Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33

Introduction

The Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 is a fully rugged 2-in-1 laptop that is IP65 rated. The CF-33 is 2-in-1, which means you can convert it into laptop or tablet PC modes as required. The CF-33 consists of the tablet PC and keyboard unit.

This guide provides the procedure to replace the batteries for the CF-33 series. Panasonic's official manual for the CF-33 contains the procedure to replace batteries; you can also refer to it.

There are two types of batteries applicable to the CF-33 series, Standard Batteries and Long-Life Batteries. There are also two configurations of rear cover for the CF-33 depending on the battery in use. Although the configuration of the rear cover varies, the battery replacement procedure is identical.

Step 1 Identify the batteries

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Identify the batteries: step 1, image 1 of 2

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Identify the batteries: step 1, image 2 of 2

There are two types of batteries. The configuration of the rear cover varies depending on the type of battery. Ensure the model/type of batteries you want to use is correctly match the configuration of the rear cover.
Check the capacity of the batteries you want to replace. The standard battery is thin, while the Long-Life battery has thick exterior housing compared to the standard batteries.
The standard batteries have following specifications: 11.1[V], 1,990[mAh] and 22 [Wh]. Model number for the standard batteries is CF-VZSU1AW. The model number may vary depending on the countries.
The long-life batteries have following specifications: 10.8[V], 4,120[mAh] and 45 [Wh]. Model number for the standard batteries is CF-VZSU1BW. The model number may vary depending on the countries.

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Step 2 Unlock the rear panel

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Unlock the rear panel: step 2, image 1 of 3

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Unlock the rear panel: step 2, image 2 of 3

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Unlock the rear panel: step 2, image 3 of 3

The rear panel consists of the upper and lower. Batteries are installed inside of the lower panel.
On the tablet's rear panel, locate the locking latch.
Fully slide the latch to the left side.
With the latch fully left, pull it to downwards.
Pulling the latch downward unlocks the lower side of the rear panel. The panel opens via the hinge between upper and lower rear panel. You may apply a little force to unlock the rear lower panel.

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Step 3 Open the rear panel

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Open the rear panel: step 3, image 1 of 1

Open the unlocked rear panel by pulling it upwards.
If the tablet PC is running at this time, the backlight of the screen will turn off. This is not a malfunction. This prevents battery consumption during the battery replacement (hot swap) while the tablet PC is still in use.
The small component (orange colored arrow in the picture) is responsible for turning on/off the screen back-lighting. There is a small magnet inside of the small component. The CF-33 senses the magnetic field of it and turns on/off the screen's backlighting.
You may utilize small permanent magnet to turn on the screen's backlighting while the rear cover is opened. Since the intensify of the magnetic field required to turn on/off the screen's backlighting is unknown at this time, this may affect your tablet or components of it.

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Step 4 Detach the battery

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Detach the battery: step 4, image 1 of 3

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Detach the battery: step 4, image 2 of 3

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Detach the battery: step 4, image 3 of 3

Locate the locking latch at the lower side of the battery compartment.
Fully slide the latch to the left side. This will unlock the battery and push the lower end of the battery upward.
Pull out the battery from the tablet.
Battery No. 1 is on the right side, while the No. 2 is on the left side. If the another battery is not depleted and still usable, replacing one of the batteries will not affect operation of your tablet PC.

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Step 5 Inspection of replacement battery

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Inspection of replacement battery: step 5, image 1 of 1

The Connector/Receptacle on the tablet PC and batteries must be clean. Foreign objects may cause a short circuit on the battery, and this may cause fire or explosion. Failure to properly clean the terminals may result in damage to the tablet PC, injuries or death.
Check and inspect the exterior of the replacement batteries. Visually inspect following items:
Cleanliness of the battery connector.
Exterior damage (including cracks, breaks, leakage of internal material, battery swelling, etc.)

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Step 6 Inspect battery connector of the Tablet PC

Visually inspect the battery connector of the tablet PC. Ensure there are no foreign objects.

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Step 7 Installation of the replacement battery.

Battery Replacement for Panasonic Toughbook 2-in-1 CF-33, Installation of the replacement battery.: step 7, image 1 of 1

Put the replacement battery into the battery compartment. Ensure the connector is mated correctly. Push the battery gently to install the battery.
The battery locking latch will be returned to the right side if the battery is correctly installed.
Check the locking latch to ensure the completed installation of the battery. Perform the procedure of the guide in reverse to close the rear panel.