 09h First 64K RAM test in

1-3-3 0Ah First 64K RAM chip or data

1-4-2 0Dh Parity failure first 64K RAM At the completion of the rolling ones and

Diagnostic

Code

Description Test Performed

progress or failure

progress or failure.

progress or failure.

0 test in progress or failure.

count register test in progress
or failure.

test in progress of failure.

in progress or failure.

progress.

line failure, multi-bit.

Pattern test of most of the 16-bit CPU
registers. Failure will result in a system
halt.

Rolling ones test in the shutdown byte
(offset 0Eh) of the CMOS RAM. Failure
will result in a system halt.

The range of ROM that includes the
BIOS is checksummed. Failure will result
in a system halt.

Over a period of time, the current count
values in timer 0 are read and
accumulated by ORing them into the
values read so far. It is expected that
during the time period, all bits will be set.
Failure will result in a system halt.

Rolling ones and rolling zeros test of the
address and count registers of DMA
channel 0. Failure will result in a system
halt.

Pattern test of DMA page registers.
Failure will result in a system halt.

Over a period of time, the refresh bit (bit

4) in port 60h is read and tested. The
refresh bit should toggle from 0 to 1, then
1 to 0 within the time period. Failure will
result in system halt.

No specific test is performed - just
indicates that the test is beginning.

The first 64K of RAM is tested with a
rolling ones test and a pattern test. If any
of the pattern tests fail, then the BIOS
reports that multiple data bits failure.
Failure results in a system halt.

pattern tests of the first 64K, the BIOS
checks the parity error bits (bits 7 and 6)
of port 60h. Failure results in a system
halt.

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Table 6-3 (b) BIOS Beep Codes

Beep
Code

2-1-1
2-1-2
2-1-3
2-1-4
2-2-1
2-2-2
2-2-3
2-2-4
2-3-1
2-3-2
2-3-3
2-3-4
2-4-1
2-4-2
2-4-3
2-4-4
3-3-1 20h Slave DMA register test in

3-1-2 21h Master DMA register test in

3-1-3 22h Master interrupt mask register

3-1-4 23h Slave interrupt mask register

none 25h Interrupt vector loading in

3-2-4 27h Keyboard controller test in

None 28h CMOS RAM power failure

None 29h CMOS RAM configuration

Diagnostic

Code

10h-1Fh First 64K RAM chip or data

line failure on bit x

progress or failure.

progress or failure.

test in progress or failure.

test in progress or failure.

progress.

progress or failure.

and checksum calculation
test in progress.

validation for video in
progress.

Description Test Performed

The first 64K of RAM is tested with a
rolling ones test and a pattern test. If any
of the rolling ones tests fail, then the
BIOS reports the specific bit that failed.
To determine the bit number from the
diagnostic code, subtract 10h. For
example, if 12h is displayed at the
diagnostic port, bit 2 failed. Failure
results in a system halt.

Pattern test of channels 1 through 3 of
the slave controller (starting port address
= 02h). Failure results in a system halt.

Pattern test of channels 1 through 3 of
the master DMA controller (starting port
address = C4h). Failure results in a
system halt.

Rolling ones and zeros tests of the mask
register of the master programmable
interrupt controller (port 21h). Failure
results in a system halt.

Rolling ones and z eros tests of the mask
register of the master programmable
interrupt controller (port A1h). Failure
results in a system halt.

No specific test is performed - just
indicates that the Interrupt Vector table is
being initialized.

The self -test command (AAh) is issued to
the 8042 (keyboard controller) and the
results are monitored. Failure results in a
system halt.

The power-fail bit in CMOS RAM is
tested and the lower CMOS RAM area is
being checksummed. A failure does not
result in system halt.

No specific test is performed - just
indicates that the configuration specified
in CMOS for video is being matched
against the actual installation. A failure
does not result in a system halt.

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Table 6-3 (c) BIOS Beep Codes

Beep
Code

3-3-4 2Bh Screen memory test in

3-4-1 2Ch Screen initialization in

3-4-2 2Dh Screen retrace test in

None 2Eh Search for video ROM in

none 30h Screen running with video

none 31h Monochrome monitor

none 32h Color monitor (40-column)

none 33h Color monitor (80-column)

4-2-1 34h Timer-tick interrupt test in

4-2-2 35h Shutdown test in progress or

Diagnostic

Code

Description Test Performed

progress or failure.

progress.

progress or failure.

progress.

ROM.

operable.

operable.

operable.

progress or failure.

failure.

The video buffers (B0000h and B8000h)
are tested with a pattern test and a
rolling ones test. Failure will result in a
beep code but not a system halt.

