While not wishing to contradict you or DELL tech's, it may actually be a KNOWN error.
Error Code: 1 Amber + 8 White LED Blinks
Meaning: This is a BIOS issue that can cause the system to stop responding or show a black screen, especially when not connected to AC power.
Recommended Actions:
Connect the AC adapter to the system and power it on again. This often allows the system to boot normally.
Update the BIOS to version 1.1.0 or later, which contains a fix for this issue.
Additional Notes:
This error is related to a known BIOS bug affecting certain Dell Plus systems, including the Precision 5490.
If the problem persists after BIOS update, further hardware diagnostics may be necessary.
For detailed troubleshooting, check the display cable connection as improper seating or damage can cause related issues (see Dell Precision 5490 Owner's Manual).
Summary:
LED Pattern
Fault Description
Suggested Fix
1 Amber + 8 White
BIOS issue causing boot failure
Connect AC adapter and update BIOS to v1.1.0 or later
References:
Dell Knowledge Base article on 1 amber and 8 white LED error: Dell KB 000285283
Dell Precision Mobile Diagnostic Indicator Reference Guide
If you have not yet updated your BIOS, start there. Make sure the system is connected to AC power during the update and reboot. If the error continues after BIOS update, contact Dell Support for further diagnostics or repair options.
@anne_droid Thank you for finding this! While this is definitely helpful, I just checked my system and I am running BIOS version 1.13 and continuing to throw this error, which now makes it more of a mystery!
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
•
1.3K Posts
0
July 1st, 2025 09:25
Hi
While not wishing to contradict you or DELL tech's, it may actually be a KNOWN error.
Error Code: 1 Amber + 8 White LED Blinks
Meaning: This is a BIOS issue that can cause the system to stop responding or show a black screen, especially when not connected to AC power.
Recommended Actions:
Connect the AC adapter to the system and power it on again. This often allows the system to boot normally.
Update the BIOS to version 1.1.0 or later, which contains a fix for this issue.
Additional Notes:
This error is related to a known BIOS bug affecting certain Dell Plus systems, including the Precision 5490.
If the problem persists after BIOS update, further hardware diagnostics may be necessary.
For detailed troubleshooting, check the display cable connection as improper seating or damage can cause related issues (see Dell Precision 5490 Owner's Manual).
Summary:
References:
Dell Knowledge Base article on 1 amber and 8 white LED error: Dell KB 000285283
Dell Precision 5490 Owner’s Manual diagnostic lights section
Dell Precision Mobile Diagnostic Indicator Reference Guide
If you have not yet updated your BIOS, start there. Make sure the system is connected to AC power during the update and reboot. If the error continues after BIOS update, contact Dell Support for further diagnostics or repair options.
Davidhb45
1 Rookie
•
2 Posts
0
July 1st, 2025 17:53
@anne_droid Thank you for finding this! While this is definitely helpful, I just checked my system and I am running BIOS version 1.13 and continuing to throw this error, which now makes it more of a mystery!
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
•
1.3K Posts
0
July 2nd, 2025 09:21
Prego.