Battery problem with T43 (+)

[fmilovanov]

Hello, I have problem with batteries for my T43. The first one (non-genuine) served me fine for over two years, and some time ago it started to glitch: while PowerMeter showed charged and good condition, computer would occasionally (when running from battery) say "battery low" and go into sleep. Battery indicator started to blink yellow from time to time, and computer would just die (again, when running from battery) when you shake it, knock it.... as it was a bad contact somewhere. This was progressing, same people on Russian forum suggested bad contact on motherboard - I've decided to go for another battery.

Got new 9 cell, 7800mAh one from eBay, again - not genuine. Old problems stopped - it wouldn't blink yellow, would not die no matter how hard (reasonable) you shake/knock it.... but another problem surfaced: computer would die occasionally, even when it's running off charger! And it wouldn't start: powers up, blinks indicators, beeps, rotates CPU fan/DVD, and then dies... even with charger connected! Could do it 5-6 times before it starts - feels like something's draining too much power from charger. And once I disconnect battery - starts perfectly!

What can it be, folks? First battery alone looks like it just died, fine. Second battery alone would look like a defective one. But two batteries, both glitching (though in different ways).... coincidence, or there could be something wrong with the laptop itself, some capacitor dying....?

Other than that, my T43's in excellent condition, with IPS screen (basterds don't produce them any more!) so I don't want to just waste it. Already got new X200s and AFFS screen for it (waiting for cable/inverter to arrive), so I'll have a new laptop for myself, but would really like to give T43 to my brother - for his tasks CPU power will be more than enough, plus legendary durability, plus almost-impossible-to-get IPS screen, plus....

So, please help me! Love ThinkPads, can't imagine myself owning anything else!!!

[poshgeordie]

Welcome to the forums!

Does the laptop work fine with the battery removed and running just off the AC adapter?

With the battery connected, and the AC adapter plugged in, with the charge indicator lit if you waggle the DC plug does the charge indicator blink on and off?

[fmilovanov]

Hello poshgeordie,

Laptop works fine just from AC adapter. And when I waggle DC plug, charge indicator does not blink.

Thanks!

[MnR]

Hi,

Well the first thing I would say is that it is your choice of batteries. You said you bought aftermarket batteries. I had one that was Brand new. It work great for two charges Then would not charge any farther then 40%. Put an IBM battery in and works like a charm.

The problem is not with the batteries so much as it is with the Circuit board in the battery. I don't think there is anything wrong with your laptop, It is the choice of battery you are buying. Stick with the Real IBM Battery..

Good Luck,
MnR

[fmilovanov]

This is what I have realized. Will send that 9-cell crap back and have already ordered genuine IBM battery.

Thanks for the reply! ThinkPads forever!

[fmilovanov]

Received genuine IBM battery (manufactured in 2005!) - all problems are gone. ThinkPads forever!