6 replies to this topic

[jnelsoninjax]

I've got an interesting issue with my Toshiba laptop. It randomly seems to not charge the battery, and the only method that I can use to get it to charge again is to remove the battery for 30 seconds or so, and then placing it back in. I am wondering if the issue is not the battery, but the system overheating? I do not have any sensor monitoring yet, so I am just speculating based on the fact that the laptop is very hot when picked up. Also worth noting is that the laptop is plugged in most of the time, and rarely runs just on battery. The laptop is about 2 years old.

[Snoopy2005uk]

It will kill your battery if its left on charge all the time, so my guess would be a dead battery.

[monkey13]

Contacts on the battery ok?

[BetaAddict]

Could be a loose power jack (the connector inside the computer attached to the motherboard). If the power cord is moving and putting pressure on the power jack, it could come loose and might explain why it is randomly disconnecting. It will only get worse with each time you plug/unplug.

[jnelsoninjax]

Snoopy2005uk, on 08 February 2012 - 14:35, said:

It will kill your battery if its left on charge all the time, so my guess would be a dead battery.

The battery itself is fine, I have run the computer off the battery and it has lasted for about 80-90 Mins, so the battery (being plugged in all the time) is not the issue.

BetaAddict, on 08 February 2012 - 16:01, said:

Could be a loose power jack (the connector inside the computer attached to the motherboard). If the power cord is moving and putting pressure on the power jack, it could come loose and might explain why it is randomly disconnecting. It will only get worse with each time you plug/unplug.

Odd thing you should mention that, the laptop fell on floor, and the DC jack was pushed in,(about a year ago) it was still under warranty so I sent it back for repair. Have not had any issues since, except for this new one!

[BetaAddict]

jnelsoninjax, on 08 February 2012 - 16:06, said:

Odd thing you should mention that, the laptop fell on floor, and the DC jack was pushed in,(about a year ago) it was still under warranty so I sent it back for repair. Have not had any issues since, except for this new one!

Relatively common laptop issue that is a result of poor product design. Nowadays, most well-designed laptops will make sure the plastic casing of the laptop supports to the opening for the power cord so that it does not put pressure on the power jack itself. But any excessive force and stress on the cord could still cause it to break loose.

Hopefully it is still under warranty, because most repair shops will charge you a hefty amount for simply opening up the laptop, replacing the jack, and soldering it. If you go to best buy, they will try to convince you that the entire motherboard needs to be replaced, which is b.s.

[jnelsoninjax]

^ It was under warranty when this happened! I just noted it as a perhaps something was not attached all the way!