94 Mobile Computing

Taking care of your battery

Taking care of your battery
The following sections offer tips on how to take care of your battery
and prolong its life.

Safety precautions

❖If the battery pack produces an odor, overheats or changes
color or shape while it is being used or charged, turn off the
computer’s power immediately and disconnect the power
cord/cable from the power socket. Carefully remove the battery
pack from the computer.
❖Do not try to disassemble a battery pack.
❖Do not overcharge or reverse charge a battery. Overcharging
will shorten its life, and reverse charging could damage it.
❖Avoid touching the metal terminals of the battery with another
metal object. Short-circuiting the battery can cause it to
overheat and may cause damage to the battery or the computer.
❖Do not incinerate a spent battery, as this could cause it to
explode and release caustic liquid.
❖If a battery is leaking or damaged, replace it immediately. Use
protective gloves when handling a damaged battery.
❖To replace the main battery, use an identical battery that you
can purchase through the Toshiba Web site at
accessories.toshiba.com.
❖A reverse polarity condition should be avoided with all
batteries. The main battery is designed so that it cannot be
installed in reverse polarity.
❖Charge the battery only in the computer or in a battery charger
designated as an approved option.
❖When you install the battery pack, you should hear a click
when it is seated properly.
❖Do not expose the battery pack to fire. The battery pack could
explode.