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Difficulty: MediumLaptop Power Systems and Battery Management

A technician is called to inspect a user's corporate laptop after the user reported that the touchpad is physically bulging upward out of the palm rest and the mouse cursor moves erratically. The laptop continues to function normally while connected to its AC power adapter. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate immediate action for the technician to take?

  1. Safely power down the laptop, disconnect the AC adapter, and replace the swollen battery following safety protocols.Answer
  2. B
    Perform a complete deep discharge cycle to recalibrate the internal battery power management controller.
  3. C
    Replace the existing USB-C charging cable with a higher-wattage Thunderbolt cable to resolve power negotiation issues.
  4. D
    Update the laptop system BIOS and re-install the touchpad device drivers to eliminate cursor drift.

Answer

Safely power down the laptop, disconnect the AC adapter, and replace the swollen battery following safety protocols.
The correct action is to safely power down the laptop, disconnect external power, and replace the battery. Physical swelling of a lithium-ion battery causes internal gas build-up that pushes against laptop components such as the touchpad and palm rest. Continuing to run or charge the device presents a fire and safety hazard.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlying cause of the physical symptom
Recognize that a bulging palm rest and lifting touchpad in a laptop are classic symptoms of a swollen lithium-ion battery.
Lithium-ion batteries build up gas internally when damaged or degraded, exerting pressure on surrounding laptop components.
2
Evaluate safety risks
Determine that continuing to power or charge a swollen battery creates a hazard of chemical exposure or thermal runaway.
Safety must take priority over system diagnostics when hardware components are physically failing and compromised.
3
Select the correct remediation procedure
Power off the device, remove AC power, and replace the battery safely.
Immediate removal and proper hazardous waste disposal of the swollen cell eliminates the safety risk and repairs the hardware defect.

Key Concept

Lithium-ion Battery Swelling Identification and Safety Management
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Topics

Laptop Power Systems and Battery Management

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