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Maintenance & Service Guide
Presario 1600 Series Portable Computers

Notice | Preface | Home | Product Description | Troubleshooting | Illustrated Parts Catalog
Removal & Replacement Procedures | Specifications | Connector Pin Assignments | Battery Pack


Battery Pack

Solving Minor Problems

Some minor problems and possible solutions are outlined in the following tables.  If the problem appears related to a software application, check the documentation provided with the software.

Solving Battery Pack and Battery Gauge Problems

Some common causes and solutions for battery pack problems are listed below.  The Solving Power Problems section in this chapter may also be useful.

Solving Battery Pack and Battery Gauge Problems
Problem Probable Cause Solution(s)
Computer won't turn on when battery pack is inserted and power cord is unplugged. Battery pack is discharged. Connect the computer to an external power source and charge the battery pack.

Replace the battery pack with a fully charged battery pack.

Check the battery connectors on the system board to verify they are evenly spaced and that they are not bent or broken.

Computer is beeping and battery icon on the LCD status display is blinking. Battery charge is low. Immediately save any open file(s). Then do one of the following:
  • Connect the computer to an external power source to charge the battery pack.
  • Turn off the computer or initiate Hibernation until you can find another power source or charge the battery pack.
Computer battery icon on the LCD status display blinks to indicate low battery condition, but computer does not beep. Volume is turned down too low. Adjust the volume.
Battery icon doesn't light and battery pack won't fast charge. Battery pack is already charged No action is necessary
Battery pack was exposed to temperature extremes. Allow time for the battery pack to return to room temperature.
Battery pack is at end of its life. Replace battery pack.
You have to set the date and time every time you turn on the computer. RTC battery is dead. Replace the RTC battery.
Battery charge does not last as long as expected. Battery is being exposed to high temperatures or extremely cold temperatures. Keep the battery pack within the recommended operating temperature range 50° F to 104° F (10° C to 40° C) or recommended storage range -4° F to 86° F (-20° C to 30° C ). Recharge the battery pack.
Battery has partially self-discharged. Recharge the battery. Discharge the battery completely and then recharge it.
Power management is disabled. Set a power management level in Computer Setup.
An external device or PC Card is draining the battery. Turn off or disconnect external devices when not using them.
Battery pack is warm to the touch after charging. Normal warming has occurred due to charging. No action is required.
Battery pack operating time is far less than the documented average operating time. Power management is turned off or disabled. Enable power management in Computer Setup and in Windows Power Properties.
An external device or PC Card is draining the battery. Turn off or disconnect external devices when not using them.
Battery pack has partially self-discharged. Condition the battery pack by fully charging, fully discharging, then fully recharging it.

To maintain the charge, leave battery packs in the computer when it is connected to external power.

If the computer is disconnected from external power for more than two weeks, remove battery packs from the computer to reduce the discharge rate.

Battery pack is being exposed to high temperatures or extremely cold temperatures. Keep the battery pack within the recommended temperature ranges.
Operating: 50° F to 104° F (10° C to
40° C) Storage: -4° F to 86°
F (-20° C to 30° C )

Recharge the battery pack.

Back to Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics

 

 
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