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1 Rookie
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19127
February 13th, 2006 05:00
problem with power port
So I recently got my AC adaptor (for Inspiron 8500) replaced through Dell because I thought that it was broken. I had to fiddle with the power connection in order to get it to work, and I concluded (and the person I talked to from Dell agreed) that the adaptor cable was probably broken somehow, which is why the power was unreliable.
Anyway, I got the new cable and I'm still having problems with the power not always coming in when the AC adaptor is plugged in. I think that the connection on the computer side may be broken and may need to be replaced.
So I'm wondering... is this the sort of thing where I am going to have to send my computer in to get the part replaced, or will I be able to have a part sent to me? Because I really cannot afford to part with my computer at this point in time, and the power cable does work as long as I twist it to the right angle so it actually makes a connection.
Message Edited by eliot1785 on 02-13-2006 01:33 AM
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ejn63
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87.5K Posts
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February 13th, 2006 08:00
However, what needs to be replaced is the mainboard, which will be a $500 part if you're out of warranty.
eliot1785
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February 15th, 2006 18:00
I am in warranty, fortunately. So I wouldn't want to disassemble and reassemble anything like that, because I assume it would void my warranty.
By mainboard, do you mean motherboard? If so, is the power port a direct part of the motherboard, or are you suggesting there is a problem with something other than the power port?
Message Edited by eliot1785 on 02-15-2006 02:05 PM
ejn63
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February 15th, 2006 21:00
simonjohnnicol
3 Posts
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September 4th, 2012 06:00
I've registered and will, out of interest, monitor this to see how long it is before Dell Admin delete this.
I bought my mother, a pensioner, an inspiron 1545.
It has the rubbish plastic power port that a gazillion people on the internet have broken and complained about.
It's broken - no impact, nothing physical, just good old wear and tear - plug in, charge, remove, drain, plug in, charge etc etc. This is USE. This is what it's for.
This is it's sole purpose to exist. It's not fit for purpose.
Sale of goods act is clear on this but apparently the Dell Monster doesn't care.
There are computer businesses flourishing out there just repairing this port. The cost - either (approx) £5 for the female port itself or approx £25 for the sub board (DC, USB, VGA) to which it's attached.
The arrogance of the Dell people I've just spent HOURS with on the phone is truly astounding.
*********THIS IS IN WARRANTY WITH ONE YEAR TO GO!*********
"It's wear and tear and it's not covered (sir) - that'll be £329 pounds to fix. "
What? I can get it done by 100's of independents for £65 all in but invalidate the remainder of my warranty.
They will only replace the entire mother board. They will not offer any other option. They will not honour their 3 year warranty which cost me an arm and a leg.
I've tried everything. Got escalated as high as it can go and the guy on the end of the phone was almost sighing and laughing at me as I went through my arguments.
The wear and tear argument is insulting: get this - if the return key comes loose after a week or two from new - you have to pay for it - it's wear and tear.
I'm so angry I cannot tell you. I bit, I lost my temper after the so called customer service degraded me down the phone and I swore and hung up. Two hours I've been at this.
So I have no choice. I'll lose the remainder of my warranty. I'll get it fixed independently. Dell will never, ever get another penny out of me or my family (hopefully friends too) and I'll do my damnedest to put this text everywhere I can on the internet. It means nothing I know but it'll feel like something to me.
/fully justified rant
MicroTest
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934 Posts
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September 4th, 2012 10:00
Sorry - having my inspiron 1545 for more than 2 years I cannot agree with your comment.Reliability. and product quality are outstanding.If the system is properly handled it will serve you a long time.
Given the fact that my laptop is being used constantly 12 hours a day,being "gently" abused by turning it on/off,on/off and for experimental purposes it is a joy to work with it.
Regarding damaged power jacks,screens and hard drives - I know who is to blame for that.......
simonjohnnicol
3 Posts
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September 4th, 2012 12:00
Thanks for the reply - not quite sure what you're disagreeing with though.
Everything about the computer has been excellent, bloatware excluded obviously. There is a known fault (just search for 1545 DC jack repair and you'll see.) Every product can have a fault, that's fine - as long as the company admits the problem and addresses it should it unfortunately arise. I notice that the design of socket is no different, I guess they've at least improved the system at manufacture now.
My issue is with customer support and the clear denial that he problem can exist and the refusal to accept it as a warranty issue. What's the problem with that?
simonjohnnicol
3 Posts
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September 4th, 2012 13:00
Sorry - the above was meant to read:
. I notice that the design of socket is NOW different, I guess they've at least improved the system at manufacture now.
MicroTest
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934 Posts
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September 4th, 2012 14:00
When I read your first post my first thought was : "Aaaargh - not another one who runs down my "beloved" inspiron.
I do understand your frustration - and who wouldn't be - if something so simple like a power jack fails without any reason.But from my experience it is not bad quality.The power jack in my laptop is in constant use and I take great care not to use any force to avoid mechanical damage.
Within warranty you should get the powerboard replaced - at least the first time - if it doesn't work properly but if it happens a second or third time you are giving the people on the phone a hard time because one of the main reason is often unintentional physical abuse that damages the power jack or whatever.It's actually the customers fault and a broken power jack is not covered under warranty. I am not a Dell expert ,not a lawyer - just giving my own opinion on that.
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Honestly if I were you and had already the power jack replaced I would try to fix it myself using a good soldering iron and some hot glue to give it more stability.If not possible spend 25 £ on a new power board apply some hot glue to the power jack and put it back into the laptop.
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You should also watch the video - it might give you some idea how Dell's power adapter system works.A faulty power jack can cause all kind of different problems - but as long as you know how things work you are one step ahead of others......
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My native language is not English - I do not want to offend anyone - just in case I got my grammar etc wrong....