DIY Guide to Replace Toshiba Unknown CMOS Battery
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 5 Steps
Heads up! Because of the potential risks involved, this is really meant for older notebooks that don’t have many, if any, commercially available replacement parts. If you can find a pre-built replacement, that’s usually a smarter choice since the cost is pretty similar to this process. Plus, it’s a bit tricky and could lead to the same issues as a dead battery if the tape doesn’t hold up.
Guide notes:
We recommend using liquid electrical tape for this job since it can be easily removed if things go awry and offers a better seal without the hazards of heatshrink and a butane flame.
Keep in mind that every laptop is unique, so yours might differ from the one shown here. Check out iFixit or the manufacturer’s website for guidance. NOTE: SOME TOSHIBA LAPTOPS HAVE THIS SOLDERED TO THE MOTHERBOARD.
This guide is specifically for coin cell rebuilds, so steer clear of using it for other battery types.
When applying tape to the cell, be super careful not to create a direct short.
If your laptop’s CMOS battery has decided to take a permanent vacation and the original manufacturer isn’t selling replacements anymore (and finding aftermarket ones is like searching for a unicorn), you might just have a crafty solution up your sleeve! You can disassemble that dead battery and swap out the cell to bring back the magic of CMOS contents. But a word of caution: this is mainly for older laptops where finding a third-party replacement is as rare as hen’s teeth. If you can snag a ready-made replacement, that’s usually the way to go since it’s about the same cost and much less hassle. Just remember, this method has its quirks and can lead to a dead battery situation if the tape doesn’t stick around. Quick tip: You don’t need to cover the cell completely, but for safety’s sake, make sure every visible part is at least somewhat covered. Liquid electrical tape is your best buddy here—it peels off without a fuss if things go sideways and seals better than heat shrink and a flame without the fire hazard. Oh, and disassembling laptops isn’t included here, as each one has its own quirks. Check out iFixit or your laptop manufacturer’s website for some handy instructions. One more thing: some Toshiba laptops have this battery soldered straight to the motherboard, so keep that in mind. This guide is all about rebuilding coin cells, so please don’t use it for other battery types. When you’re taping up the cell, be super careful not to create a short circuit. To keep things safe, position the tabs a tad higher than the original setup and cut the tape short, but sturdy enough to hold everything in place.
Step 2
If you happen to break the leads, you’ll be off shopping for a new battery. But hey, if you need help, you can always schedule a repair!
– Once you’ve snagged a shiny new battery, it’s time to get your hands a little dirty! Carefully take apart the CMOS battery, but watch those tabs – bending them too much could turn them into a no-go zone.
– Time to say goodbye to the old battery! Snap off those tabs and make sure to dispose of it in line with your local regulations. Let’s keep our planet happy!
Step 3
Keep it light with the tape! Just enough for a snug fit will do the trick. Using too much could lead to a short circuit in the cell! And remember, before you go ahead with the installation, give that cell a quick test with a multimeter!
– Once you’ve got the polarity sorted, it’s time to stick that positive lead to the new cell! Start on the + side and snip the tape to fit just right—this way, we can dodge any rebuild mishaps. You’re doing great!
Tools Used
Step 4
When you’re applying tape to the negative tab, aim to keep it as close to the example image as you can. You’ve got this!
Give that tape and terminal a little wiggle room from the positive tab. The more, the merrier!
– Once you’ve made sure that the tape isn’t messing things up, it’s time to get it stickin’! Place some tape on the negative tab and secure that negative terminal onto the shiny new battery like a pro.
Step 5
It’s all good! You don’t need to have every inch covered. Just make sure the important parts of the battery are well taken care of.
– Once you’re sure both leads are snugly attached to the new cell, it’s time to give that battery some love with liquid electrical tape! We recommend applying 2-3 medium coats for a solid seal.
