AC transformer not working - what do the lights mean?

Question

Does anyone know if the sequence of blinking lights on the front of an Inspiron 1100 represents specific error messages? I’ve search the user guide and support documents without luck.

The Inspiron runs fine using a charged battery but won’t run from the AC power transformer (though the transformer works fine on my Latitude, both transforms fail on the Inspiron). The transformer also will not recharge the battery in the Inspiron. There are three lights on the front of the Inspiron 1100 which seem to represent #1=Power, #2=Disk Activity and #3=Battery.

When the AC is unplugged but the battery is too low to boot the machine –

Light #1 blinks GREEN once and #3 blinks AMBER exactly 10 times

When the AC is plugged in with the dead battery –

Light #3 shines AMBER for exactly 10 seconds

When the AC is plugged in and the battery removed from its compartment –

Light #1 blinks GREEN and #3 AMBER rapidly, nonstop

Any ideas what this means and/or how I can get the power adapter to work and recharge the battery? Thank you very much for any ideas!

David

ejn63 · Answer

The power circuitry on the mainboard is faulty - it's the mainboard you need to replace.

dendry · Answer

Ejn63 - Thank you for your response.  Is 'mainboard' equivalent to motherboard?  In other words, isn't that like replacing the primary and most expensive part of the computer?

ejn63 · Answer

Yes, it is. It's either the most expensive or second-most; the display panel may actually be more expensive depending on the model.

Basically, the manufacturers have cut costs by integrating everything onto one board. It makes the system cheaper up front, but as is common, more expensive to fix later on.

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AC transformer not working - what do the lights mean?

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