17 R4, charger turns off when plugged in, #2

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Unfortunately when this happens it usually means that there is a short on the board. In  my experience it is usually related to the GPU but it can be anything. 

A decent laptop repairer should be able to diagnose it better but you could be up for a new board. 

Hi @Sailor.steve  thank you for a good description of the problem. It seems the DC Power Input Jack Plug with Cable - DP/N 0K5M1 has developed an electrical short and requires replacement. 

There are other videos on YouTube that will also show how to replace the DC Power Input JackPlug with Cable. 

Dell Support for Alienware 17 R4, Service Manual, Removing the power-adapter port, Procedure should be consulted.

You may decide that a colleague or yourself has the skill to replace DP/N 0K5M1. 

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Welcome to the Dell Community @Sailor.steve 

Since you disconnected the DC jack and the AC adapter light stays on that would tell us you have a short on the system board.

Is it still under warranty???

If not you could try and "Shotgun" it.

Meaning, disconnect everything you can from the system board except the DC jack.

Then connect the AC adapter to the DC jack.

If the light goes out then it is definitely the system board.

If the light stays on, then it is something you disconnected.

Disconnect the AC and connect one of the things you disconnected.

Then connect the AC.

If the AC light stays on go on to the next device.

If you connect a device and then the AC and the light goes out the device you just connected is causing the short.

Best regards,

U2

Alienware 17 R4 Service Manual:

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/alienware-17-laptop/alienware-17-r4-servicemanual/before-working-inside-your-computer?guid=guid-5d3b1051-9384-409a-8d5b-9b53bd496de8&lang=en-us

Hi

Thanks for the reply.  I thought as much but was hoping there might be something else I missed

thanks, I thought it might be the board.  It is not under warranty anymore.

I will try what you said about unplugging everything first and see.

there isn’t really any decent repair shops around me.

I tested the DC in. It isn’t causing the it to short. Something else might be there.

Hi @Sailor.steve  please visit Warranty and Service Extension - Dell Community to determine if Dell would provide the Alienware 17 R4 with a warranty and replace your expensive main board (aka motherboard). Please share the result. (Do not post your private Service Tag in this public forum.) 

Hi @Sailor.steve  which motherboard is installed in the Alienware 17 R4? Dell Alienware 17 R4 Motherboards | Dell Alienware 17 R4 Laptop Parts (parts-people.com) 

As there are no local decent repair shops, are you going to ask Dell to determine the problem, and if not the motherboard, then perhaps apply their recommended fix? How to arrange an 'Out of Warranty' repair on your Dell System | Dell Canada or $100 Dell Laptop Repair | Dell Repair | Laptop Repair | Notebook Service Center (parts-people.com)