suddenly random battery life, sometimes won't charge

[DustyB1]

I'm suddenly experiencing almost random battery life. A few days ago I got a 601 warning then after about two days battery life returned to near normal. When battery life is in low condition I run with the AC adapter/charger. While plugged in battery monitor indicates 0% and "not charging" yet the laptop operates fine. As suddenly as battery life dropped it returned to normal for several days. A few minutes ago the battery monitor was showing an almost fully charged condition then very suddenly it dropped to almost no charge. The laptop powered down within a few seconds. Now running on AC adapter the monitor is showing "not charging" again. Is this normal behaviour for a failing battery? When its good it seems to operate for several hours.

[EddyK]

Hi DustyB1,

The symptoms point to a failing battery or a battery with very low capacity. Error 601 means that the battery is only retaining 25% or less of its original capacity.

To confirm you can follow these steps:

1. Repeatedly press Esc upon startup
2. Select F2
3. Select Component Tests
4. Choose power source or battery test 

If you are still in warranty, contact HP.

Contact HP Worldwide here: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-contact-us.html

Check warranty status here: https://support.hp.com/us-en/checkwarranty

Otherwise, you can replace your 3-cell, 43-Wh, 2.83-Ah, Li-ion battery with HP Spare Part number 761230-005. You can then use the HP Spare part number(s) in the HP Parts store here: https://parts.hp.com/hpparts/ChangeCountry.aspx?mscssid=8D9BABC4E1204EC582214370B1F81C59

You may be able to find it elsewhere on the Internet.

Steps to replacement are located on pages 33-34 on your computer's Maintenance and Service Guide.

Hope this helps,

kem579

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[DustyB1]

I started the diagnostic program however the "battery check" never complets and "calibration" does not begin. Right now the laptop acts like it doesn't even have a battery. This laptop is approaching three years old. I will consider purchasing a replacement battery.

[DustyB1]

It appears that battery part number 761230-005 is not vaid or nolonger available. A search at the web address given returns no results.

[EddyK · Accepted solution]

Hi DustyB1,

I did find these:

https://www.ebay.com/p/Genuine-Original-HP-Envy-X360-761230-005-Np03xl-Laptop-Battery/1633842234?iid...

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=16J-000N-15078

https://www.amazon.ca/13-A010DX-HSTNN-LB6L-760944-421-TPN-Q146-761230-005/dp/B01GH41DB2

Furthermore, the battery check & calibration may not work because the battery is so old that it is almost undetectable. 

Hope this helps,

kem579

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[DustyB1]

I also found several on Amazon at <$40 USD. I think I'll order one of those.

Thanks