Dell Inspiron 5160 - My charger won't charge the battery

Question

Hi,   When I tried to start my laptop all three device status lights begin to flash, if I take the battery out and try with just the charger (the light is green on the charger it self)  the same thing happens. I've left the charger on all night but it doesn't charge, spoke to Dell support, they think its the motherboard.    I decided to take the laptop apart and check inside, everything seemed ok so I put it back together again and only the battery light came on and turned green when I plugged the charger back in. I pressed the power button and the dell access direct button at the same time which started some diagnostic process before XP booted, this located one error:   Error code 3600:0649 Msg: Invalid AC Adaptor reported   I tested the battery again but the this time all tests passed. So I thought everything was alright, the battery charged back up to 100% while I was using the laptop for about an hour.   I switched the laptop back on this morning and the charger again started charging however after about 20 seconds the charger stopped charging now I'm worried the battery will just run flat and the same thing happen.   I bought the laptop in Oct 04 and have not replaced any parts yet.   Anyone had this problem before or got any ideas on the battery/charger problem

ejn63 · Answer

It is the system board, or more specifically, the power jack. If it's in warranty, have Dell replace the system board.

If it's out of warranty, that's expensive (the board alone runs in the $400 range). Contact a repair shop such as www.aqstech.com.

Tom_88 · Answer

The laptop is not under warranty , I only had one year collect and return.

ejn63 · Answer

I would contact the above for a repair estimate - it's usually half or less the cost of a new system board.

Serraka · Answer

Just with the same problem, Dell technician told me by phone that, even being under warranty, that problem is not covered by it and I have to pay 1030 euros for the motherboard. Is this either possible or legal? Now my computer does neither run with the battery charged. It´s totally dead. I'm from Spain. Thanks

KAPinUK · Answer

I have exactly the same problem. My 5160 is 2 years old, out of warranty and no service contract.   The power connection has being getting pretty flakey last couple of weeks.  Today spent 30 minutes wriggling connector before it finally linked up to provide power.  The green light is on Adapter but no power getting to PC.   After doing some troubleshooting on it this evening again can't get power, currently operating on dying batteries!   Until I saw your messages though it might be connector/lead on AC Adapter although this looks fine.   Really don't like idea of havinfg to buy new mother board or have it repaired.  Any further advice much appreciated.

Tom_88 · Answer

Hi,   Since my last post I dismantled my laptop by removing the keyboard, then the screen, then removing the inner casing to have a look at the charger connector from inside.   I didn't do anything but re-align the metal connector above the charger connector, after I put it all back together the battery started charging again and its been working for about a week now (fingers crossed).   There are some manuals available to download from:   http://support.dell.com/support/systemsinfo/documentation.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~cat=12   which explain what order to take the laptop apart - it was pretty easy just taking a few screws out. I think its worth doing before shelling out for a new motherboard, just remember to put everything back in the same order.   Tom

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