[REQUEST] No charging Lenovo x280

[nlinecomputers]

I have a Lenovo x280 on my bench. It was a refurb purchase in Feb and it's already dead. Only 30-day warranty. #FML

It will not charge. The customer ran the battery down before realizing the issue. It was doing the power light blinks three times error but hitting the reset button on the underside got it to boot up. However, when I plug up the power the screen flashes on and off and is not charging. Works fine when I don't have it plugged up but I only have 7% battery left. I have tried multiple chargers. Tried without the battery and it will not power up. Is this likely a bad charging port (USB-C) or bad motherboard?

Also, this requires a crazy Lenovo keyboard removal tool https://www.ebay.com/itm/312694700981 which I have ordered but has anyone got a method to get the keyboard off(required to get the mobo out) that doesn't require this tool? I've tried prying the touchpad buttons with credit cards but I am not getting anywhere and I am afraid that I will break the damn touchpad buttons. The keyboard screws are under the fraking buttons!

 

[nlinecomputers]

NVM about the keyboard. I got it off without breaking the touchpad buttons.

 

[Markverhyden]

Wonder if Lenovo is trying to turn themselves into an Apple? Stupidest thing in the world. Keyboard removal tool.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Wonder if Lenovo is trying to turn themselves into an Apple? Stupidest thing in the world. Keyboard removal tool.

And completely unnecessary. Lenovo even has a DIY video that makes no mention of it.

 

[nlinecomputers]

So no one has any idea if this is a bad charge port or bad mobo?

 

[Larry Sabo]

With battery disconnected, measure the voltage at the motherboard where the DC jack (USB-C) feeds it 5v. Not sure how easy that will be without removing the motherboard.

 

[dathompson]

I would do a power drain first/next if you haven't already. I don't like reset buttons. remove internal battery and CMOS if there is one. This procedure fixes a few problems, worth a try.