148 If Something Goes Wrong
Power and the batteries

Power and the batteries

Your computer receives its power through the AC adaptor
and power cord/cable or from the system batteries (battery
and real-time clock (RTC) battery). Power problems are
interrelated. For example, a faulty AC adaptor or power
cord/cable will neither power the computer nor recharge the
batteries.
Here are some typical problems and how to solve them:
The AC power light does not come on when you
plug in the AC adaptor and power cord/cable.
Make sure the AC adaptor and power cord/cable are firmly
plugged into both the wall outlet and the computer.
If the AC power light still does not come on, check that the
wall outlet is working properly by plugging in a lamp or other
appliance.
The AC adaptor and power cord/cable work
correctly, but the battery will not charge.
The battery does not charge while the computer is
consuming full power. Try turning off the computer.
The battery may not be inserted correctly in the computer.
Turn off the computer, remove the battery, clean the contacts
with a soft dry cloth (if necessary) and replace the battery.
See “Removing the battery from the computer” on page 100.
The battery may be too hot or too cold to charge properly. If
you think this is the probable cause, let the battery reach
room temperature and try again.
If the battery has completely discharged, it will not begin
charging immediately. Leave the AC adaptor and power
cord/cable connected, wait 20 minutes and see if the battery
is charging.
If the battery light is glowing after 20 minutes, let the
computer continue charging the battery for at least another
20 minutes before you turn on the computer.
If the battery light does not glow after 20 minutes, the battery
may have reached the end of its useful life.
The battery appears not to power the computer for
as long as it usually does.
If you frequently repeat shallow charge and discharge, the
battery meter may become inaccurate. Let the battery
discharge completely, then try charging it again.