Another T2x Charging Problem

[jmarinis]

I've been searching through the forum trying to see if someone has had a problem similar to mine, but it seems mine is a bit unique.

I was having problems charging the original battery that came with my T20 (from back in 2000). I bought a new oem battery and it seems that the battery was not the problem.

The symptoms are this:

I have a completely discharged battery (less than 5% remaining). When I plug in the ac adapter, it begins to charge without a problem for about 10 mins (battery indicator is solid amber). At that time, the charge can be anywhere from 8%-25% depending on which battery I use. Then the charge jumps to 100% and the battery indicator turns solid green. If I disconnect the ac adapter, it runs normally for a few minutes until suddenly the battery indicater starts blinking amber and the T20 goes into hibernation mode because the battery charge is now under 5%. This happens with both the old and new battery.

Any thoughts other than replacing the system board?

Thanks,

Jim

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

It does sound like there's something wrong with the motherboard's charging circuits. An alternative to charging the battery inside the laptop is to use an external charger like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0145228373

What you are looking for is an IBM FRU of 02K6642 or P/N 02K6641.

edit: If you are handy with a soldering iron and are willing to take the system apart (keyboard and maybe keyboard bezel), check this thread:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 700#328700

It may be the cause of your charging problem. It's on a T23 but I think the layout of the T20 is about the same.