Laptop Power Problem

[firey]

So, my Son (Just over a year) decided to grab a tea from his sisters hand and during their fight for control of the tea, some splashed out onto my laptop.

Right away it shut off, and the power light started to flash. All the power-up lights would flash then turn off, then a couple seconds later would turn back on. As it is now, it is still doing the same thing, and it's only for like a second they turn on. There is no beeps or display changes. And sits in the loop of lights flash for a second, then stop then start.

My thoughts are it's either the PSU or the MOBO.

What I know:

Power button works (so lead to Mobo is fine)

Lights work, so Mobo has power to send to lights/leads

Fan does not always spin when lights flash on (however 1/10 times it does)

What I have tried:

Remove the HDD's -> Same result

Remove A Stick of RAM -> Same Result

Removed the CMOS Battery -> Same Results

I've opened up the entire back to ensure no Tea left

I've removed the keyboard and exposed the MOBO I see no shorts/burn marks.

I've removed the top power bar panel and cleaned up a bit of tea

There was tea on the mobo (not much), I cleaned it up, there was tea near the fan/power button I cleaned it up. Currently I have it open with the keyboard and components removed to air it out (I have it covered to stop dust). If it does the same in the morning, I will contact HP however.. it's out of Warantee and I am hoping someone here might have some suggestions or ideas before I go and spend money to fix it.

I would rather pay to replace parts than buy a new one as it is a DV7 with dual 500gb hdds, Core i7 processor, geforce discreet card, 6gb ram. So it's a solid laptop and worth the money to fix if need be, but the less I have to spend.. the better obviously.

[watchthisspace]

Have you taken out the battery to make sure no tea has gotten between the contacts?

While it's apart, you should try clean the tea spots off with 100% isopropyl alcohol, it evaporates very very fast.

[firey]

Have you taken out the battery to make sure no tea has gotten between the contacts?

While it's apart, you should try clean the tea spots off with 100% isopropyl alcohol, it evaporates very very fast.

I have the battery out yes, all the tests were done both with the battery in and out, I had to remove it though to be able to open the laptop up. I will try the alcohol in the morning, a friend suggested hand sanitizer, would that be the same thing?

[Geranium_Z__NL]

Disregard my post I havent read your whole article *slaps self*

Heres some other info about the lights

Edited June 29, 2012 by Geranium_Z__NL

[watchthisspace]

I have the battery out yes, all the tests were done both with the battery in and out, I had to remove it though to be able to open the laptop up. I will try the alcohol in the morning, a friend suggested hand sanitizer, would that be the same thing?

Personally, I wouldn't use hand sanitizer. It may have a high alcohol content, but being more solid than liquid, you'd have to apply very small amounts for it to evaporate in a short time. Also, I'm not sure what other things are added to hand sanitizer which may make it slightly conductive.

[neoadorable]

the only thing i can think of is open as much as you can up and let it air out. i've spilled coffee on my work notebook a few months back, flipped it upside down, coffee drained out, turned the notebook off, made sure there was nothing between the battery and the contact, turned it back on. it does have minor issues now, but is definitely working (very occasional freezing and leaving it untouched for over 20 mins disconnect networks).

[helpifIcan]

If there is a moisture problem you could try putting it in a large plastic bag with an ample amount of rice, seal the bag air tight and let it sit for at least 24 hours, if there is any wetness it should be removed.