Problems replacing Aspire V5-552P wifi card with Intel 7260

Hello folks,

I have been having issues with my laptop's wifi for a while now. My laptop has a Atheros AR5BWB5222 PCIE chip. The signal strength is always really low, and it disconnects frequently. So, I bought an Intel 7260. But when I replaced the chip and turned on the laptop, the laptop turns on, but the screen remains blank. I've noticed that I can turn the laptop keyboard lights on/off, but I can't do much else. I can't even get to the BIOS screen.

Does the Intel 7260 chip not work on my laptop? If so, what chip do work? Am I supposed to install some driver before I replace the chip? Any help on this would be appreciated.

Thank you!

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JackE

The Intel card should have the same conductor form & slot location as depicted in the image below. Did you check that the antenna wires are properly connected to clean terminals and routed through to the lid? It's possible the antenna wires might be damaged in the hinge area from opening and closing the lid too much. This could explain poor signal signal strength and dropouts. Jack E/NJ

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/jh/9d87s0xcob9e.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/dx/u3xo18xopscu.jpg

buttlet

Hey Jack, The Intel chip fits perfectly into the slot. Also, I found that if I turn on the laptop first without the wlan, and then plug in the chip after the laptop has booted, the wlan chip works fine, although the signal strength is still at around 40% although it doesn't disconnect. Then, if I shut down the computer, and turn it on again, it has the same problem of nothing being displayed. But if I restart it, it boots with problems. Perhaps there's a problem with the BIOS? Also, the fact that the signal strength is still weak with both chips makes me think that there's something wrong with the black and white wires?

Appreciate your help on this!

JackE

Don't mess with the BIOS firmware due to the danger of bricking the machine. And don't hotplug the Intel just because it fits and the only way it'll work. The antenna and/or its feeder lines from the old atheros card thru the hinge area is the likely issue. Clean up the antenna contacts first. Use the old card, not the intel. Below's a list of compatible cards and part nos. However, I don't think there's anything wrong with your old Atheros card, just its antenna connections. Jack E/NJ

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/hg/dxha46e6x6da.jpg

buttlet

I see. I plugged in the original wifi card. I'm not sure how I"m supposed to be cleaning the antenna connectors. I just wiped the ends with a cloth. Do you know where the connectors go past the laptop hinge, and how I can get there? I think there might be something with the antenna wires.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/jl/1vvz32agbcvg.jpg

I switched the black and white antenna connectors. Seems to help detect more networks, but still having issues connecting.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/1d/06ejcwc31rk8.jpg

Not sure where the connector wires go past that hinge. I don't want to open up everything and mess things up even more.

JackE

Yes, a paper towel or cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol should be fine. Since the antenna itself is inside the back of the screen lid and not particularly easy to get at (as shown in the link below), I would instead experiment with the orientation of the router's external antenna as their polarization relative to the laptop's antenna can sometimes make a huge difference. Most router's have two antenna almost like TV rabbit ears that can be independently oriented from vertical thru horizontal positions as well as re-positioning the router itself. Lot's of combinations to try. Good luck. Jack E/NJ

http://www.notebookpartsshop.com/new-original-acer-aspire-v5552-v5552g-v5552p-nontouch-lcd-hinges-fbzrk023010-fbzrk0240-p-1200.html

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