Chromebook not starting after trying to plug in battery again

System Details

  • Device: HP Chromebook x360 11 G3 EE (VORTININJA)
  • OS: Debian 13 (Trixie) / ChromeOS was previously installed
  • Firmware Type: UEFI Full ROM
  • Firmware Version: [Full ROM version reported by MrChromebox]
  • Internal storage type: eMMC

Summary of the Issue

After successfully flashing UEFI Full ROM firmware and booting and installing Debian 13 from a USB drive, the Chromebook suddenly became completely unresponsive.

The battery connector had previously been disconnected to disable hardware write protection. After reconnecting the battery, the system suddenly powered on and Debian booted successfully. While trying to secure the battery connector, the connector slipped/loosened while the system was powered on, and the Chromebook immediately shut down.

Since then, the Chromebook will not power on, even when connected to USB-C power. There are no obvious signs of physical damage visible around the battery connector.

Steps to Reproduce

  1. Disabled hardware write protection by disconnecting the battery.

  2. Verified wpsw_cur = 0.

  3. Successfully flashed UEFI Full ROM using the MrChromebox Firmware Utility Script.

  4. Booted Debian 13 XFCE successfully from a USB drive.

  5. Installed Debian 13

  6. Tested if the battery worked by unplugging the USB-C charger, which resulted in the laptop sitting.

  7. Reconnected the internal battery.

  8. The Chromebook powered on and Debian started.

  9. While trying to secure the battery connector, the connector slipped/loosened while the system was powered on.

  10. The Chromebook immediately shut down.

  11. Reconnected/checked the battery connector and connected USB-C power.

  12. The Chromebook now shows no signs of powering on, even with the charger connected.

Expected Behavior

The Chromebook should remain powered on after the battery connector is securely reconnected and should be able to boot Debian from the internal storage or USB drive.

Instead, it became completely unresponsive after the battery connector lost contact while the system was powered on.

I dont think you should disconnect reconnect th ebattery while its on cuz that leads to some problems but heres what i think you should do

  1. disconnect battery and charger again

  2. hold down power button for 2 minutes with no powersource whatsoever

  3. reconnect battery and try to turn it on

  4. if that doesnt work, inspect the battery connecter or the area around it for anything like bent pins or scorch marks.

  5. plug a known good charger in and see if it turns on like look for an led or listen for the fan, if it doesnt, idk what to do really something mightve fried, and at that point its prob bricked