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38196
March 14th, 2012 21:00
Charging circuitry on Dell Precision M6300?
I recently bought a used M6300. The seller noted that there was a charging problem, that he had replaced the battery, and that a new adapter should fix the issue. As you might suspect, it's proved to be not quite that simple.
Basic situation is that the cursoring over the power management icon in the system tray shows the message, 'Plugged in, charging' but the battery does not charge regardless of how long the AC adapter is plugged in. I've gone through the diagnostic and corrective measures suggested here and other tech forums. Tried a different adapter known to work, with no difference. Tried the included adapter on a different Dell laptop and it charged the machine with no problem. Updated the BIOS to the latest version, no change. Deleted the Microsoft's ACPI-Compliant control and had it re-install on reboot, no change.
What I have noticed is two things. First, while testing different adapters, starting and stopping the system for the above diagnostics, etc., the battery went from it's original 7% level to 8%. I started plugging and unplugging the AC adapter cable periodically and after another day the level went to 9%. I then made the second observation. Whenever the AC input changes for the system, the power LED in the right display hinge shows solid green (charging) for 30 - 35 seconds, then it goes dark. Turning on the system with the adapter plugged in, unplugging and replugging the adapter plug while the system is running, or even turning the system off and when the laptop completes its shutdown - the power LED comes on for that 30 - 35 second interval. So my suspicion is now on the charging circuitry. What I haven't been able to track down yet is whether there is a separate power board that controls the charging or if it's part of the motherboard for the M6300? If it's a separate circuit board, I'd look into replacing it (assuming there are reasonably priced boards available). I suspect that replacing the motherboard might not be very cost effective unless they're a lot cheaper than I expect.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can clarify the issue for me.
DELL-Royan S
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March 14th, 2012 21:00
Hi,
Welcome to the Community. Check if the ac adapter is getting detected in the Bios. Press the F2 key at the Dell Logo on startup, and check what it says next to AC adapter, if it says unknown, you will need a motherboard repalcement.
If you need a quote for a motherboard replacement from our Out of Warranty dept, send me a private message, by clicking on my user name, add me as a friend, and send me your service tag, phone number and address.
Thank you
Royan
seryle
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March 14th, 2012 22:00
The Adapter is identified as '130 W', which is the correct power rating for the adapter. It's a Dell model PA-1131-02D2. As noted, it charged a different Dell (a Latitude) perfectly. I'd noted the forum's post on battery issues which mentioned the 'power board' as one possible component that could be involved in these problems, but the M6300 system guide did not mention it in the section about replacing parts (unless it's what was called the power button board?). Is it a discrete board in the 6300 or part of the motherboard do you know?
DELL-Royan S
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3.8K Posts
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March 14th, 2012 23:00
Hi,
It is a part of the motherboard. Before replacing the motherboard try another battery to check if its able to charge. You should also check Dell Quickset to see if the battery life is good. If you do not have Dell Quickset use the below link to install it.
www.dell.com/.../DriverFileFormats
Thank you
Royan