Member Avatar for jmeltzer

I'm trying to replace my Thinkpad T22 CMOS battery, and am having what I hope to be a simple and easily solved problem.

I have the repair manual in front of me. Here's what I've done, following the instructions:

- Disconnect the power. Check.
- Remove the main battery. Check.
- Remove the screw holding the CMOS battery holder to the case (screw is to the upper right of the CMOS battery). Check.
- Pull the battery holder out of the computer. NO. Something is still holding it in - at the top left corner of the main battery's opening, at the point where the battery wire connects to the computer. The battery holder is pivoting on something. The manual doesn't say anything about more screws and I don't see anything obvious there. I really, really don't want to try pulling the battery holder out by force.

What am I missing here? According to the manual it should come right out.

Thanks for any help.

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Short answer for : the holder is almost always still captive by a small plastic retainer or its 2‑pin plug is still seated on the board — that’s why it pivots instead of coming free. Building on , and , here’s a safe, practical way to free it without breaking anything.

First, don’t pull on the wires. Locate where the two‑wire lead meets the motherboard or chassis: the connector is a tiny plastic plug that either plugs into a socket or tucks under a clip/tab. Use a plastic spudger or your fingernail to lift the clip or depress the retaining tab while you pull the connector straight out by its plastic housing. If the connector is hidden, remove the small cover/palmrest or keyboard per the service manual so you can see and access the plug — the HMM shows which screws are under rubber feet or labels.

If the holder is held by a molded post in the battery bay, press the post inward (or depress the release tab) while lifting the holder out; a tiny flat screwdriver or plastic pry tool helps, but be gentle. Take a close photo first so you know the routing and orientation for reinstall. If you find an extra screw, sticker, or metal clip you didn’t expect, stop and consult the manual — forcing it is the fastest way to break plastic pegs or the connector on the board.

Final notes: observe ESD precautions, replace with an identical spec part, and test the clock/BIOS after fitting. If access still looks impossible, a local repair shop or a tech with the right driver set and a service manual is a safer choice than brute force.

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Member Avatar for rmrd

Try looking on the bottom of the motherboard.

Member Avatar for lasher511

usually you can find disassembly guides for laptops through google which may help. basically they go through and explain how to take the laptop completely apart.

Member Avatar for GeneralTech

Give the battery holder a tug, it is a 2 prong connector that will come undone at the pressue. The holder also guides the replacement battery into place when replacing the holder in the system.

I'm trying to replace my Thinkpad T22 CMOS battery, and am having what I hope to be a simple and easily solved problem.

I have the repair manual in front of me. Here's what I've done, following the instructions:

- Disconnect the power. Check.
- Remove the main battery. Check.
- Remove the screw holding the CMOS battery holder to the case (screw is to the upper right of the CMOS battery). Check.
- Pull the battery holder out of the computer. NO. Something is still holding it in - at the top left corner of the main battery's opening, at the point where the battery wire connects to the computer. The battery holder is pivoting on something. The manual doesn't say anything about more screws and I don't see anything obvious there. I really, really don't want to try pulling the battery holder out by force.

What am I missing here? According to the manual it should come right out.

Thanks for any help.

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