Precision 5550 only intermittently charging

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I have a Precision 5550 and sometimes it says it isn't charging, If I do a reboot it will often work again. Sounds like I have the same problem as the original poster. It only started doing it yesterday.

I'm starting to assume it's caused by a BIOS update. I'm using two kinds of adapters:

Startech docking station

usb-c Display port adapter

When I remove them and shut down the laptop and only insert the charger the laptop starts up and recognizes the charger. Then I can plug in the peripherals without the laptop stops charging. However when all peripherals are plugged in the laptop often fails to recognize the charger after booting up even if you unplug and plug it back in. You need to cold start it with only the charger inserted.

It doesn't matter in what usb-c port the charger is inserted btw.

I am curious. I have the same problem. I use a D6000 dock and the 130w charger that came with the laptop. I have to unplug everything, shutdown (not restart), start up, then plug in only the 130w charger for it to start charging. I have replaced the charger and still have the same issue. What was the replaced part for this issue? This is a work laptop and support was no help.

What was the part that was replaced here? The motherboard or the battery? 

High possibility of replacing the mainboard

Hello
I also have a dell precision 5550
Also plugged into a charger in a windows environment, it doesn't charge into all 3 ports. And when I turn off the charger, it goes to power.
please how to handle
Thank you

@DELL-Jesse L​ What part was replaced please? I have the exact same problem on a computer we bought from Dell Refurbished last week. Not overly happy as we've wasted time setting it up only to find it has this fundamental charging issue. The battery also drains rather quickly, implying the battery is well used. 

@tonymotegi​ +1 having the same problem and would like to know what part is at fault. i suspect it is a bad capacitor (cap) on the motherboard, but hoping it might be something cheaper or easier to fix.

Hi @DELL-Jesse L​, 

   I just started to have the same problem.  Can you let us know the solution of what had to be replaced in order to fix it?  I find that it will charge with a docking station, but won't with the power cord that came with my precision 5550.  Any help would be appreciated.

   Thanks,

     Angela

@DELL-Jesse L​ Hi - I'm having the same issue. My Dell Precision 5550 fails to charge unless I shutdown and turn my computer on. It intermittently stops charging. What should I do?

I'm having the same issue on my Dell Precision 5550 - it seems like a common problem with the same above symptoms. Plugging in my original charger, a replacement charger and / or screen usb power supply. All give a popup saying the wattage is too low. Other times they all work. Please help with a solution Dell. 

I recently got the same problem with same model. I had received some BIOS update via Dell Command. Is there any solutions? I have warranty for couple more months from the seller just in case I can always ask for help. Turning off the laptop helps to start the charge and then I can use it connected. I have tried with 3 different Dell charges same behavior on all ports. Please help.

I had the same problem, and luckily, I had purchased Dell Pro Support when I bought the laptop. Initially, the motherboard was replaced, and charging worked again – but only for a day. After that, the motherboard was replaced again, along with the original power adapter and docking station. The charging worked for a few days longer before the same issue reappeared. In the end, the motherboard was replaced two more times. With the fourth (!) motherboard, charging has been working fine for about four months now. I hope it stays that way.