Power switch seems to be failing - Takes 300+ tries to start PC

[Nulion]

So...

My computer is doing this 'thing' where it takes upwards of 300 presses of the power button for the machine to actually turn on.

The machine is perfectly fine when it's actually working, no complaints there!

Clearly there's something wrong with the power switch...but what could I do to fix it?

[Riddle_Decipher]

@Nulion

Welcome to the HP Forums 🙂 

I would like to take a moment and thank you for using this forum, it is a great place to find answers. 

As I understand your power switch seems to be failing,

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details: 

Did you check if the button is physically stuck?

If you have and didn't find anything stuck although the issue continues to occur, I recommend you Contact HP as this seems to be a hardware malfunction:

HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link: http://h22207.www2.hp.com/us-en/?openCLC=true

(1) Once the support page opens please select the country in which you're located. Next, enter your HP model number on the right.

(2) Next, choose the 'Contact Support' tab at the top and scroll down to the bottom of the 'HP Support- Contact' page to fill out the form provided with your contact information.

(3) Once completed click the 'Show Options' icon on the bottom right.

(4) Lastly, scroll down to the bottom of the page and select 'Get the phone number.' A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

They will be happy to assist you immediately. 

If the unit is under warranty repair services under the manufacturer's warranty will be free of charge.

If I have answered your queries, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, 

Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" button for my efforts to help you.

Have a great day!

[Nulion]

Thank you!

I have checked, and the switch isn't stuck at all. I really am not sure what to do here...

I have attempted contacting HP support, but since my computer is out of warranty, they essentially told me I was out of luck, and my only option (without paying for tech support) is to post about the issue here on the forums.

This feels like an issue I should be able to fix myself; I merely need a place to begin.

[Grzwacz]

Hi

Three items work together to control power functions on the motherboard:

1. The switch

2. Embedded micro processor. This processor communicates with the various BIOS power states to determine what happens when you depress the power switch, and

3. The embedded micro processor chip firmware.

Replace the switch. It may be very difficult to find this item.

Check the power switch connections on the motherboard.

Try resetting the BIOS by pulling the CR2032 battery, wait about 10 minutes. Then reinsert or replace the battery.

You would have to replace the motherboard if the micro processor chip or chip firmware is on it's way to a slow death.

Tom

[Nulion]

Thank you!

I'm going to try and find a new switch if possible.

As for the 2032 battery...where is it located (I'm guessing the motherboard), and what all will happen when the BIOS is reset?

[Grzwacz]

Hi

You are welcome.

The CR2032 battery location on the Jasmine MB is near the PCIe x16 graphics card expansion slot.

Replacing this battery will reset the BIOS to defaults. It may reestablish communication between the power switch micro controller and the BIOS. If this does not help then the micro controller or the power switch may be failing.

One other possible item to look at is the power supply. Your PC is about five years old. Components start to fail around this time.

Tom

[wb2001]

@Nulion,

The actual switch part number is located on the cable.  It's a tag.  These examples are for p6-2xxx series:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Pavilion-P6-2112b-Desktop-Original-Power-Switch-Cable-644073-001-GLP-/40...

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/HP-Pavilion-P6-2005NL-P6-2005NLM-Power-Button-P-N-644073-001-/291992402668?ha...

Is it one of the two I referenced?  Each has a different part number listed in the ad.

Before using the service manual, be sure to unplug the power cord from the back of the computer. The limited service manual does explain how to remove the side panel and the front cover. That should give you a viewing angle on the cabling, and a look at the switch.  While your in the case, I would unplug the switch cable from the motherboard, and reseat it. It could be that simple.

[Nulion]

Thanks again everyone!

I had just gotten through attempting to unseat the plug from the motherboard and reseat it; that didn't work.

As for the power supply, it is a somewhat newer aftermarket one powerful enough to run a higher powered graphics card. (Outdated by current standards); a 400 watt one.

I haven't tried replacing the CR2032 battery yet; I'll be giving that a shot when I get my hands on one.

Thank you so much, wb2001, the first link you shared, the P6-2112b, seems to be the right one!

I've got the front and side panels opened, but have no idea how I'd go about replacing it; there is barely even room to -see- inside that area, let alone put my hand in there.

[Nulion]

Okay, wait. *Sigh* My apologies. I found the tag; before, I was going off the shape of the plug itself; the tag reads "657267-00"

[Nulion]

657267-001 (Doing this from mobile, so my apologies!)