CF-30 shutting down when plugged in in vehicle

I have a cf-30 model number CF-30CTQAZBM. Every so often while I am in my work truck with the computer running it will shut down without any input from me. I haven't been looking at it when it happened. I have run various spyware programs on it and found nothing. I am still running XP. It has a 750GB HDD, backlit KB, FP reader, factory GPS, AT&T wwan, CD/DVD combo drive, and BT. When it shuts down, sometimes it won't turn back on immediately. I pull the battery and hard drive caddy out and let it sit a minute before trying again. I replace them, and it will power up. It has happened when the battery is full and on ac power. It has happened while the battery was charging on ac power. I am stumped. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I have been using a panasonic power adapter plugged into a 150 watt inverter. I just recently started using a power plus 16v 4.5a 72w plugged into a 12v socket coming straight from the battery with a 25a fuse. It has happened with both power adapters.

 

Overheating?
Thermal pads needs replaced?
Power port is bad and needs replaced?

 

How do I tell if any of the above are the culprit?

 

I usually keep one of the ac vents pointed toward the toughbook. I don't believe overheating is the culprit. I have left my toughbook in my bag running after coming into the motel and did not get it out till I was done showering. It has always stayed running.

 

I am thinking power noise/spike from the inverter. 150 Watts is not powerful enough I don't think.

 

But then what about when I am using the 12 volt plug? It has happened a few times with both.

 

Unless you are using a quality 400 Watt inverter or a Lind 12V adapter... You are going to see issues with power spikes (up and down)... The Toughbook needs a quality AC and DC adapter to function reliably!

 

Try it on battery only and see if it does it.

Check the power port by wiggling the plug going into the laptop. See if anything happens. Pay particular attention to the charging light.

As soon as it shuts off, feel the bottom and see how hot it is. You can also download various free temperature monitors.

 

Here are some troubleshooting steps you can take to try narrow down which part to focus on.

1. remove hard drive & battery & run on A/C power only. Check for loose power jack as mentioned by Shawn)
2. remove hard drive & battery & run on 12v charger and test if you get the random power cut off without booting into O/S.
3. Power up on battery only & remove hard drive. Test for vibration into the unit by doing dropping it flat numerous times from about 1-2cm off your test surface to check for any a lose connection associated with power/charging.
4. Observe the heat produced before and after shutdown by touching the flat surface just underneath the stylus holder and near the escape key.

If this all passes, then you can look into the O/S & applications you are running that may be causing power shutdown.