Battery suddenly drops to zero

JBentleyR · Sep 28, 2017

Nexus 5 running Android 6.0.1

This morning, the battery meter showing around 60% full, I spent about 20 minutes online when, suddenly, the screen went black. This has happened once before, and I suspected that the battery had gone flat - very suddenly!

I plugged in the charger and booted the phone, then opened the battery meter which does indeed show a sudden complete drop to zero (image attached).

This unit must now be over 3 years old, and I do realise that batteries don't last for ever. This sort of thing has only happened twice, although the battery does appear to drain more quickly once below 40% or 50%.

Does this suggest that the battery is about to fail? If so, perhaps I should try to obtain a replacement battery, as everything else regarding the phone is absolutely fine.

Thanks for reading, and I'd appreciate any advice.

mikedt · Sep 28, 2017

It doesn't look right, and couid be the battery is kaput. Try a replacement I think, especially given its age.

Deleted User · Sep 28, 2017

Yeah battery replacement required. I did mine when I replaced the cracked screen and digitizer panel. Battery is glued in, but fairly straightforward to gently prise up.

JBentleyR · Sep 28, 2017

Thank you both. Yes, I suspected as much.

I'd be prepared to attempt a battery change; there are videos available online, and even kits I believe.

The problem is that I have heard, as this is an old model, replacement batteries are likely to be scarce. Even if I manage to find one, is it likely that it has lain untouched on a shelf somewhere deteriorating?!

Can anyone recommend a reliable source?

Deleted User · Sep 28, 2017

I'm in the UK and got my parts from Replacebase

https://www.replacebase.co.uk/

Their customer service was excellent, and the parts were good. Battery has breathed new life into my Nexus 5.
Looks like they're still selling Nexus 5 batteries, both OEM and non-OEM versions.

Deleted User · Sep 28, 2017

Be very careful removing the battery. Li-ion batteries are notoriously dangerous when punctured, and can explode. Use a blunt tool to get under it.

JBentleyR · Sep 28, 2017

Thanks, LV, for this advice. I have found a replacement battery (non-OEM) on the site you mentioned, but I realise that I shall also need the appropriate tools to do the replacement. That company only seems to do such tools for iPhones and Samsung phones. Do you happen to know whether those might be suitable? I suspect that my greatest challenge would be opening the case; I have miniature screwdrivers for once I manage to get inside.

Spec2nirvash · Sep 28, 2017

A very thin guitar pick works great for removing batteries and splitting the case on a Nexus 5. And by thin, I mean one that curls with little effort, don't try this with a bass guitar pick! And be gentle. Careful on the bottom end when cracking the case, lots of sticky tape there

JBentleyR · Sep 28, 2017

Thanks Spec2. I think I'll watch one of the videos first... if I can find it.
And I must remember to back everything up first as well.

Deleted User · Sep 28, 2017

JBentleyR said:
Thanks, LV, for this advice. I have found a replacement battery (non-OEM) on the site you mentioned, but I realise that I shall also need the appropriate tools to do the replacement. That company only seems to do such tools for iPhones and Samsung phones. Do you happen to know whether those might be suitable? I suspect that my greatest challenge would be opening the case; I have miniature screwdrivers for once I manage to get inside.

Yikes! Please don't use a screwdriver, it's an ideal tool for puncturing the battery. As @Spec2nirvash said, use a guitar pick, they cost pence from any music shop. Take your time and slowly separate the battery from the glue. They stuck it down pretty well, so it may take some time.

JBentleyR · Sep 28, 2017

No, LV, don't worry! I have no intention of using a screwdriver to prise open the case!
I recall seeing a video showing the insides of a phone and the person dissembling it using a small screwdriver to undo tiny screws inside. I don't know whether this is necessary to remove and replace the battery, and shall have to find the video I once saw, but it could be the case that a screwdriver is not needed anyway.

JBentleyR · Oct 2, 2017

Well, I have ordered a replacement battery and tool kit from Amazon.
The interesting thing is that this sudden drop to zero on the battery meter, and the phone suddenly shutting down without warning, doesn't always happen. This morning, for example, I was using the phone down to about 30% charge without a shut down.
This suggests to me that it could be some sort of fault other than an old battery.

Deleted User · Oct 9, 2017

You'll need a small screwdriver to remove the internal metal covers. That allows easier access to the battery section.

JBentleyR · Oct 9, 2017

LV426 said:
You'll need a small screwdriver to remove the internal metal covers. That allows easier access to the battery section.

Thanks. I'll use one of the plastic tools as I don't want to short any contacts.

JBentleyR · Oct 10, 2017

For your information, I have now replaced the battery and all appears to be working properly. I shall keep an eye on things for a couple of days to see if the 'sudden drop' occurrence repeats itself, as I realise that it could be some problem other than the old battery.

I shall let you know how things go.

Incidentally, I was surprised to find that the battery replacement was so easy. Thanks for all the advice offered.

JBentleyR · Oct 15, 2017

Just to wind this up, I've been using the new battery for several days and everything looks OK.
One thing I noticed when I replaced the battery was that the old one was noticeably thicker than the new one. I think I read somewhere that when lithium batteries have gone to join the choir invisible, they can appear swollen.
Again, thanks for the help.

Battery suddenly drops to zero

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