T43 battery charging

[Baroodogs]

The T43 shuts off when the charger is removed. Reviewing Power Manager, the charge is at 82% and goes no higher no matter how long the chargers (tried several) are plugged in. This is the original battery with a mfr date of 2005. Full charge capacity reads 34.86 wh. Cycle count is 186 and current reads 0.01A.

Does this sound like a battery issue? I would think the T43 should work fine if charged to 80% before the charger is removed, but perhaps the T43 battery pack voltage drops below some threshold voltage as current is demanded.

Thanks

[Cola]

Hi!

Have you tried inserting another battery?
This way you can check if it's a battery or motherboard issue.

[Orclas]

Does it just "die" or does it do a controlled low battery shutdown?

Without having any particularly informed reason, my guess is that it's the battery. A dying battery (where individual cells are dead) may display a behaviour of taking charge & going to fully charged, but still having a very limited performance. I've seen this in both cell phone and car batteries.

[Cigarguy]

Got a battery with my new to me T61 that showed the exact same symptoms. Replaced the battery and everything is working great now.

[Baroodogs]

Thanks for the replies. In response to the question, the T43 does not go into a controlled shutdown, it just powers completely off the moment the AC charger is unplugged. I suspect it's a battery issue, especially given the age of the battery. I guess I wanted a little reassurance before buying a new battery. I wish I had another battery to isolate the issue, but not so.

Now to determine where to buy ... A Google search suggests a huge number of suppliers, varied prices and perhaps a bit of 'buyer beware' concerns.

Thanks!

[Orclas]

I seem to remember that there was this forum member who seemed to have a large stock of batteries for a wide range of machines, but I don't seem to be able to find him/his advert right now.

Anyone else knows?

[Neil]

I have some T4x batteries for sale...

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=102570

[Orclas]

I have some T4x batteries for sale...

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=102570

There you go Baroodogs!