Hardware Analysis - Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Greg Gentry — 2005-07-23T13:10:55-05:00

Hi.

I actually recently had my LCD light replaced because it had gone out, however before that happened, my screen flickered at times, but usually went away quickly. I also recently had my Motherboard replaced.

In recent weeks however the screen flickering has returned with a vengeance and gets so bad that it crashes the system. It makes it difficult to get any work done. Is this like the other problems listed here? Is it the LCD screen, other hardware, or a software issue? If it didn't happen before I had the motherboard replaced I would have guessed it is perhaps a BIOS issue, but since it is not a new problem, but a pregressing one, I have to imagine it is something else. Any ideas?

I've had the laptop for awhile now and it has served me pretty well, but the repairs are coming more frequently and my warranty is about to run out.

Thanks for you help.
Greg

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Joe K — 2004-11-28T05:16:19-05:00

Xaio,

Your "noise" problem is related to the video chip on the motherboard. There is some work involved and the repair charge should be in the range of $179 - $189 + shipping. Please contact me directly at the info below my name.

C Lau,

Your repair should be a backlight. Should run about $89 plus shipping. Same for you, please contact me directly at the info below my name.

Thanks,

Joe Kabalan
AQS Computer Services
2572 Sheridan Drive
Tonawanda, NY 14150

Toll Free: 1-866-204-4677
Local: 716-832-2473
Email: aqs12@adelphia.net

http://www.aqstech.com
http://www.laptopbios.com

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

C Lau — 2004-11-28T03:08:37-05:00

Dear Joe

Currently, I have a Sony VAIO GRX500 laptop. I've similar problem with the others on this thread. One day, the 16.1 inch screen goes flicker red and turns to black, then used an external monitor no problem, sometimes I tired to tap keyboard it flickers for a moment and it goes off dark again. It has been sitting around here for few months without useage. I sent it to the shop and paid too much for the repairs and the repair shop said it was the motherboard, still they couldn't find the parts. I suspect the problem was not the motherboard. Please help and your assistant is greatly appreciated.

Best Regards

Sony Vaio GRX notebook LCD problem

Xiao-Min Lin — 2004-11-20T19:39:29-05:00

Dear Joe:

I have a Sony PCG-GRX500P laptop. Recently, the LCD screen occasionally has a lot of noise lines going across the screen. If I push the laptop casing or shake the laptop a little bit, it will go away. But it happens so often, that it is becoming really annoying. Any suggestions how to deal with it?

Thanks!

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Joe K — 2004-09-22T15:27:01-05:00

Hi,

Email me directly, I'll see what I can do.

aqs12@adelphia.net

Joe K

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Kevin Nakahara — 2004-09-22T15:20:31-05:00

Joe -

I have the EXACT same problem with my Sony VAIO GRX-750 LCD (backlight out). Can I order a new backlight directly from you? If not, do you know where I can order one from?

I appreciate any help you can give me....desperate to get the LCD back up and running.

Thank you,

Kevin

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Joe K — 2004-08-26T19:47:33-05:00

I would imagine you have two choices,

Replaced the backlight within the LCD panel or replace the whole panel. We can take care of this for you if you like?

Should run about $89.00 + return shipping for the replacement of the backlight.

Joe K

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Andreas Angelidakis — 2004-08-26T19:41:09-05:00

Thanks Joe

so any ideas on how to fix this?

Andreas

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Joe K — 2004-08-26T19:30:07-05:00

Andreas,

Sounds like the backlight is gone on the LCD screen. They usually go Red before they go dead.

Joe K

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Andreas Angelidakis — 2004-08-26T19:19:39-05:00

I have a PCG-GRX570, and I've already had the soldering/RAM problem.
I almost gave up since the local repair shop told it was the motherboard and it would cost $1500 to fix.
Fortunately I came across these threads and I sent it to Joe K and now it works like a charm.

