Inspiron 8200 battery

Question

Hi   I have just bought a new battery for my Inspiron 8200, which is now several years old.   Upon installation, the power meter stated that there was 26% charge (presumably, batteries come partially charged) and with two green lights showing when the button on the back of the battery was depressed.   I used the laptop for about two hours, connected to AC so as to charge the battery, and the power meter then showed 27% charge.  I suspected that there was a problem, and that it should have acquired a greater charge by now, so turned off the laptop and left it plugged into AC for two-and-a-half hours longer.  The power meter showed only 28% and still two green lights on the battery.  I noticed that the green light on the laptop went out after a few minutes of charging.   From this information, can anyone please suggest whether this is due to a faulty battery or a component in the laptop.   I have read on this thread about the 'DC charging circuit' possibly being the culprit.  If this proves to be the case, could anyone inform me how to purchase a replacement in the UK, and the cost?   Many thanks   John

ejn63 · Answer

It sounds more like a defective battery.

J. B. Robinson · Answer

Thanks ejn63.

The battery was bought from Amazon, and advertised as new.

Thanks for the address for the documentation. I already had this though! As the procedure for accessing the charger module seems fairly lengthy although, I think, within my capabilities, I would prefer to be sure that this is definitely the culprit. Even then, providing the cost is not too much, I would like to buy a new one before delving around inside to re-seat it.

Does the fact that the battery LED (green) on the laptop goes out after a few minutes charging help with identifying the source of the problem?

Thanks

John

ejn63 · Answer

First verify the adapter is OK - the LED should be ON.

Is this a new battery, or a used one?

Then try reseating the charger board (see below).

If that doesn't work, contact Dell UK for a replacement DC charger board.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins8200/en/sm_en/battch.htm#1084976

J. B. Robinson · Answer

Thanks.  I'll initiate procedures for return for refund.  Perhaps I'd have been better buying from Dell after all!

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