Dell Inspiron 1420 Light Flashing

At least one of the cells in the battery is faulty -  you will need a new battery shortly.  The flashing is an early-warning system.

There have been no recalls in a couple of years - but the flashing pattern indicates a faulty cell (or more).  You don't necessarily need to replace it immediately, but will within a short period of time.

Faulty battery? This original battery is only 15 months old and I rarely used the battery to power the laptop. But when I use the software to check the health and charge of the battery, it indicates fine. How do I find out if the battery is on the recall list?

Is that normal for battery to last just 15 months? How long does battery usually last?

18-24 months is normal -- if the battery has been left in the system while it was powered on all the time (AC), then the lifespan can be dramatically shortened because of the heat to which it was exposed.

Thank for your prompt reply. Must I buy battery from Dell or can I buy compatible battery? Thanks again

It is better to remove the battery if the system is used on AC exclusively, yes.

A cell phone battery may have two cells in it - the notebook has anywhere from six to nine of them.  Three times (or more) the number of cells means three times the chances for failure.  Cell phone batteries aren't subject to the same high-drain, high-heat environment as notebook batteries either.  And most cell phone batteries do not last five years -- in fact, Apple says its iPod batteries may start to deteriorate after just 12 months - and despite their claims of 5-year lives for the new, non-removeable batteries in the Macbooks, they STILL warrant them for 12 months - - which should give you the idea that Apple thinks of batteries the same way everyone else does - as consumable parts, like the brake pads in your car.

NO ONE warrants notebook batteries for more than a year.

So is it better to remove the battery if AC is used to power the laptop? Is compatible replacement battery  available? I am really surprised it only lasts 24 months because the battery in my cell phone has lasted 5 years and is still working great. Thanks for your help

I wouldn't bother with a third-party battery - they are cheaper, and you get what you pay for.