Until last week, when the screen thing started happening. The screen flickers and goes almost black.Works with external monitor no prob. When I play with the screen latch it flickers back on the dies again.
Also the screen gad a weird red tint for a while, sometimes when I was turning it on it would be all red then cool down to normal.

Anybody have a clue how to fix this. I am so broke right now, there's no way I can afford a new laptop.....

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Brandon Harbecht — 2004-08-12T14:40:05-05:00

I have a grx550. My ram slots progressivly have gone out. The computer with now not boot and I'm affraid that the CPU may be fried because I had Linex on it for a short time and I ran the CPU hard. It has had the original operating system on it for some time now. It wasnt till I put the original system on it that I started having problems. Now the computer will not boot up. I think that it just needs a need motherboard and if so where can I purchases one?

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Rory Witham — 2004-07-12T22:27:27-05:00

With the moels you mention. I have had two in two weeks with display problems. mostly with swithing failures, or just dead. I would say bring a spare, but there a few dollars ($225) so not really a viable part to have.
you could always go reliable and get a capasator, and run a normal PC form the bosts 12 Votts.

Laptop coolers, are a fair idea but i dont think sony have made any.

____________________________

If any one could answer this it would save me some work..

Laptop display back lighting not working, theres some life when the switch closes and opens. I thnk its switch failure. but if any one else can shead some light..

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Joe K — 2004-07-12T21:58:07-05:00

Nick,

You asked:

"1. As with the AC socket, would you do PRECAUTIONARY extra soldering of RAM slots which have not yet failed?"

--- I would suggest you take the precautions with the RAM before the AC Jack.

"Would that be a wise idea for a "mission-critical" computer like mine?"

--- The AC jack isn't a high priority just as long as you are aware it's sensitive to pressure or force, the RAM slots should be done regardless if they system is working fine at the present time. If this wasn't a "mission critical" system, I would simply suggest waiting until the problem sufaces for both the DIMM slots and the AC Jack.

"2. Could the death of my now-fixed GRX5P (i.e. no LED's, no noises) have been caused by RAM slot failure, or is it likely something else?"

---- Something else, RAM slot issues will not produce a "no power" condition.

"Most posts about RAM slot problems say the computer still has power LED and noises."

---- Yes, you had a power problem not a RAM slot problem.

Joe Kabalan
AQS Computer Services
2572 Sheridan Drive
Tonawanda, NY 14150

Toll Free: 1-866-204-4677
Local: 716-832-2473
Email: aqs12@adelphia.net

http://www.aqstech.com
http://www.laptopbios.com

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Nick Hope — 2004-07-12T16:37:54-05:00

Oh, my fault. I understand now I've re-read your original post.

Actually I already had a bad experience with the cables you mention. When testing my dead GRX5P I actually swapped over the whole component behind the keyboard that contains the power button and memory stick slot with the same component on my GRX315MP. On replacement one of the white cables got frayed and unusable. So some better quality ones would be well worthwhile.

I'm definitely going to use your services some time. The problem I have is the import duty and tax when the stuff comes back to Thailand. They tend to ignore correct paperwork here and charge duty and taxes even on stuff returned from repair. I'm thinking about how to go about it short of coming there myself with my 2 notebooks and 3rd dead motherboard.

Anyway Joe, as you seem to be the man in the know and I've got your attention in this thread, I have 2 more quick questions

1. As with the AC socket, would you do PRECAUTIONARY extra soldering of RAM slots which have not yet failed? Would that be a wise idea for a "mission-critical" computer like mine?

2. Could the death of my now-fixed GRX5P (i.e. no LED's, no noises) have been caused by RAM slot failure, or is it likely something else? Most posts about RAM slot problems say the computer still has power LED and noises.

Thanks very much for your help. I appreciate it.

Re: Sony Vaio GRX notebook series - likely failure modes

Joe K — 2004-07-12T14:23:46-05:00

Hi Nick,

I mentioned the power button cable, that may become damaged if you remove it for maintenance reasons, The power button and or the cable does not go bad on it's own..

Sorry for the confusion..

Joe