Is this an accessable fix? Is it possible to purchase a new power switch? If not, any work around?
astrohoof
The Dell p/n Y1224 - Control Panel, with power button, for Dell 8400 Computers, can be purchased from HERE
The power switch and circuit board is one unit. Dell has not published a guide to remove the front bezel of the Dimension 8400, you can use this GUIDE, it's for an Optiplex GX50 Small Mini Tower, the procedures are the same.
A hint: The Dimension 8400 also, has a Hex headed screw on inside right side of front bezel/panel, just below the front USB ports, holding the front panel to the metal chassis, this MUST be removed and is not mentioned in the guide.
Bev.
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Bev: Wow, What marvelous help! I've already ordered the control panel via your provided link!
I also really appreciate the pointers on getting the front bezel off! You are a life saver.
Thanks a bunch,
Dennis
Happy to have helped.
I've a dead power switch on my Dimension 8400 too...
Do you happen to know the pin-out configuration of the front panel connector?
Such that I might be able to power up the Dimension by shorting the power switch pins?
The front panel is not Pins. The power button goes to a 16 pin ribbon cable to a U1456 Board
There is a 20 pin ribbon connector that goes to a front panel board W3300.
Pinouts are not available not posted for any dell.
Helps to know What Model Case. The Dells have a Naming Convention. Most 8400 used the Skydive Tower Chassis.
Dimension 8400 Front I/O USB Audio Panel Board M5989
1
U1456 cable connector
4
securing screw
2
front-audio cable connector
5
chassis-intrusion switch cable connector
3
Motherboard cable connector
6
internal speaker cable connector
Report Unresolved Customer Service Issues here: Dell - Unresolved Customer Service IssuesI do not work for Dell. I too am a user. The forum is primarily user to user, with Dell employees moderating.
kun1he2
Dell has never published the pin outs of their front panel connectors/cables.
U1456 Via 16 Pin Ribbon plugs into > M5989 Board then Via 20 pin Ribbon Plugs into >motherboard.
You would have to reverse engineer the 2 boards and ribbon cable to figure out which goes where.
Thanks, realised that that was the case...
But I guess it is still possible that someone here might have mapped out the pin configuration on their own accord?
kun1he2 Thanks, realised that that was the case... But I guess it is still possible that someone here might have mapped out the pin configuration on their own accord?
Seeing as the Pins are VERY VERY TINY for the Front Panel Ribbon I do not believe that anyone ever tried this.
If I Did do such a thing it would be to the Pins on the 16 pin header which are inside on the back face of the machine
ITEM #1
With a meter it should be possible to trace the push button pins on the Front Control Panel Board.
HOWEVER Given the AGE of this system its much more likely that the power supply is bad.
Not sure if this link actually holds the key?
scarvell.net/.../index.php
Which pins do I short to simulate a power button press? Pin 20 and... ?
That Link is a good Guess. OM686:Dell 0M686 GX260 TOWER Front USB Audio Panel is the same on the GX280 and Dimension 8400 etc with SKYDIVE Mini Tower. I don't see an exact correlation between this and the power switch however. If you guess wrong you may damage things.
Looks Very Similar to
http://www.lnmdesign.com/400sc/front_pnl.html
Located halfway up under the front bezel section with the ventilation holes.
Photo available of the backside and a super-duper overlay and a bigger size front.
See Control Panel documentation.
From the pin-side:
From pin-side:
From solder-side:
When unconnected to a 3.5 jack:
When connected to a jack:
This I cannot be bothered with, way too many surface mounted components. You are welcome to drop me an email (@ 400sc-at-peterlada-dot-com) if you draw a circuit diagram, or have any info.