GHS Student Help Desk : First Techy Job!

First Techy Job

by Tay O'Rourke 2016

Hello Everyone!

About a month ago we received a Chromebook that had an issue. The issue was that it only worked when plugged in. After some extensive research I became certain that it was a battery problem and ultimately the battery needed to be replaced. The programming language on a Chromebook is “Crosh” (short for Chrome Shell) and the message was “battery not found”. A replacement battery, spudgers, a multiway screwdriver/Phillips head kit were purchased and those tools, along with a Youtube video, made it possible for me to repair the Chromebook. Replacing the battery took about 5-7 minutes. There was a moment of wondering if it would work but I plugged in the repaired Chromebook, checked Crosh using the code “battery_test” and the battery appeared as 96% healthy! The final test to see if the Chromebook was working properly was to unplug the device to see if it would work without being plugged in. To my surprise, it stayed on and was successfully working!!!

Here is the process of replacing a battery:

Unscrew the back cover
Use a spudger (yes, that is the name of the tool!) to separate the keyboard from the computer. Note: I was slightly afraid that I would damage the computer, but no worries strength is needed...
Find the rainbow colored strip, that is the battery/motherboard connector. Remove that first.
To the right of the battery/motherboard connector is the keyboard connector strip, disconnect that as well.
Next to the left is a smaller strip, that is the touchpad connector, you can either leave it or disconnect it, I find it easier and most likely safer to disconnect the strip
Unscrew the battery and take it out, and replace it with the new one.
Repeat the steps in reverse order starting with screwing the battery in, connecting touchpad etc.
Plug in the Chromebook, and let it charge fully, to figure out if the Chromebook battery replacement open Crosh (the hidden Chrome OS Shell) and type in battery_test. The result should indicate success.