Until the video installation is confirmed,
any calls to INT 10h Function 0 (set
mode) will be prefaced with the
diagnostic code. There is no expected
failure from this.

Over a period of time, the retrace bit
(bit0) in the appropriate CRT controller
status register (either port 3BAh or
3DAh) is read and tested. The retrace bit
should toggle from 0 to 1, then 1 to 0
within the time period.

No specific test is performed by the
system BIOS - just indicates that the
BIOS is about to jump to the initialization
code in the video option ROM.

No specific test is performed - just
indicates that a video option ROM was
found and believed to be operating.

No specific test is performed - just
indicates that the BIOS believes a
monochrome monitor is installed and is
operating.

No specific test is perfor med - just
indicates that the BIOS believes a color
monitor is installed and is operating. The
mode has been set to 40-column as
selected by the user in CMOS RAM.

No specific test is performed - just
indicates that the BIOS believes a color
monitor is installed and is operating. The
mode has been set to 80-column as
selected by the user in CMOS RAM.

All interrupts expect the timer-tick
interrupt are masked off at the interrupt
controllers. If a timer-tick interrupt does
not occur during a specific time period,
an error message is displayed on the
screen. The system does not halt.

A return address is stored in 40:67h and
the processor is reset via the keyboard
controller. If a timer tick occurs during
this time period, an error message is
displayed on the screen. Other failures
are hard to detect. If possible, the BIOS
will continue with POST, skipping the
memory tests.

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Table 6-3 (d) BIOS Beep Codes

Beep
Code

4-2-3 36h Gate A20 failure. To test extended memory, the processor

4-2-4 37h Unexpected interrupt in

4-3-1 38h RAM test of memory above

4-3-2 3Ah Programmable interval timer

4-3-4 3Bh Real-time clock test in

4-4-1 3Ch Serial port test in progress or

4-4-2 3Dh Parallel port test in progress

4-4-3 3Eh Math coprocessor test in

Diagnostic

Code

Description Test Performed

protected mode.

64K in progress or failure.

channel 2 test in progress or
failure.

progress or failure.

failure.

or failure.

progress or failure.

must be placed in protected mode and
the A20 line must be enabled. For the
memory tests, the BIOS generally uses
the keyboard controller to enable A20. If
the A20 line is not properly set during the
memory test, an error message is
displayed on the screen and the memory
test are suspended. The system does
not halt.

During the memory tests, the processor
is placed in protected mode. All
interrupts in the interrupt descriptor table
are initialized to point to special handler
that displays a message on the screen.
All hardware interrupt are disab led. The
system does not halt when an
unexpected interrupt occurs.

The memory above the first 64K is tested
with a rolling ones test and a pattern test.
All success and failure messages are
displayed on the screen and POST will
continue.

Over a period of time, the current count
values in timer 2 are read and
accumulated by ORing them into the
values read so far. It is expected that
during the time period, all bits will be set.
If an error is detected, an error message
will be displayed on the screen and
POST will continue.

Over a period of time, the Update-In­Progress bit of Status Register A of the
real-time clock is read and tested. The bit
should toggle from 0 to 1 within the time
period.

Pattern test of one or more of the
installed serial ports. If a failure is
detected, an error message will be
displayed and POST will continue.

Rolling ones test is done to one or more
of the installed parallel ports. If a failure
is detected, an error message will be
displayed and POST will continue.

An integer load and store is performed
with the math coprocessor. If the values
do not match, an error message will be
displayed and POST will continue.

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6.2.4 Run-time Error Messages

Table 6-4 BIOS Run-time Error Messages

Message Cause Action

I/O card parity interrupt at
address. Type (S)hut off NMI,
(R)eboot, other keys to continue

Memory parity interrupt at
address. Type (S)hut off NMI,
(R)eboot, other keys to continue

Unexpected HW interrupt
interrupt at address. Type
(R)eboot, other keys to continue

Unexpected SW interrupt
interrupt at address. Type
(R)eboot, other keys to continue

Unexpected type 02 interrupt at
xxxxh. Type (S)hut off NMI,
(R)eboot, other keys to continue

Memory on a peripheral card
has failed.

A memory chip(s) has failed. Check the memory on the

Hardware pro blem. Not
displayed if the expected
interrupt handler is not enabled.

Error(s) in the software
program. Not displayed if the
extended int errupt handler is not
enabled.

A parity error occurred, but the
source can not be determined.

Check the memory cards
installed in the system.

system board.

Check all hardware in the
system.

Turn the machine off and
then on again. If doesn’t
work, check the program.

Turn the power off and then
on again.

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