Random Shutting Down (Properly) When on Battery

Hey,

I'm usually pretty good with computers so I've actually never used one of these tech forums...but I haven't been able to resolve my issue so here goes.

I'm having an issue with my Thinkpad T430. It's only a few months old, but I'm having a really weird issue. When I'm on battery, it'll randomly just shut down. It's not like the instant shut-off that occurs when the battery dies or when it overheats, rather it actually does the full shutdown sequence, but with no warning. So far I've noticed it seems to happen usually when the battery is between 50-70%. It doesn't always occur, maybe once every 4-5 times I drain/use the battery.

I suspect it's a software issue since it does the full shutdown sequence, but I'm unsure what exactly is causing it. I went through Event Viewer and there're no errors or warnings right before it shuts down. All I can find is an error after I boot up again saying
"The previous system shutdown at 10:12:38 AM on ‎30/‎01/‎2013 was unexpected."

Any help would be appreciated. Btw, do people usually post their problems in multiple forums? or just one site at a time?

Thanks!

 

Hi and welcome to CHF

Bit confused here ...

If the system shut down normally you shouldn't get this error message.

If you take the battery out and run off the mains adapter only - does it shut down or perform normally ?

The problem with doing this is that the helpers on the other forums would not be aware of what has been tried here and vise versa..
Effectively this could waste helpers' and your time.
I think the Admin staff here would ask you to chose which site you wanted to continue with

 

Ah, well first thanks for the welcome.

And I have already posted in another forum as well, although nothing's been attempted just yet. If you would rather I delete this post and stay there for now I'll do so right away.

To answer your questions, I've only ever had this issue when running on battery (and even then it's not that often). Anytime I have the mains power plugged in I'm fine.

As to the apparently normal shut down, perhaps you are right. When it happens, the computer will start the shut down sequence and ask me to save unopened files, but now that I think about it, it usually cuts me off before I can press save, quickly goes to the "Shutting Down" screen, and then shuts off. This all occurs faster than normal (and my shut down times are pretty fast as it is with a SSD).

Anyhow, my next step that I'm planning on attempting is a reset/calibration of the battery (full charge+discharge a few times).

 

Hi

See my comment below.
It could be that your battery is the cause of the problem.
As this is only a few months old it should still be under warranty and the battery should be able to be replaced if you contact the seller.

I suspect that your battery is the fault here.

Admin here will advise further

One other thought ....
take a look at Power Settings relating to battery

 

While I think it is fine to post on multiple forums and gauge such things as reply time and the whether you are being helped in the end it is best to decide where you want to continue. Often a "harmless" fix that you get on one forum will not be harmless if you are following conflicting advice on another. If you wish to continue here it would be a good idea to let us know what advice you have received so far.

 

Hi, I've been getting some possible solutions from the Lenovo forums right now, so I think I'll continue with them for now. It is a tad difficult to keep track of multiple threads. If it can't be resolved there I'll post all the steps taken here and see if any of you have any input. Thanks again!

 

Fair comment.
Let us know how you get on.
I would be interested in the solution if you get one.

Just for future reference the Lenovo forum is here
click here

 

Hey! Just wanted to post an update. Looks like the issue was likely problems with ThinkPad Fan Control (TPFC) interacting with Lenovo Power Manager. There's a new version of TPFC that I'm trying now, but if that doesn't work I'll likely just stop using it and endure the louder fan noises...

 

Thanks for the feedback.