VAIO notebook computer battery troubleshooting guideline

Contained in this solution are a battery troubleshooting guideline, error message troubleshooting steps, recommendations on how to help maximize the battery life, and other important information regarding the battery.

This information represents a guideline for all battery related issues.

• Basic battery troubleshooting guideline
• Battery related error messages
• Maximize the battery life

NOTES:

• Only genuine Sony® batteries are supported for use in Sony VAIO® computers. Sony does not support third-party batteries.
• The advertised battery life specifications are estimated times only and will vary depending on usage.
• Extended life batteries for some models may be available for purchase at the Sony Retail Stores.
• For charging and connection instructions specific to your model, refer to the computer user guide.
• Ensure that all BIOS or battery application updates available for your model have been downloaded and installed from the Sony Support Web Site.
• The troubleshooting steps listed below should resolve your issue. If you have completed all of the steps and the issue is not resolved, service may be required.

Follow this basic troubleshooting guideline if the battery is not holding a charge or charging at all.

NOTE: Because several of these steps represent possible solutions to various issues, check the battery status periodically throughout this procedure.

1. Verify that a genuine Sony battery is being used.
2. Verify the correct AC adapter is being used, and that the AC adapter cord is properly connected and plugged directly into a known working AC power outlet.

   NOTE: If the battery charges correctly when the AC adapter is plugged directly into an AC power outlet, but not when plugged into a power strip or surge protector, the problem is with the power strip or surge protector and not the computer battery or AC adapter.

3. Ensure the AC adapter box power light is on. This will be an illuminated green light.

   NOTE: If the AC adapter power light is not on, the AC adapter and power cord will need to be replaced.

4. Verify the charging indicator is illuminated on the computer.

   NOTE: If the charging indicator on the computer is not illuminated, wiggle the AC adapter cord at the point where it is connected to the computer. If the charging indicator comes on the adapter cord may have just been loose. If the AC adapter cord is completely plugged in but the charging indicator blinks or does not come on when the cord is wiggled, then there may be a problem with the port on the computer. If this is the case, the computer will require service.

5. Ensure the power profile or power scheme is set for optimized battery life, lower the screen brightness, close all open programs and active wireless or Internet connections, disconnect all peripherals, eject any CD/DVD/BD disks, allow the battery to charge for at least one hour and then check the status.
6. Turn off the computer, remove the battery, confirm the battery contacts are free of any foreign material that may prevent charging, reinsert the battery back into the computer, verify that it is installed and locked properly, and then turn the computer back on.

   IMPORTANT: If the computer ships with a built-in battery (one that cannot be removed), use a pin or paperclip to press the Battery Off button on the underside of the notebook. Once the computer is turned back on, this will reset the battery to its default state. The exact location of the Battery Off button can be found in the Users Guide.

7. Use the Battery Care Function utility  to check the physical condition of the battery.

   NOTES:

   • The Battery Care Function utility is not available in all computers, and the Battery Care Function utility screens may have slight differences, depending on the computer model.
   • If the Battery Care Function utility shows the battery condition as anything less than Good, the battery may need to be replaced.
8. If the issue still exists, install a different compatible Sony battery, if available.

   NOTE: If a replacement battery charges and operates correctly, the problem is with the first battery.

9. If neither the original nor a replacement battery charges, service may be required for the computer.

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If one of the following error messages is displayed then either the battery is not installed and locked properly, the battery was removed while operating the computer, the Sony Notebook Utilities software is missing or corrupt, or you are using a non-Sony battery.

• This battery cannot be used with your computer. Please use only genuine Sony® batteries compatible with this computer.
• This is not a genuine Sony battery. Your computer will be going into hibernate mode to protect from possible damage by the battery.
• The installed battery may not be properly connected to the computer or may not be compatible with the computer.

Follow this procedure to troubleshoot these error messages:

IMPORTANT: If you have the error Battery is not for this model or not correctly connected, please follow this Knowledge Base Article .

1. Turn off the computer, remove the battery, confirm the battery contacts are free of any foreign material that may prevent charging, reinsert the battery back into the computer, verify that it is installed and locked properly, and then turn the computer back on.

   IMPORTANT: If the computer ships with a built-in battery (one that cannot be removed), use a pin or paperclip to press the Battery Off button on the underside of the notebook. Once the computer is turned back on, this will essentially reset the battery to its default state. The exact location of the Battery Off button can be found in the Users Guide.

2. Reinstall the Sony Notebook Utilities software using the VAIO Recovery software or download and install the original or an updated version of that software, if available.
3. Verify the original Sony battery is installed in the computer. If the battery has been replaced, verify it is a Sony authorized replacement battery. Check the part number to verify the battery is actually a Sony authorized battery. The part number of the battery can be found on the battery itself.

IMPORTANT: If the battery appears to be a Sony battery but the part number is not correct, the battery may be counterfeit. Please contact the Customer Experience Center at (239) 768-7545 to speak with a customer service representative.

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To help maximize the battery life, follow these recommendations:

IMPORTANT:

• The advertised battery life specifications are estimated times only and will vary depending on usage.
• Because Sony notebook computers ship with the default display brightness set to full and the Industry standard benchmark tests for battery life use a lower display brightness setting, as shipped the computer may have a shorter battery life than listed in the specifications.
• The display brightness for Industry standard benchmark tests is measured on a white screen, while on battery power, and while set at a reasonable middle setting. A middle brightness level will be one where it is bright enough for the display to be viewed in a common office environment, but not too bright for a darkened room. An easy way to get a white screen is to open Microsoft Paint in a full screen mode using a blank document just prior to running the test.
• While display brightness is a major contributor to shortened battery life, it is not the only reason. Examples of other activities that can and will reduce battery life are: Wireless and Internet connections, graphic intensive application usage, internal optical drive usage, external peripheral usage, environmental conditions (such as extreme heat or cold), and the hardware and software configurations being utilized.

NOTE: Not all of the following options are available on every notebook computer. For information specific to your computer, refer to the user guide or consult the specifications of the computer.

• Lower the screen brightness.
• Enable a battery optimized power scheme in the operating system or the VAIO Power Management application.
• Limit the use of the internal optical drive, such as playing DVDs.
• Limit the use of graphic intensive applications, such as video games.
• Limit the use of peripheral devices, such as external hard drives or optical drives, printers, PC cards, flash drives, and handheld devices.
• Lower the CPU speed.
• Change the performance selector to stamina mode if available.

NOTE: To determine if your model has the stamina mode setting, consult the specifications specific to your computer.

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