ThinkPad R61i No Power

[chakraps]

I left the thinkpad R61i overnight beside a window. Rain water had seeped in and formed a very small puddle underneath the laptop. The machine was on battery and completely shut down at that time. After wiping out the underside of the case, I left it to dry for couple of hours. Now the machine shows no sign of power neither with battery nor AC adapter. No lights nothing when I press the power button. Did a bit of googling and found the link below, didn't help though.

http://techrepublic.com.com/52...hreadID=239264&start=0

thoughts and suggestions welcome. thanks.

 

[TheStu]

Thinkpads usually are more water resistant than others, however my general protocol when it comes to possible water damage is to power down, pull the AC, pull the battery and then let it sit for a while.

THEN

Start dismantling. You want it in a warm area, you want it as free from static as humanly possible. You then can start tearing it down. I would recommend against the instinct to use a hair dryer, blowing air is moving air is potentially static charged air, especially dry air. Once it is opened up and the motherboard is exposed, you now let it sit for a few DAYS.

When liquid gets into the system, the safe and cautious route takes a lot of time, I think the minimum I have ever allowed it to sit out was 3 days in a warm static free environment.

 

[chakraps]

Is it possible for water to have caused internal electrical damage as the laptop was totally powered down when it came into contact. Also I was wondering if there are any safety systems that trip to avoid potential short circuit. I would gladly rest it more than a few days if there's a chance to avoid costly repairs. The warranty expired couple months back

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: chakraps
Is it possible for water to have caused internal electrical damage as the laptop was totally powered down when it came into contact. Also I was wondering if there are any safety systems that trip to avoid potential short circuit. I would gladly rest it more than a few days if there's a chance to avoid costly repairs. The warranty expired couple months back

If the system was off, and it was just water then no it probably didn't cause any damage, and generally if you turn it on with water in the system it likely will turn on momentarily and then go out.

I say open it up and let it sit for a while, and then try it again. I suppose it might be possible that the battery is damaged, but if it also isn't working on AC... then I odn't know.

 

[Paperlantern]

If you tried to turn it on while there was still moisture in the system anywhere, you might have already fried it. Although, if NOTHING happened, the water might have been in just the right place to just prevent it from powering and not cause any real damage. Open it up, let it dry for a few days, inspect the board for any signs of corrosion or shorting and try her again. All you can do.

 

[WackyDan]

Indeed.. let it dry for more than a few hours. More like a day or more, and that is after removing the keyboard. ThinkPad keyboards are indeed water proof/resistant, and channel water through the bottom of the chassis. * but liquid can still get in via other seams and speaker grills, etc.

Also was the system completely off or was it in sleep state?

 

[chakraps]

The system was completely shutdown and all lights were out before I closed the lid. I wish it had been a keyboard spill and not water from underneath. I've read about thinkpad keyboards being water resistant. It's been left out to dry for a day now. keeping fingers crossed. I haven't opened up laptops before. I have to lookup how to disassemble it.