Battery safety precautions

Adhere to the following safety precautions when handling the battery:

• Never try to disassemble a battery pack.
• Don't touch the metal terminals of the battery with a metal object. Short-circuiting the battery terminals will cause the battery to overheat and may permanently damage the battery or the computer.
• Never incinerate a used battery. Burning the battery will cause it to explode and release toxic materials.
• If a battery is leaking or damaged, replace it immediately. Use protective gloves when handling a damaged battery.
• Replace the main battery with an identical battery.

Monitoring the battery charge

Charge the battery before you use it to power the computer. To charge the battery while it is in your computer, connect the computer to an AC power source and leave it turned off for a minimum of seven hours. The battery takes much longer to charge when the computer is on.

Use the battery indicator to monitor battery status:

• The indicator is amber while the battery is charging.

• The indicator is green when the battery is fully charged.

The battery can also be charged using an optional battery charger, which you can also purchase from your dealer.

The battery may not start charging immediately if:

• The battery is extremely hot or cold.
  To ensure that the battery charges to its full capacity, wait until it reaches room temperature (50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, 10 to 26 degrees Celsius).
  
• The battery is almost completely discharged.
  Leave the power connected and the battery should begin charging after a few minutes.
  
  NOTE: Once a battery pack is fully charged, we recommend you operate your computer on battery power until the battery pack discharges completely. Doing this extends battery life and helps ensure accurate monitoring of battery capacity.
   

Monitoring battery power

The computer's battery indicator gives you an indication of the battery's current charge.

• Green indicates a full charge.
• Amber indicates the battery is charging.
• Flashing amber indicates that the charge is running low.

To see how much battery power you have left:

HINT: Wait at least 16 seconds after turning on the computer before trying to monitor the remaining battery power. The computer needs this time to check the battery's remaining capacity and perform its calculations.
 

1. Click Start, then point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Power Management.
   In the Power Meter section of the dialog box, a bar composed of a series of boxes indicates remaining battery power. The longer the bar, the more power you have left. You can also show the remaining power as a percentage.
   
   TECHNICAL NOTE: The computer calculates the remaining battery charge based on the computer's current rate of power use and other factors such as the age of the battery.

The computer drains the battery power faster at low temperatures. Check your remaining charge frequently if you're working in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to do when you hear a battery alarm

The computer has two alarms designed to give you sufficient warning before your battery becomes fully discharged.

HINT: If Hibernation is enabled, your computer sounds one alarm. Instead of a second alarm, your computer automatically goes into Hibernation mode.
 

To set the alarm levels:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Power Management.
3. Select the Alarm tab.
   You can set each of the levels to the remaining percentage of charge at which you want to receive the Low Battery Critical Battery warnings. You can also set how the warnings occur--alarm sounds, text, both, or none. You can also configure the computer to go into Stand by mode or Shut down during the alarm warning.
   

Removing the battery

1. Save your work.
2. Shut down the computer or put it in Stand by mode according to the instructions in Using the Stand by command.
3. Remove all cables connected to the computer.
4. Close the display panel and turn the computer over so the underside faces up.
5. Carefully slide the battery release panel toward the front of the computer.

Removing the battery

1. Slide the battery away from the computer until it stops (about 3/4 inch).
2. Lift the battery module and remove it from the computer.
   WARNING: If the battery is leaking or its case is cracked, wear protective gloves. Discard the battery immediately, following the advice in Disposing of used batteries safely.
   WARNING: If the battery is leaking or its case is cracked, wear protective gloves. Discard the battery immediately, following the advice in Disposing of used batteries safely.

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Inserting a charged battery

1. Wipe the battery terminals of the charged battery with a clean cloth to ensure a good connection.
2. Place the charged battery into the battery cover with the battery's label facing the inside of the battery cover and its terminals facing the open end of the cover.
3. Slide the battery release panel in the unlocked position.
4. Without using force, place the battery and cover in the battery compartment.
   HINT: When properly seated, the battery cover is flush with the bottom of the computer.
    

1. Using light pressure, slide the battery toward the contacts in the battery compartment and hold in place.
2. Slide the battery release panel to the locked position.
   CAUTION: Failure to lock the battery cover into position can result in the battery dislodging from the computer.
    

1. Turn the computer right side up.
2. Reconnect any cables.
3. Turn on the computer.

Disposing of used batteries safely

You can recharge a battery pack many times, so it should last for years. When the battery pack needs replacing, the battery light flashes amber shortly after you have fully recharged the battery.

You must also discard a battery pack if it becomes damaged.

WARNING: The battery can explode if not properly handled or disposed of. Putting spent batteries in the trash is not only irresponsible, it may also be illegal.

Dispose of the battery as required by local ordinances or regulations. Use only batteries recommended by Toshiba as replacements.

The materials that came with your computer may include an insert regarding the disposal of batteries. If not, check with your local government for information on where to recycle of dispose of old batteries.