CF-29 shuts off without warning

This problem started a few weeks ago where I'd by doing some simple tasks on the CF-29 (Word, Excel, etc) and without warning, the laptop will turn off. When I try the toggle switch to turn it on, the laptop does not respond. It's only until I plug it in will the laptop turn on again.

I thought this may be an overheating issue...but there's no fans/vents that I can check for dust/debris pileup. Could this be a bad battery? I did a battery recalibration last week and the laptop still would shut off randomly at different times. Usually I get an hour or so of continuously use until it shuts off. However, there have also been times where it'll be on only for about 20-25 min. before shutting off.

I'm thinking this may be a hardware issue? Do I need a new battery? Is there anyway I can better diagnose this problem?

Thanks!

 

This does sound like a battery issue. The fact that the CF-29 shuts off and will not restart until you plug in the power supply, is telling you the battery is almost dead. Time to replace the battery. Batteries have a life expectancy, like flashlight batteries, they eventually wear out, won't recharge, etc.

You probably bought the CF-29 "refurbished", at that time the "Battery Life" was used and projected life was unknown. How hard had the previous owner run the unit, unknown.
Unless your "reseller" stated "NEW BATTERY", most resellers state "used, condition unknown, as-is, no warranty on battery."

Yes, replacement batteries can be expensive for a "Factory Replacement" battery, a cheaper, off manufacturer battery, may not be the same or last as long, or they may out perform a "Factory Replacement" battery. That requires research about the replacement batteries in question.

Good Luck

 

If it shuts when running on battery only
And if you plug in the ac adapter and start up the toughbook it shows 5% and charging, well thats your battery
Recalibrate the battery and see if you can get a handle on runtime on battery

Alex

 

Thanks for the info! Yep, this was purchased used.

Apparently, this Toughbook likes to turn itself off around the 50% mark. When I plug it back in and turn it on, it charges from where it left off-- ~ 50%.
I'll recalibrate it again, but last time I did it apparently didn't help.

If I do need a new battery, I'm thinking on sending it off to Battery Refill to get a new set of cells replaced for $90. What do ya'll think? I've heard some good feedback regarding those guys.

 

that is indicative of a bad battery,

 

Thanks, guys! Do ya'll have a reputable source for a new battery? I thought about trying out Battery Refill, but I've heard that they've pretty much are a hit and miss (more on the miss).

I see there's lots of options at Amazon.

Should I just stick with the OEM Panasonic battery? I'm looking to get the highest capacity one I can get.

Thanks!

 

Stick to the oem one as it is the heart of your machine. If you want a high capacity bat., look on a battery for cf-29 with yellow tab.


ohlip

 

Thanks! Would you have a source for those yellow tabs? Seems like all the ones I can find are the blue-tab versions.