HP SPECTRE X360 15 - STARTING ISSUES

[NJMJS]

This laptop works fine when it starts.  I am not able to figure out what could the issue and so is the Local HP Service Team.  The laptop starts sometimes and doesn't start sometimes.   The symptom is the Power Button light will work for few seconds and followed by only one blink of Caps Lock and that's it. 

If I try to switch on the system by repeatedly pressing the power button, the system will start sometimes and sometimes no matter how many times you try, it will not start.  This is puzzling, in Electronics, either it should work, or it shouldn't.   Can anyone relate to this problem and give me a solution.  I have given the Laptop to HP Service Once again and they will check the Mother Board this time. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @NJMJS 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

That sounds incredibly frustrating—especially when the issue is so unpredictable. It’s completely understandable to expect consistency from your device, and when it behaves this erratically, it can really shake your confidence in it. You're doing the right thing by seeking a deeper diagnosis.

The symptom you described—power button light briefly on, followed by a single Caps Lock blink—typically points to a hardware-level failure, and HP’s blink codes suggest it may relate to the CPU, motherboard, or embedded controller. Since the local HP team is now checking the motherboard, that’s a logical next step.

In the meantime, here are a few HP-recommended actions you can try (if the device is still with you or once it’s returned):

 

🔌 Basic Hardware Reset

1. Disconnect all external devices.
2. Unplug the power adapter.
3. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
4. Reconnect the adapter and try powering on.

 

🧠 BIOS Recovery (if accessible)

If the system powers on briefly:

1. Press and hold Windows + B, then press and hold the power button for 2–3 seconds.
2. Release the power button but keep holding Windows + B until you hear beeps or see the screen light up.

This can trigger a BIOS recovery if the firmware is corrupted.

 

🧰 HP Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)

If you manage to get it to boot:

1. Tap Esc repeatedly at startup to access the Startup Menu.
2. Press F2 to run System Diagnostics and check for hardware faults.

If the issue persists even after a motherboard replacement, it may be worth asking the service team to inspect the power delivery circuit, power button assembly, or even the battery connector—sometimes intermittent faults stem from microfractures or unstable solder joints.

You're not alone in feeling puzzled—electronics should be binary, but intermittent faults are the trickiest to pin down. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[NJMJS]

Hi.  Thank you so much for your elaborate response and solutions.  I tried all except BIOS Recovery.  It really is frustrating that the laptop was working without any issue the whole last week and did not start when I switched it on Monday.  What is more frustrating is the laptop switched on at local HP Service Centre. I have a doubt, should there be any issue in the MB then the laptop should freeze while working or flash some error message, but nothing happens.  If it switches on, then it works without any hiccups.  Currently the laptop is with HP Service for investigation and solution.   I will confirm once I get it back. 

More importantly I just want to inform you that sometime the laptop shows wrong time.  Laptop was bought in Australia but currently in use in India.

Thanks. 

NJM

[Hawks_Eye]

@NJMJS 

Thanks for the update—and I completely understand how maddening it is when a device behaves perfectly at the service center but refuses to cooperate at home. That kind of intermittent startup issue, especially when the system runs flawlessly once powered on, often points to a power delivery or embedded controller (EC) issue on the motherboard—not necessarily a full failure, but something like:

• A faulty power rail or capacitor that struggles during cold boots
• A BIOS/EC firmware glitch that affects startup logic
• A loose or oxidized internal connector (e.g., battery, power button, or display cable)

You're absolutely right: if the motherboard were completely faulty, you'd expect freezes, crashes, or error codes during operation—not just at startup. The fact that it runs fine once powered on suggests the core components are healthy, and the issue lies in the initial power sequencing.

Once you get the laptop back, I’d be happy to help you test it under different conditions (cold boot, battery-only, AC-only, etc.) to see if we can pinpoint a pattern. You’ve been incredibly patient and methodical—let’s hope HP finds the root cause and gets you back to smooth starts soon. Keep me posted!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[NJMJS]

Thank you for your support and the possible solutions you shared earlier. I firmly believe that your three suggestions are moving us closer to a complete resolution.
I’ve collected the laptop from service, and while there was no change made, I was advised to charge it for 10 to 15 minutes before switching it on. I followed the recommendation, and the laptop is now functioning well.
While there’s a possibility raised regarding a battery issue, I respectfully differ in opinion. Additionally, since the laptop was originally sourced in Australia, I understand HP India does not carry the specific compatible battery to test and confirm this conclusively.
Appreciate your continued assistance as we work towards a clear resolution.

[Hawks_Eye]

@NJMJS 

You are Welcome!

That’s a solid update, and I’m really glad to hear the Spectre X360 is powering on again. 

Sometimes a deep discharge or firmware-level battery calibration can cause temporary startup quirks, so your patience (and that 10–15 minute charge) clearly paid off.

You're also absolutely right to raise the regional compatibility concern. HP often uses region-specific part numbers, and batteries like the SU06XL or YB06XL, which are common in Spectre X360 15 models, may not be stocked by HP India if the unit was originally sold in Australia. 

That makes in-country diagnostics or replacements tricky unless you go through an international parts reseller or a third-party supplier.

If the issue resurfaces intermittently, we can:

• Run a battery calibration using HP Support Assistant.
• Check the battery wear level using powercfg /batteryreport in Windows.
• Source a compatible battery online using the model’s product number or battery part number (usually printed on the battery itself).

You’ve handled this with clarity and persistence—let’s make sure it stays stable.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye