T60 hardware problem bettwen battery and computer

[yup]

I dropped my t60 (don't ask) and now it seems like there is something loose in the hardware that causes the battery to disconnect from the board. The computer will loose power if I change angels or hold it in a bad angle (but only when disconnected form the power cord). I have found that removing some of the screws around the battery dock helped make this problem happen less often (only with stronger movements) but this is still really annoying.
I took the computer apart but the area with the connection to the battery is very hard to get to and I don't see anything loose anywhere.

Any ideas / tips would be welcome. I was thinking of using some glue to stick the battery in place (I think after this battery dies it is time to put this 9 year old beast to rest anyway) but I would like to hear other options first as this one might not even work.

Thanks

[Neil]

Is it a latch that is broken? I've seen many a laptop with broken battery latches, and tape is often used to hold the battery in place. It's not pretty, but might be something to try before committing to gluing a battery in place.

[yup]

Nothing is visibly broken, at most maybe the multiple pin connector (battery dock) may be a bit slanted, but it wont budge so it actually may have always been that way.

[yup]

any other ideas?
thanks

[Neil]

Maybe a cracked solder trace where the battery power connector attaches to the system board. Can you check continuity of each pin with a multimeter?

[yup]

That is a good idea, but I have no Idea how to get at the board. I have stripped the computer almost all the way and still cant get to it. Is there an easy way to get there?

[Neil]

Unfortunately, no, there is no easy way. But, following the instructions in the Hardware Maintenance Manual for your model, should make the job easier.

If you have access to another T60 (maybe a friend has one), try swapping batteries to see if the fault is in the battery or the T60 itself. At least you would know which direction to look then.

[yup]

I have two it is not the battery.

thanks, will update if and when i get it open

[Neil]

Ah! It's nice to have parts available to swap around like that. Helps when trouble shooting.

Anyway, you are going to have to completely remove the system board from the chassis to get at the parts you need to look at. Not much fun, but not too difficult either. Just take your time, and follow the manual.