1 Rookie
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2939
August 30th, 2022 16:00
m15 R4, power button flashes red, no turn on
Alienware m15 R4
As the title suggests, I was just playing a game while the laptop was charging and the device suddenly shut down. The power button blinks red rapidly for a few seconds then shuts off. The device won’t turn on.
In fact, when it’s done blinking it turns the light on the power cable off. I have to fidget with the power brick to get the light to turn back on on the cord but when I plug it into the laptop it flashes red again and then the light on the cord comes off. Any assistance would be appreciated.
One thing to note is that the connector that plugs into the power brick has always been very loose; the slightest touch causes the light on the cord to come off. I’m not sure if I have a faulty power supply or something of that nature but any assurance will be greatly appreciated.
crimsom
7 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
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August 30th, 2022 22:00
Hi @FlipperEar welcome to this free user to user Alienware laptop discussion forum.
You have already found the problem to be loose mains plug into ac adapter's socket. Please replace with new Dell OEM 240 Watt ac adapter (DP/N) J938H. (1 Year Warranty Included)
The battery is either not being charged or near to end of life. Please create Windows 10 Battery Report: What It Is And How to Use It (lifewire.com) Compare full charge capacity with design capacity.
For the typical user, noticeable reduction in run time generally will be observed after 18 to 24 months. For a power user, reduction in run time generally may be experienced within 18 months. Dell recommends buying a new Dell OEM battery when the run time does not meet your needs. Dell Laptop Battery - Frequently Asked Questions | Dell UK
Dell Alienware m15 R4 Original XPS 15 (9500) 6-Cell 86Wh OEM Battery (DP/N) 69KF2, or
Dell Alienware m15 R4 Original XPS 15 (9500) 3-Cell 56Wh OEM Battery (DP/N) 8FCTC.
Check battery manufacture year/month date beneath square matrix on white label is less than six months old.
Support for Alienware m15 R4 Troubleshooting includes Diagnostic-light LED codes.
FlipperEar
1 Rookie
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4 Posts
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August 30th, 2022 22:00
Thanks. Unfortunately I can’t get the battery report until I get the adapter and start the laptop. I’m thinking to replace the battery as a precautionary measure. Can you advise on weather either of those two batteries can work with any m15 r4?
crimsom
7 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
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August 30th, 2022 23:00
Hi @FlipperEar thank you for sharing additional information.
There should be a Dell Part Number (DP/N) on ac adapter label. A replacement ac adapter (charger) has to be your first purchase.
Support for Alienware m15 R4, Documentation, Service Manual, Removing the Base cover reveals the 86Wh battery (DP/N) 69KF2 to have been installed, look at their image further down the page. The 56Wh battery (DP/N) 8FCTC can be installed, but Dell usually installs the 86Wh battery. You can open Base cover to see the installed battery Wh and its DP/N.
Laptop with no battery is designed to work as Desktop on ac adapter power. So you can wait to get replacement ac adapter (charger) to create windows Battery Report, and then decide if replacement battery is required.
AdrianG001
4 Operator
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4K Posts
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August 31st, 2022 00:00
Do you have problems and your laptop won't tuning On, Power Light Blinking?
If the computer does not power, the LED lights not flashing, and the display is black, you can perform one or more of the following actions to resolve the no power issue:
1. Examine the adapter and power cord for physical damage
2. Test the power from the AC wall outlet to the notebook connector
3. Start computer using the battery only
4. Check that the lid switch moves freely
5. When you have completed the troubleshooting steps, there should be power available to the computer. When you press the power button, the LEDs should glow, and you should hear the sounds of the fan and the hard drive spinning.
A51-06
5 Practitioner
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3.1K Posts
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August 31st, 2022 05:00
Hi @FlipperEar ,
Have you tried to run a power drain on the laptop?
unplug the laptop from any devices and open up the bottom panel to get access to the battery connector and unplug it. Then hold the power button for 30 seconds, and then let go. plug the battery cable back into the plug on the motherboard and plug the charger.
Let me know how everything goes,
and if its loose when charging then the DC Jack is worn out.
FlipperEar
1 Rookie
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4 Posts
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August 31st, 2022 07:00
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
@AdrianG001 I am not able to power on at the moment (with and without the adapter). Even thought the light on the adapter comes on, when plugged into the laptop it comes off.
@Alienware Area-51 ALX 2006 I wasn’t able to disconnect the battery from the board. I was following an Alienware video on how to do so but when pulling at the battery key it felt like it would tear sooner than it would disconnect from the board. Since I’m no expert in these hardware repairs I stopped trying.
I think I’d invest in the new power adapter and see how it goes from there.
crimsom
7 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
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August 31st, 2022 17:00
Hi @FlipperEar thank you for sharing additional information.
When ac adapter's diagnostic LED goes off when plugged into laptop, the ac adapter's plug or laptop's dc port might have lost a good electrical connection due to normal wear. Lets see what happens when replacement Dell OEM ac adapter is used.
The battery cable connector to system board connector, is designed to have very good physical and electrical engagement. Incrementally gently lifting cable connector at one end, then the other end, and repeat, should ease this connection apart without any damage.