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Question

How to fix laptop turning on for a few seconds, then off?

Jan 9, 2015 5:49AM PST

I am fixing a Satellite C855-S5350 for a family member because the unit is out of warranty. It turns on for a few seconds, the optical drive spins and the fan blows, but then it turns off. When it's plugged in, it does this on a loop, turning itself on.

It's only 2 years old, so it should be working. I opened it up and cleaned the fan out of dust with a can of air, I've tried clearing the CMOS and the 30 seconds power button without any power cable or battery, I've tried switching the 2 sticks of RAM in every possible combination, but all this is to no avail.

Anyone have any idea what this could be? It's frustrating.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Boot a live Linux dvd/usb and....
Jan 9, 2015 5:55AM PST

see what happens.
Dafydd.

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Um...
Jan 9, 2015 6:08AM PST

It's not even giving me video, sorry if that wasn't clear. It won't access the disk or anything.

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Answer
Given the age and story
Jan 9, 2015 5:58AM PST
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I don't think it was dropped.
Jan 9, 2015 6:09AM PST

I just asked just in case, but I don't believe that would've happened. I also opened it up and found nothing out of the ordinary about the motherboard.

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Then it's all too likely the motherboard is gone.
Jan 9, 2015 6:23AM PST

I see you tried the memory sticks but what else can be unplugged? Try the wifi card, ODD, HDD and what else?
Bob

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I tried everything
Jan 9, 2015 7:08AM PST

I just finished and now it starts like before, but it stays on and every once in a while the fan puts on full blast for a split second. I talked to her and she said that the laptop wasn't dropped by her, and my check on the motherboard verified this. She also said that It started booting up very slowly, until it didn't at all. Apparently when you leave it for several hours, it will boot.

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Sounds like the main board again.
Jan 9, 2015 7:12AM PST

I take it you tried it without any extra parts. WiFi, ODD, HDD, keyboard, just one stick of ram?

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Exactly
Jan 11, 2015 7:06AM PST

I also tried moving the RAM around, using different sticks and in different slots.