This article describes some common battery related problems with the PowerBook Duo and how to alleviate them.

Most of the problems you will experience with Duo batteries will result in the Duo:

- shutting down intermittently when running on the battery alone

- displaying a warning message saying the battery isn't charging

- not starting from the battery alone but running fine using the power adapter.

Correctly Seating the Battery

In most cases, one or more of these symptoms is caused by a loose battery. To correctly seat the battery:

1. Choose Shut Down from the Special menu.

2. Close the display.

3. Open the battery door by pressing the small button and sliding the door aside. The battery is physically attached to the door. Remove the battery from the Duo.

4. Hold the battery so you can read the printing on the battery right side up.

5. Pull the battery door to the left until you hear a DISTINCT click and it locks into place. It may take some effort the first few times, but it will loosen up in time. This aligns the door correctly so that when you insert the battery it will seat properly.

6. Tilt the Duo up onto its back edge so the battery compartment is on top.

7. Slide the battery most of the way in into the compartment, then drop it the last half-inch. Close the battery door to lock the battery into the computer.

8. Plug in the power adapter in case the battery is not fully charged and restart the Duo.

Should the problem persist, it is possible that the battery contacts are mis-aligned. They can be re-aligned by an Apple Authorized Service Provider with the proper battery alignment tool.