I have a N5010 Inspiron.

My battery has been down to a few minutes for a yr or two.

I keep my laptop plugged in always unless traveling.

Today, my battery light started flashing. Amber for times then white then repeats. 

Since I was plugged in I was perplexed. I looked on my screen and it showed 100 percent battery meaning I am plugged in.

Then I turned my computer completely off. THE LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. Now it is getting spooky.

I unplug the power supply from the back of the computer and the light went off.

Hours later I plugged everything back in. Started the computer and the light started again. Since it is no warning for anything other than the battery, 

I tried unplugging while computer was on. Still flashing.

I turned off. Took battery out and put back in. Still Flashing. 

While off AND battery out I plugged in and no flashing

Put batter back in....plugged in and flashing resumed. 

So for now I am trying to ignore it.

I am concerned though.

Any idea why this is happening and if I could have a short or a sizzle or fire in the future? I do not want to risk paying for a new battery or a power cord. Could the power cord be the issue?