well actually I called Dell before even posting here and they kept me on hold for an eternity, had me reflash the bio (which did not make sense since I had the most recent one) and ultimately had no clue.

hmmmm...if i were you i'd just buy another battery, knowing that it will fail. 

 

Another option is use the Dell Chat, i know i've had no problems with Dell chat and i'm really satisfied with that.  I usually use the Dell Chat feature.  Although you may be in line and 40 are in Queue, it will go fast depending how many tech there are and how long it takes them to finish with one customer.  Sometimes I get connected right off the bat.  So try Dell chat~ Should be under Support~

The three light flash code on Dell Latitude C series batteries means that the battery thinks it is overheated. Whether this is true or not is a matter for you to decide. Sometimes the thermister in the battery goes bad...sometimes it is correct. I have succesfully charged a battery with an erroneous overheat signal after putting it in a refrigerator. DO NOT FREEZE THEM! Freezing can cause ....undesireable....chemical changes within the battery.

 

Most of the codes are interchangeable between Latitude and Inspiron systems.

 

I hope this helps.

 

This is a link to a page (scroll down) for a c600 manual that explains the codes in greater detail.

 

:http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/latc600/en/ug/acbatt.htm#detecting_battery_problems

 

Have a great day from the most beautiful city in the greatest country in the world!

 

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA!