Thinkpads Forum

I had read somewhere that it was dangerous to leave a dead battery
in a laptop. Is this true for thinkpads?

I don't know about dangerous, but I figure it can't be good if the machine is constantly trying to charge a dead battery. I have Presario laptop that was running very hot and had a dead battery. What I did was open the battery case and remove the dead cells. I then resealed the empty battery case and returned it to the bay so that it didn't effect the air circulation. It made a difference.

I believe some laptops will run slower with no battery installed, but I have to assume that's due to the absence of a functioning battery. I can't imagine any difference exists with a dead battery provided the chip knows the cells are dead and prevent charging them regardless.

The chip is the issue. If it says it's dead, then I assume no charging takes place and you simply have extra weight you don't need. Removing it can only help dissipate heat.

Just so you know, while obtaining a new battery is best (check outlet.lenovo.com for deals), replacing the cells in a dead battery is not impossible. I would not recommend that for anyone without previous experience of electronics repair, but there are posts about successful attempts here (use the search).

Majestic wrote:I don't know about dangerous, but I figure it can't be good if the machine is constantly trying to charge a dead battery.

Is there a setting so that the laptop does not attempt to recharge the dead battery?

VIBM wrote:Is there a setting so that the laptop does not attempt to recharge the dead battery?

Not, that I am aware of.