Lenovo Yoga 720 turns off when unplugged, battery not working

Troubleshooting Battery Issues on the Lenovo Yoga 720: When Your Laptop Turns Off When Unplugged

Introduction

Lenovo Yoga 720 users may encounter battery-related problems that impact laptop performance and usability. One common issue is the device shutting down immediately after unplugging, with the battery indicator showing a partial charge and no capacity to hold power. This article discusses potential causes and solutions for such issues, especially after accidental exposure to extreme cold conditions.

Case Overview

A user reported leaving their Lenovo Yoga 720 in a vehicle overnight during freezing temperatures. The device was initially fully charged and powered on in the cold environment, resulting in flickering and shutting down. Subsequently, the battery indicator has remained stuck at 75%, with the laptop failing to charge beyond that point. When unplugged, the device powers off instantly, indicating a possible hardware or firmware fault.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Standard troubleshooting measures have often included ensuring all device drivers are up to date and running battery diagnostics. In this case, diagnostics indicated the battery was functioning correctly, which complicates the diagnosis. The user also attempted common remedies such as using the Novo button to reset the BIOS, and sought advice on whether this could resolve the issue.

Potential Causes

1. Cold-Related Battery Damage

Exposure to freezing temperatures can cause irreversible damage to lithium-ion batteries, resulting in reduced capacity and abnormal behavior. The cold can cause electrolyte solidification or internal component contraction, leading to inaccurate readings or permanent degradation.

1. Firmware or BIOS Malfunction

Extreme cold might temporarily disrupt BIOS operations or cause configuration inconsistencies, especially if the system was turned on while cold. Resetting the BIOS can sometimes resolve firmware-related power management issues.

1. Hardware Degradation or Damage

Physical damage to internal components or connectors from temperature fluctuations or accidental drops can affect power delivery and battery performance.

Recommended Solutions

1. Warm Up the Device

Allow the laptop to gradually return to room temperature. Do not attempt to heat it rapidly, as this could cause further damage. Once warmed, perform a soft restart and check whether the battery indicator behaves normally.

1. Perform a BIOS Reset

Using the Novo button or an equivalent reset method can help restore BIOS settings to defaults. Follow these steps:

• Turn off the device.
• Press the Novo button (small button next to the power button or via a pinhole).
• Select “BIOS Setup” or “Reset to Defaults.”

• Save changes and exit.

• Recalibrate the Battery

Use the