Western Digital WD2500JS

[Misko78]

Hello everyone,

My friends, WD2500JS stopped working out of the blue. She has almost all of her documents and pictures on this drive and unfortunately never did a backup.
Drive now spins-up makes 6 clicks then down; up and makes 2 clicks than down; up and makes 2 clicks than down. Then it stops and nothing is heard from the drive.

Drive is:

MDL: WD2500JS-22NCB1
DATE: 22 AUG 2006
DCM: DSBHCT2AHB

By chance i have similar working 2500JS drive:

MDL: WD2500JS-55NCB1
DATE: 16 JUN 2006
DCM DSBHNTJAH

As i searched through forums i found that some gurus say that it is almost certain head related and it could be done by a pro only, but some other say that it could be PCB problem. My questions are:

1. Can i do a PCB swap without replacing U12 ROM? If yes is there a potential risk to burn my working PCB. I'm a very skilled in soldering but would like to know this as i would like to skip it if it is possible.
2. Drive hadn't suffered from any mechanical force, what are the odds of data salvage by a pro.

Thanks in advance.

[networks]

Most likely yes head issue, no you can't swap pcb and it work without moving the rom chip over.

[northwind]

If you swap pcb without rom transfer you just drill a hole in water.
These drives need to have their rom transferred.

Judging by your description, this could be a pcb-head-mimic-problem. Actually, i'm almost positive this is the case.

[Misko78]

Thanks for answers.

In your opinion should i try to swap PCB, with ROM change of course, before going to pro or not?

[northwind]

You have PM

[Misko78]

By a pure chance i had another compatible PCB sitting in drawer, i swap ROM and everything works now. HDD scan shows no bad sectors, all files are intact and SMART readout is healthy. northwind was a great adviser and mad me think twice before any step because truly it is a work for a pro.

[Nick_CT]

We like happy endings

[pondgreg]

Hi,
I have exactly the same problem, with exactly the same model of drive. I too am happy working with a soldering iron and surface mount components.
Please could you either PM me or post the gem of information which allowed you to fix this yourself?
I've located the U12 ROM, which is a start I guess and intend to purchase a donor drive on eBay as I have no identical logic boards.

Any info appreciated.

Greg.

[pcimage]

The only DIY thing you can do is get a new PCB and transfer the ROM chip at U12.

I can supply you a board for this, but please bear in mind that this may well not fix your issue as 9/10 times it is a heads issue on this model.