8400 Power Failure

To me this could be either a motherboard problem or a PSU problem. I have seen almost that exact description of issue/problem by another 8400 poster back in October/November. In her case, the problem was fixed by replacing the 8400 motherboard.

If you are able to get a consistent, repeatable error (such as the same diagnostic lights which come on every time you experience this issue) then please keep notes and post the details of that repeatable observation.

Because you are able to cycle back up, unfortunately it makes this problem a little harder to diagnose. There are a lot of good hardware people on the forum (ejn, SpeedStep, SR45, shesagordie, come to mind) and I've seen them work magic with error codes and their experience with this sort of thing.

Blinking amber power light on 8400 means 1 of 2 things. Either power cable to the Pentium chip is not securely connected or PSU is failing. Most likely it's the PSU.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/SM/adtshoot.htm#wp1053720

First, completely disconnect PC from the power. Then slide voltage selector switch on rear of the tower back/forth a few times. Make certain it's set to the correct voltage at your location before you connect the PC to the power again.

If that doesn't fix it, you may want to open the case and check that Pentium power cable is securely connected. Make sure you unplug PC from the power and press/hold On/Off switch in for ~15 sec before you open the case. Use precautions against static while working inside.

If all else fails, you need to install a new PSU. Dell uses a custom PSU so you have to buy an exact replacement unless you want to do some work on the case. You can call Dell Spare Parts or order it from Centrix (though they seem to be out of stock on 8400 PSUs right now.)

http://www.centrix-intl.com/list.asp?CategoryID=60

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 02-01-2006 10:53 AM

  I have your answer right here.  I had the same exact problem :smileymad:, and I could have guessed you bought your 8400 in the Fall of 2004 as I and many others did.  Your power supply is "rev A00" I assure you, as mine and many others were.  Those are defective in many cases, although it may take a year or more to show it.

Hi,

Not sure if this is the same problem as yours..

Last nite the system shutdown. The power light was a steady amber color. After 1 hour of tech support, the tech determined it was the motherboard. After reading here that a lot of the PSU were defective, I am hesitant to order the motherboard replacement and waste any time. What do you think/recommend?

Thanks in advance..

Mugwamp

Well, what do ya know... I replaced my power supply with a new one from Dell (about 40 bucks) and I am going on three weeks without a problem.  Thank you all for your words of wisdom.  This forum has been a lifesaver!!!  Generally, I have been happy with my Dell, but wonder about their lack of product backup.  They are willing to take your money, but less enthusiastic in admitting that they put out hardware that has a seemingly short shelf life.  When I bought my 8400 I had such faith in Dell's products that I took their standard 1-year warranty but no extended coverage.  One week after my coverage expired, my hard drive failed.  Oh Fudge!  I now back up my hard drive regularly in the event the one I replaced fails again.

 

Message Edited by shesagordie on 03-27-2006 12:27 AM

I am having this same problem and I bought my 8400 in the same time frame as everyone else. I find that by turning of the power on the power strip for a minute or so, until the blinking yellow light in the front goes off and then turning on the power, I can boot up the computer. For a couple of attempts, the computer will just shut off between 30 seconds to 30 minutes after it is turned on and go to the famous blinking amber light. It appears at some point however, you can turn the computer on and it will remain steady. I have overcome this problem recently by just leaving the computer on once it reaches a stable situation, but I don't like to do this and I am just procrastinating addressing the real problem here which seems to be a power supply issue. I will have to fight with dell as my warrenty is up, but I think the more people we have on these forums who will speak up about this problem, we will make a difference. Does anyone know if dell has any system recalls to address this issue yet?

Bev, Have you had any troubles with the REV-02 power supply? I just want to make sure that if I go ahead and get this new case, that it will work. Thanks agin for your replys!

 

BTW, I think the 8400 is a terrrific machine when it is up and working and if they have resolved this power issue, then I would recommend it to other people. I think Dell should stand by their products sometimes if problems seem to be common, even if they are legally not obliged given warrenty time-frames. Given the recent earning reports, Dell is losing gound in the computer manufactoring race and I think part of the reason is based upon the customer service reputation.