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Thread ID: 148882	2020-03-06 11:47:00	Swollen battery (I think)	catspyjamas (15614)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1467223	2020-03-06 11:47:00	A few days ago I noticed some light bleed around the lower sides of my HP Spectre x2 12-c006tu. On further inspection the screen has started to peel away from the base unit in those areas, which you can feel when you push on that part of the screen. Some googling tonight tells me this it's very likely due to a swollen battery, which happens to live right underneath the area of the screen that has bowed and peeled free. While it seems plenty of HP computers around the same age (early 2017) have been recalled for this exact issue, this particular model hasn't been, but I did find a few threads on an HP forum for spectre x2s describing the exact same thing, all reported within the last 6mths. Unfortunately it's well outside of the warranty period now. The touch screen itself is not damaged and still works fine, so it's probably just a case of getting into it somehow, sourcing and changing the battery, and sticking it all back together. I'm definitely not confident trying to do the work myself so will take it to a professional. Can anyone recommend someone who does HP repairs in Wellington? And any idea roughly how much I'll be looking at?	catspyjamas (15614)
1467224	2020-03-06 18:49:00	Maybe our own Wainuitech, but wait to see if he comes on and says he can or not	gary67 (56)
1467225	2020-03-06 20:08:00	I did find a few threads on an HP forum for spectre x2s describing the exact same thing, all reported within the last 6mths . Unfortunately it's well outside of the warranty period now . The warranty means nothing . The CGA rules here in NZ . Look it up, you don't seem to know your rights and if it is a major fault with HP stuff, you absolutely should get it sorted .	piroska (17583)
1467226	2020-03-06 22:58:00	Just hunted through my receipts and the laptop was purchased in Feb 2018, so not that old. I've spoken to the shop I bought it from (PBT) and they said that the battery swelling up like that is actually something that happens after a while with all pouch style lithium ion batteries and doesn't mean it's a faulty product i.e. something the CGA would apply to. I've downloaded the battery check thing from HP to double check it's not one that's being recalled, and it isn't. So I guess the question is how long is "after a while" when the battery has only ever been charged with the supplied charger, the unit has never been dropped or mishandled, and still charges to 100% perfectly? (Obviously I have unplugged it now).	catspyjamas (15614)
1467227	2020-03-07 03:10:00	If its only 2 years old then it should still be replaced either under warranty or by HP. The excuse PBT gave sounds like a cop out, no battery should swell to the point of forcing the device apart. A swelling Battery is dangerous. Have a read of the following www.ifixit.com As piroska posted, CGA two years is well under expected life / fit for purpose. If its the one I think it is, the trouble with those is the screens are not the easiest to get off in one piece, theres a chance they break /crack when taking apart ( to access the battery- internals).	wainuitech (129)
1467228	2020-03-07 04:13:00	Just hunted through my receipts and the laptop was purchased in Feb 2018, so not that old. I've spoken to the shop I bought it from (PBT) and they said that the battery swelling up like that is actually something that happens after a while with all pouch style lithium ion batteries and doesn't mean it's a faulty product i.e. something the CGA would apply to. I've downloaded the battery check thing from HP to double check it's not one that's being recalled, and it isn't. So I guess the question is how long is "after a while" when the battery has only ever been charged with the supplied charger, the unit has never been dropped or mishandled, and still charges to 100% perfectly? (Obviously I have unplugged it now). That's bullsh*t from the shop. They are trying to wriggle out of it. It is legally up to them to take up the CGA claim with HP and get it sorted for you. If it was normal behaviour for a battery, then why the recall for the other model you mention? Go back to the shop and insist on them honouring the CGA. Dick Smith tried to wriggle out of a problem with a laptop out of warranty until I persisted with them. Even when Toshiba repaired it without cost, Toshiba said it was a goodwill gesture. Bullsh*t - it was their legal obligation. Hardly Normal have also tried this with me and folded when I insisted on the CGA overcoming any lapse in warranty. TV got fixed but reluctantly by HN. Gosh - just reached 500 posts...	user (1404)
1467229	2020-03-07 04:43:00	The excuse PBT gave sounds like a cop out, no battery should swell to the point of forcing the device apart. A swelling Battery is dangerous. . They are notorious for bad after sales service and this sounds like yet another one of their bullshit excuses. They do this all the time. Go back and insist, don't waste your time with staff, talk to management and remind them you can pursue the CGA.	piroska (17583)
1467230	2020-03-07 05:08:00	@user - Thanks. I think difference is, with the other models (there are tons: support.hp.com) the battery issues all arose within months or at least a year, and were found in MANY of the listed devices. When I said I found a few threads applying to spectre x2, I literally meant a few - two! One model is possibly the 2016 model going by the age at the time of the post, the other sounds like the 2017 model (which is the one in question). In any case it's good to hear your's, wainuitech's & piroska's opinions about 2 years for this sort of thing not being normal. @wainuitech - Thanks for the response. I can totally see how the screen could break when getting into the innards (which I can imagine would be a PITA to do) - I can feel how thin it is now I can slide a fingernail under the bit that's pulled away from the base. If PBT/HP don't budge on their stance that this is normal and expected, what would you think I could be looking at (very very ball park) to get the battery replaced and a new screen if it breaks? Also, is it safe like this until I can get it to a professional to remove the battery? I'm not clear if it could continue swelling even when the laptop is shut down, not used anymore, and the charger is unplugged. I don't have any large metal canister to keep it in, unfortunately. Oh, and PBT also said getting a replacement battery could be difficult owing to COVID-19, which they said is particularly affecting battery supplies.	catspyjamas (15614)
1467231	2020-03-07 05:10:00	They are notorious for bad after sales service and this sounds like yet another one of their bullshit excuses. They do this all the time. Go back and insist, don't waste your time with staff, talk to management and remind them you can pursue the CGA. Oops this comment came through after I started typing the other one (got called away and came back to it). Yes I've heard that about PBT.... :(	catspyjamas (15614)
1467232	2020-03-07 06:58:00	Oops this comment came through after I started typing the other one (got called away and came back to it). Yes I've heard that about PBT.... :( A replacement battery according to several sits ( assuming its the right model), ranges from $90 -$150 +. BUT getting them from over seas can be expensive on postage ( or not able to actually send) unless its someone like HP or other importers who have spare part chains able to do so. Looking on HP's official site even they say 2-3 weeks ( which is normal). As for getting them apart, often there's hidden screws, its actually looking for them and once undone can come aprt easily, BUT without actually physically having it to look hard to determine (I NEVER guess) Had way to many try to take apart and 1 damn screw is hidden remove it and bingo off the parts pop. Most of the time the tools used are really special ( being sarcastic) :P Small Philips Screwdriver and old Credit / Eftpoz card. BUT only two years old, the battery is faulty if its swelling like mentioned. To follow on and endorse from what piroska posted, follow up to CGA, even if you have to call HP and do the same, two years is way to short under normal working conditions. If it were 5 + years old then yeah, but NOT for two.	wainuitech (129)
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