My Laptop's Power is GONE

[seanfb91]

One night the other week, I left my laptop on and plugged it to the adapter to be charged in the morning. Next morning, the battery light on the panel is flashing  which means the battery is low and needs to be charged. I checked to see if it was plugged correctly and it was. So I moved it to other outlets in the house and another house as well. Nothing. The charger seemed fine, the light was on, so it seemed fine. So I thought it was either the laptop or the battery.  I looked up the battery online and the model iis a BATCLS0L Lithium Ion Battery. Some sites said that specific model last from 2-3 years, and mine is almost 4 years old now.

Is there something else I should know about? Should I have my computer looked at? What should I do, because I CANNOT boot my laptop at the moment.

[seanfb91]

If anyone needs anymore info, my laptop is a Compal Chembook 2071 (DL71). What can I do to get my computer revived?

[dahlarbear]

Check the cord going into and out of the AC power adapter (transformer).  Ensure those connections are secure (and haven't worked loose).  If you have a voltmeter, check the DC voltage out of the AC power adaptor to ensure it matches rated value on transformer.  If you replace the adapter, you need to match the DC voltage and current requirements of your laptop.  These differ among laptop makes and models so you can't necessarily use your buddy's adapter.

With laptop power off (and AC power adaptor cord removed), remove the battery completely; then see if laptop will boot from wall circuit with the AC power adapter.

[drmsucks]

Some sites said that specific model last from 2-3 years, and mine is almost 4 years old now.

Sounds like time for a new battery.

How'd did you make out with this:

With laptop power off (and AC power adaptor cord removed), remove the battery completely; then see if laptop will boot from wall circuit with the AC power adapter.

[seanfb91]

Nope, the laptop will only work with the battery. I'm dreading pulling money out to buy a new battery...

[dahlarbear]

Nope, the laptop will only work with the battery. I'm dreading pulling money out to buy a new battery...

Say what?  I thought the battery was discharged.

I assumed laptop design would support operation off the AC power adaptor when battery is removed.  I thought that method was commonly used to isolate a battery as the problem device.  If the laptop doesn't run in that configuration, isn't it possible:
    o  AC power adapter is defective (hence doesn't charge battery or run computer)
    o  Laptop circuity needs a power reset? (Someone with more experience would have to confirm whether this is even possible.)

Do laptop batteries surrender without some warning?

[drmsucks]

Do laptop batteries surrender without some warning?

Decreased use times.

A 4 year old battery almost surely needs replacement - but, you're right, that doesn't rule out other causes of the current problem, e.g., the power adapter.

[seanfb91]

Should I look into getting a new adapter? Or a new battery? I should I have my laptop looked at? Either way, it's money coming out of my pocket. 

[drmsucks]

Should I look into getting a new adapter? Or a new battery? I should I have my laptop looked at? Either way, it's money coming out of my pocket. 

Not a pleasant prospect

It seems highly likely that the battery is shot; however, I'm puzzled as to why the computer won't power up with the battery removed and the adapter plugged in. Many computers can operate this way but I don't know if yours should or not.

Can you get support from the manufacturer to help guide you?

Best of luck!

[dahlarbear]

I don't have experience with laptop batteries (or laptops), but I'm convinced you should be able to run it without the battery.

With the battery removed and the AC power adapter disconnected, press and hold the power on button for ten seconds or so (to bleed off any residual charge - hopefully circuits will reset and firmware initialize when power reapplied).

Now with the battery removed and the AC power adapter connected, press and hold the power on button for ten seconds or so.  Trying to clear a lockup condition.  Working blind here.  While I found some documentation on the internet for your laptop (I believe I even found the User Guide), it provided no useful troubleshooting information.

Once again, find a voltmeter and test the DC output voltage at the end of the AC power adapter cable (end that connects to computer).  Ensure it meets the spec for the computer plus or minus five percent.  If it's the original power adapter for your laptop, the DC voltage rating should be listed on the transformer housing of the AC power adapter.  Check for intermittent wire connectivity (broken or worn wires in cable) and ensure connections in/out of transformer are seated (haven't worked out or loose).

Does the power input jack on the laptop seem secure?  Not loose or broken?

[jamesj2001]

Dude, everybody's right.

STEP 1 IS ALWAYS....

plug it in and turn it on with the battery removed.

Come on, just give it a try.

[BC_Programmer]

I have a Toshiba Satellite 440CDX from 1996. I must have really gafoozled the battery, because now it won't last more then 4 seconds with it plugged in.(even WITH the AC) However, my first step was removing the battery and running off AC. worked like a charm.


I think the whole reason behind this is with the battery present, the AC input is used to charge the batterym which subsequently supplies the computer. If the battery is old (especially in my case, 12 years) the battery breaks the link by not supplying the proper outputs to the laptop. Thus the inability to boot. Obviously, removing the battery must initiate some workaround where the AC input is beinh used directly as the source.

[drmsucks]

Dude, everybody's right.

STEP 1 IS ALWAYS....

plug it in and turn it on with the battery removed.

Come on, just give it a try.

Read the thread.

[seanfb91]

My uncle who works for a computer company, built my laptop and says that the problem is most likely the charger instead of the battery.

[drmsucks]

My uncle who works for a computer company, built my laptop and says that the problem is most likely the charger instead of the battery.

Let us know how you make out! But, be prepared - batteries older than 4 years don't have much life left.

Final thought - check the output of the adapter as suggested above by dahlarbear; sounds like your uncle would have a multimeter; or take it to a computer repair place, I would think that they would check it free of charge.

Best of luck!