2 Posts
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441
September 10th, 2022 15:00
m17 R4 power issues
I am having issues with a m17 R4. This laptop does not detect power for the power jack for some reason, it will power on and charge via usb c but nothing else. I have replaced the charge port on the laptop with 2 spares(yes I tried power cycling). I now have it at a shop and they are having problems figuring out the issue as well. The mosfets are ok and there are no hot spots on the board. Led on the power adapter does not go out and universal power adapters show no life either. I am thinking that whatever IC controls power and charge has a loose pin but I wont pretend to know how dell handles there power as I do not typically handle repair of consumer computers. If anyone knows any information on this laptops power circuitry please help I don't know where else to go.
crimsom
7 Technologist
•
6.1K Posts
1
September 12th, 2022 01:00
Hi @mjsansone thank you for update.
Does your ac adapter (and its microprocessor) power another Dell laptop. If yes, the ac adapter's microprocessor does not have a fault, and eliminates your ac adapter from being a problem.
Having disconnected battery, its communication with laptop's charging circuit is also removed. This eliminates your battery from being a problem.
The laptop has an undetermined fault and requires specialist diagnostics. Please consider the $100 Dell Laptop Repair | Dell Repair | Laptop Repair | Notebook Service Center (parts-people.com). They will investigate and tell you what is required to fix this problem.
crimsom
7 Technologist
•
6.1K Posts
1
September 10th, 2022 17:00
Hi @mjsansone welcome to this free user to user Alienware laptop discussion forum.
All Alienware laptops have intelligent charging system that prevents damage from ac adapter/dc-in port combination and bad/incompatible battery electrical power connection. Using the USB ports provides no laptop protection and are not acknowledged by the laptop's intelligent charging system and voids the Dell warranty.
The Dell OEM ac adapter has an onboard microprocessor that communicates with laptop's intelligent charging system using the central wire in the dc power cord's plug when connected to the laptop's dc-in port. Laptop without battery is designed to function as Desktop on ac adapter power. Disconnect battery and test that this function is true. If not true, borrow DELL OEM ac adapter to see if it works. If not true, check that dc-in port central wire connection to system board (aka motherboard) is good (no high resistance, no poor electrical connection, no damage, etc.).
If Dell OEM battery is not installed, the intelligent charging system will not charge battery. Using the USB ports to charge battery provides no laptop protection.
Have you tried Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)?
Have you run the Full 40 minutes test to thoroughly analyse your PC and detect hardware problems. Support for Alienware m17 R4 | Diagnostics | Dell US.
mjsansone
2 Posts
0
September 11th, 2022 16:00
Thanks for the reply @crimsom! I have tried the drain residual flea power. I can not run the test as i can not fully turn on the laptop because It does not detect the power adapter. The connection is good and shows no issues on any of the 2 different dc in ports that I have replaced the original one with. The shop that the computer is currently at has tried a 2nd OEM adapter and still nothing. The computer will not turn on with or without the battery plugged in. No lights will come on at all unless USB c is plugged in. I have looked at the board under a 10x microscope and found no trace of liquid damage or any burnt or discolored areas on the board. I can not use the warranty as I bought this laptop 2nd hand and dell will not transfer it to me despite me having a receipt of purchase(laptop was still under warranty when problem arose). Do you know what the microprocessor that handles this looks like or what is printed on it?