W550s internal battery possibly bulging; replacement available?

[BurtieLad]

Hi all

First post and all that

I recently took possession of my old work laptop (W550S) as my own through a charitable donation. I'm saddened to say I hadn't noticed that it may have an internal battery fault. The case at the front (right by the left hand edge of the trackpad has opened up slightly and I think this could be the internal battery bulging.

I have installed and run Lenovo Diagnostics and both battery packs have passed just fine. Should the diagnostic program pick up a blown battery? I am away on holiday at the moment, otherwise I would open that case and take a look. I have seen genuine parts for around £70 but others for around £30. Anyone have experience of non-genuine parts? Naturally I know there is risk...

Any input gratefully received

[dr_st]

Welcome to the forum.

If the battery is physically deformed, but electrically is fine, the automated diagnostics tools will not pick it up. You'll have to open the case and see. It could be something simple as a misrouted wire or a loose/broken clip.