Question:

Im trying to fix an hp dv6000 laptop for a friend. The problem is it just powers off out of nowhere, but only if its plugged in AND the hp dv6000 battery is in. You can run it off just the hp dv3 battery or plugged in without the battery with no problems, just not both. I have tested this with a new battery and new power cable so Im sure its the combination of the two that is causing the problem. I have updated the bios to the latest version to no avail, the laptop scans virus free and runs well aside from this problem. I have seen many people online with the same problem, however there I havent found any solutions. Just wondering if any of you had some ideas on things to try that might work. Thanks!

Answer:

You have tested this with a new hp dv2000 battery and a new power cable… and this new laptop battery (which isn’t going to be a generic thing…) and this new power cable… they were both specifically for this model laptop?

First, ENSURE that the “new” power cable is putting out 90 watts… in that it is rated Output 18.5V , 4.9A. It cannot be anything different. I don’t care how close…. or if it is 19.5 volts and 4.6 amps… if it is not 18.5 volts and 4.9 amps… then there is the first problem. Why? Because in order for this laptop to run AND charge the battery, the power source needs to be 18.5 volts, and it needs to provide 4.9 amps of juice. Can a laptop run by itself on a lower supply of power? Sure… if the laptop didn’t have to charge the battery, this laptop might run fine on 18.5 volts and 3.5 amps… say 65 watts.

Second, examine the cooling system. Make sure the fan works AND make sure the cooling channel is clear. That means disassembling the laptop, and examining the leading edge of the cooling fins that the fans push air through. Chances are, years of use have piled up enough dust, dirt and hair there to create a rectangular piece of FELT. Clean the Fan, clean the channel, and make sure there is free flow of air through that channel. Why? Because when the laptop has a battery attached and it must charge the hp dv4 battery (or maintain the charge) the laptop will generate more heat overall, which will cause the processor to get hotter, which creates a greater demand for being able to shed the heat faster… which can only be done with a clear cooling channel. If the cooling channel is clogged, it will shut down due to overheating faster…. and make no mistake… with a large, solid mass in the laptop like a hp laptop battery, the unit will get hotter faster…. just having the battery in the unit, will cause the battery to get warmer as it charges, which will in turn cause the unit itself to get warmer… see where this is going? So… make sure the cooling channel is clear, and the fans work.