Thinkpad T30. Charging Issue. How can I find the issue?

[rokiee]

Hi mates !

I have an older T30 with charging issue.

When I plug the PC to the electric current it does not charge the battery and it does not get amps. I can use the PC using the power cord. I can charge the battery with an external charger but I can't through the computer.

When the battery is connected and the PC working, it always show "CHARGING" even if it isn't charging.

I can use the PC without battery or if I charge it externally.

When the battery is plugged the moon icon is always ON. If I power off the PC the moon led is always on (yellow color).

I think the problem is on the motherboard but: Where must I search for?

I'm sorry for my english.

Regards from Spain.

[axur-delmeria]

Your problem is a board-level issue, and requires detailed information regarding the T30's power systems to troubleshoot.

Another requirement is that you have knowledge and skills in electronics as well as the needed tools: multimeter, oscilloscope, soldering station, etc.

The first problem can be solved by hunting down the schematics of the T30. Posting links is not allowed in this forum, so Google is your Friend.

[rokiee]

Your problem is a board-level issue, and requires detailed information regarding the T30's power systems to troubleshoot.

Another requirement is that you have knowledge and skills in electronics as well as the needed tools: multimeter, oscilloscope, soldering station, etc.

The first problem can be solved by hunting down the schematics of the T30. Posting links is not allowed in this forum, so Google is your Friend.

Thanks for your reply.

I'm interested to know if someone had a similar problem and how solved it.

It's obvious that I need schematics and electrical tools.

Thanks you very much.

[Neil]

I once had a similar problem, just not with a T30, with a T40 (or T41), and solved it by replacing the system board. Not much help, I know, but that was the easiest, most economical solution for me.

[rkawakami]

Some more troubleshooting tips....

- If you can obtain a known working battery (one that charges as it should in another T30), see if the problem is repeated for that battery. If it is, then that is one major indication that the problem is on your motherboard.
- Try your battery in another T30 system. I know you have said it charges using an external charger but it could perform differently inside a laptop.
- If/when you take your system apart, look for obvious problems with components on both sides of the motherboard. This can be anything from holes or burnt spots on top of parts, indication of a previous liquid spill (discoloration or sticky areas) and loose parts rattling around in the base.

Even if you can determine that there's something wrong with one or more parts on the motherboard, it's usually not possible for the average user to repair it. It takes some skill to do the surface mount re-work (remove old part, install new one) and the proper equipment. Not to mention figuring out what the part is and getting a replacement that works. As Neil says, it is usually cheaper to replace the entire board than it is to try to repair it yourself. Of course there are exceptions; like the loose inductors on T23 boards which can fixed with some fairly easy soldering.

[thinkpadcollection]

download batteryinfoview and see if this utility can communicate with "defective" battery docked to T30 and provide info to you on status info like charging and discharging, current rate (think of mpg but in electricity)? This is what how computer checks the battery and the charging circuit itself is inside the battery as well.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection