Troubleshooting a Liquid-Damaged Laptop: Is It the Battery or the Port?

Recently, a concerning situation arose when my girlfriend accidentally spilled a drink on her Asus Zephyrus G14 laptop. Thankfully, she acted quickly and I was able to help clean up the mess before any significant damage was done. I removed the battery, dabbed the liquid with microfiber cloths, and even used toothpicks along with isopropyl alcohol to eliminate any remaining residue. However, upon attempting to reattach the battery to the motherboard, I heard an unusual sound (please excuse the background noise in the video I recorded).

Now, I’m left wondering whether the issue lies with the battery, the motherboard port, or possibly both. Given my experience with general computer repair, I’m familiar with basic troubleshooting but have yet to tackle a situation quite like this one.

I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice from those who may have encountered a similar issue. Is this situation fixable? What steps should I follow next? Your guidance would be invaluable as I work through this challenge. Thank you in advance!

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  1. Hello, thank you for sharing your detailed experience. Liquid damage can be tricky to diagnose, and it’s good to hear you acted quickly to mitigate the damage. Based on your description, here are some steps and considerations that might help you determine whether the issue is with the battery, the port, or both:

    • Inspect the Port and Connector: Carefully examine the motherboard port and the battery connector for signs of corrosion, debris, or physical damage. Use a magnifying glass if necessary. Any corrosion or residue could impede proper connection.
    • Check for Visible Damage: Inspect the port and the area around it for warping, cracks, or discoloration, which indicate liquid damage. If possible, use a multimeter to check for continuity in the port’s pins.
    • Test the Battery Separately: If you have a compatible spare or can borrow one, try connecting a different, known-good battery to see if the issue persists. Conversely, test your current battery with a multimeter to check voltage (typically around 11.4V for the Zephyrus G14 battery).
    • Look for Swelling or Leaks: Physical signs like swelling, leaks, or corrosion on the battery suggest it may need replacement. Do not attempt to recharge a damaged battery.
    • Reassemble and Power On: After inspecting and cleaning

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