Like all energy storage devices, batteries that power a laptop
eventually lose their capacity to hold a charge. Repairing a battery is
generally more cost effective than replacing the whole thing because you
can retain the digital circuitry that controls it. Laptops usually have
a battery check program that enables you to evaluate the condition of
the device. The program will recommend that you replace the battery when
one or more cells have low capacity or have completely lost the ability
to accept a charge.
Check the Battery Status
If the
program to check your battery status is not already on your computer,
you can download and install the appropriate program. After you run the
program, the system will generate a report regarding the overall status
of the battery. A single bad cell can shorten the total life of the
laptop battery pack. If your laptop has multiple batteries, you must run
the check on each specific one. Before you repair your laptop battery,
ensure that you read and understand the terms of your computer warranty.
Drain and Remove the Laptop Battery
It
is essential that you fully drain the battery before removing it from
your computer. This ensures that all cells will have an equivalent
charge when you install the new components. Use a screwdriver to remove
the back of the battery pack. To avoid damaging your laptop, you must
use power cells with the same chemical composition and power rating
recommended by the manufacturer. Record the model number of the battery
and the part number of each cell so that you order the correct
replacements.
Remove the Old Cells
Use a utility knife
to cut open the plastic that encloses the power cells. Before removing
the power cells from the battery tray and disconnecting the lead wires,
verify whether the laptop battery needs to maintain a charge in order to
retain any data in a memory, such as the resistor value or fuel gauge
function. In these instances, you must maintain a secondary power source
to the circuit while replacing the worn out cells. Ensure that you
disconnect and reconnect the wires in the proper sequence. This may
require the assistance of a voltmeter to properly determine which are
the positive, negative, clock and data connections for the battery
circuit.
Install the New Cells
Place the new power
cells in the tray, connect the electrical contacts and cover them with
the plastic. Batteries normally remain in the correct position, but you
may need to bond them into place if the wires were damaged when the
power cells were removed. When soldering, it is critical that you avoid
excess heat that can damage the cells or electrical circuit. Reassemble
the battery pack housing.
Install the Battery
Determine whether your battery has an on/off switch. A laptop battery
that cannot be turned on when the circuit is connected to a ground may
require a special code from the manufacturer. Verify that the
polarization is correct and that you are using a compatible charger. Use
a slow charge if the cells have a different state-of-charge. Do not try
to charge damaged cells or ones with different chemical properties.
Fully charge the batteries before using the laptop.
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