My laptop's clock was incorrect, so I suspected the CMOS battery. The next morning, the power light was still on even though I had shut it down, but the display remained black. I unplugged it and held the power button for about 30 seconds as a reset, but it still wouldn't start normally. It's a Lenovo Legion, and the charger is connected. A repair shop quoted me $150, although I've seen lower prices online. Is that a reasonable estimate, or should I troubleshoot more or get another quote?
4 Answers
If you’re comfortable opening the laptop, check the service manual for your particular Legion model before attempting a CMOS replacement. Some laptops use a small coin cell in a holder, while others use a wrapped battery with a connector. Don’t replace anything based only on the clock problem until the no-display issue has been tested.
Before paying for repairs, disconnect the charger and the laptop’s main battery if you can, then hold the power button for 30–60 seconds. Reconnect only the charger and try starting it. This drains residual power and can clear a stuck power state. You may need the correct screwdriver to access the battery.
It’s impossible to judge whether $150 is fair without knowing what the shop diagnosed. That price might be reasonable if it includes disassembly, a battery or display-related part, and labor, but it would be high for simply replacing an accessible CMOS battery. Ask for the specific failed component, the parts cost, and whether the diagnostic fee is included before authorizing anything.
A dead CMOS battery can explain the incorrect clock, but it normally shouldn’t prevent a laptop from powering on when the charger is connected. Since the power light comes on but the screen stays black, the problem could instead involve the display, memory, battery, or a system that is stuck during startup. The exact Lenovo Legion model would matter for identifying the CMOS battery and repair procedure.
The charger is connected. The laptop did power on, but the screen remained black.
I’m not sure I have the tools to disconnect the battery, but I’ll look into getting the right ones.