[tonyblair]

Hi,

I've just bought a replacement charger for my Toshiba notebook. It isn't a Tosh part but is the same spec and a recognised replacement.

Problem: It charges fine when the notebook is not in use - ie switched off. When in use, it doesn't charge and the notebook runs out of power. The notebook is about 3 years old so the battery is not as good as when new - power runs out within 1.5 hours.

I've considered that the charger may be not functioning properly, or that there may be a dry joint in the motebook socket (but it charges when off), or a battery issue. Has anyone encountered this problem? Is this something common to Toshibas? Is there a standard answer or do I need to replace the charger / test the notebook's ability to take a charge using another charger? etc.

Any ideas and experiences gratefully received.

[Blackmirror]

Out of interest did you see this ?

Content Details

[wladicus]

Originally Posted by tonyblair

Hi,

Problem: It charges fine when the notebook is not in use - ie switched off. When in use, it doesn't charge and the notebook runs out of power. ... I've considered that the charger may be not functioning properly ... Has anyone encountered this problem? Is this something common to Toshibas? ...

Hi tonyblair,
This seems to be a common problem - check this link Toshiba Charging defect? - Notebook Forums and Laptop Discussion.
This link suggests that repairing the bios fixed the problem -> Laptop Repair Help Toshiba Satellite A105 battery charging problem
To see a whole slew of other discussions on this same problem just enter toshiba charging problem into Google search.
The simplest suggestion I saw was "Pull the battery from under the computer...wait a minute and insert battery...system will be back in default mode." I guess you should power off first before removing the battery.
Hope you find an answer soon.
Cheers,
walt

[tonyblair]

Thanks Blackmirror and Walt. I'm following up these suggestions as I write (ambidextrous!). I'll update the post when I have something conclusive.


Meanwhile, thanks again,

[Albert Lionheart]

I had a Tosh through the workshop a little while ago with this problem and tried the battery out trick. As this didn't work I shlepped the thing off to my expert fixer who muttered something about Tosh battery management chips and reflowed all the components on it. That fixed it and as far as I know (the client has not brought it back!) it is still working properly.

[tonyblair]

Hmm, that's another good one to add to the pile. I'm going to get it tested this weekend hopefully so I'll mention that too. Thanks.

[tonyblair]

Folks,

Guess what, the old battery-out trick worked! So far so good. Many thanks for all your suggestions.

[wladicus]

Who would have thought...
I'm glad it worked... and hope that it continues to work!