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Thanks for your quick response. The laptop has been plugged in all day, and the light is still flashing. Is this an indication that the battery is not charging properly? It has been maintaining less and less charge over the last few months. Do I need to replace it?Thanks for your quick response. The laptop has been plugged in all day, and the light is still flashing. Is this an indication that the battery is not charging properly? It has been maintaining less and less charge over the last few months. Do I need to replace it?
Sure, this just mean your are in charging mode, but your battery is at full charge. Should your battery need charging and in charging mode the lights would be green most likely.
Regards, Worldvet Please don't forget to rate our solutions as fixed if we answered your questions or fixed your problem.
I see. Yes, these batteries do reach a point where they retain less and less of a charge. This is normal and results from use and age, combined or separate. Even the Lithium Ion batteries today, although they last longer, suffer from the notorious memory effect. Most laptop makers will tell you to recalibrate your battery several times a year.
You would go to Control Panel, click on the Power button, you may or may not have a calibrate button. However, all this does is something you can do yourself. You go to power options, select Always On, now disconnect the A/C cord and allow your laptop to run until the battery is completely drained. This is basically what it means to calibrate your battery. By doing this, the little chip inside your battery will take note of the time it took to drain down. Then, when you are on battery, and mouse over the icon in the system tray you will get an accurate reading on how much time is left for battery power usage.
Now, should you replace it? This depends on how often you use battery only. If you never use it, then you can wait until its convenient to you to replace it. If you use the battery often, then this becomes a more urgent need.
I will look up your battery and provide you with an online retailer that is reliable and trustworthy. Give me 15 minutes.
If you have another question go ahead and ask using the comment box below.
Thanks, Worldvet
I see. Yes, these batteries do reach a point where they retain less and less of a charge. This is normal and results from use and age, combined or separate. Even the Lithium Ion batteries today, although they last longer, suffer from the notorious memory effect. Most laptop makers will tell you to recalibrate your battery several times a year.
You would go to Control Panel, click on the Power button, you may or may not have a calibrate button. However, all this does is something you can do yourself. You go to power options, select Always On, now disconnect the A/C cord and allow your laptop to run until the battery is completely drained. This is basically what it means to calibrate your battery. By doing this, the little chip inside your battery will take note of the time it took to drain down. Then, when you are on battery, and mouse over the icon in the system tray you will get an accurate reading on how much time is left for battery power usage.
Now, should you replace it? This depends on how often you use battery only. If you never use it, then you can wait until its convenient to you to replace it. If you use the battery often, then this becomes a more urgent need.
I will look up your battery and provide you with an online retailer that is reliable and trustworthy. Give me 15 minutes.
If you have another question go ahead and ask using the comment box below.
Here is the page at Ebay, where you can compare the 'buy it now' prices. I always compare with who is willing to ship it for free. You also want to do business with a power seller that offers at the minimum a 7 Day DOA warranty. So, if you buy from these people, check the battery right away.
This is a page at a reputable seller online duracell direct. You can compare this price against what is offered at Ebay.
Thanks for rating, but would you change it from Trying, as we don't really Try to do anything, We are here to give you clear answers for free. We don't get paid, most of us who do this have done this in free clinics for years and years.
If you feel I've provided you with enough information to make a sound decision or understand your issue, please change the rating I would greatly appreciate it.
Regards, Worlvet
Hi,
Here is the page at Ebay, where you can compare the 'buy it now' prices. I always compare with who is willing to ship it for free. You also want to do business with a power seller that offers at the minimum a 7 Day DOA warranty. So, if you buy from these people, check the battery right away.
This is a page at a reputable seller online duracell direct. You can compare this price against what is offered at Ebay.
Thanks for rating, but would you change it from Trying, as we don't really Try to do anything, We are here to give you clear answers for free. We don't get paid, most of us who do this have done this in free clinics for years and years.
If you feel I've provided you with enough information to make a sound decision or understand your issue, please change the rating I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you and you may call on me anytime. You can find me via the Find Experts link on our home page. I am usually on page 2 or 3 or at this link. http://www.fixya.com /users/worldvet/
I work on Laptops all the time and usually have two or three on my bench at any given time and even work with RVrs who FedEx their laptops to me and I send them on to where they expect to be next.
Take note, that should your laptop suddenly stops working when connected to the A/C adapter, the battery charge lights go off and your laptop shuts down. This is a known issue with Dell power adapters and requires replacing some electronic parts on the power adapter itself. But, you are usually better off getting a replacement given the cost to repair the power supply. Still, a lot of these adapters sold as used have the same problem. So, I would go new from an Ebay retailer for a replacement charger.
But, today you don't need to give up on a laptop just because its old. Mine is eight years old. I'm working on one that is just as old and only needs a new hard drive. So, keep in mind that fixing your laptop is the least expensive way in which to do mobile computing so long as you are not doing CPU intensive CAD apps or editing DVD movies.
Worldvet
Thank you and you may call on me anytime. You can find me via the Find Experts link on our home page. I am usually on page 2 or 3 or at this link. http://www.fixya.com /users/worldvet/
I work on Laptops all the time and usually have two or three on my bench at any given time and even work with RVrs who FedEx their laptops to me and I send them on to where they expect to be next.
Take note, that should your laptop suddenly stops working when connected to the A/C adapter, the battery charge lights go off and your laptop shuts down. This is a known issue with Dell power adapters and requires replacing some electronic parts on the power adapter itself. But, you are usually better off getting a replacement given the cost to repair the power supply. Still, a lot of these adapters sold as used have the same problem. So, I would go new from an Ebay retailer for a replacement charger.
But, today you don't need to give up on a laptop just because its old. Mine is eight years old. I'm working on one that is just as old and only needs a new hard drive. So, keep in mind that fixing your laptop is the least expensive way in which to do mobile computing so long as you are not doing CPU intensive CAD apps or editing DVD movies.
Worldvet
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from the web - 1 Removed the battery 2 Removed the AC power 3 Plugged in the AC power again Note:- At this point the light from flashing amber light to solid green indicating AC Power 4 Plugged in the Battery Note:- Solid green AC power light and Amber charge light
The diagnostic procedures from the Dell User Guide are as follows:
Total Power Failure When Using a Battery If an AC adapter is not connected to your computer, the computer's power source is a battery. If the battery indicator flashes amber or is a steady amber, the battery needs to be charged. If the battery is flashing green and amber, the battery may be defective. To troubleshoot this problem, use the following procedure. 1. Turn off the computer and peripherals, and disconnect them from AC power. 2. Reseat each installed battery by removing it and then replacing it. 3. Turn on the computer. Does the green power indicator light up? Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components before checking for signs of power. Yes. Continue to step 4. No. Use the AC adapter to connect your computer to AC power. If the computer operates normally when using AC power, go to step 7. If the computer does not boot when using the AC adapter, see the previous subsection, "Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter." 4. Does the battery indicator flash amber or show a a steady amber light? Yes. The battery needs to be charged. Go step 5. No. Go to step 7. 5. Connect the computer to AC power, and fully charge the battery. For instructions, see the topic titled "Charging the Battery" in the online System User's Guide. 6. As the battery charges, does the green battery indicator light up? Yes. Go to step 9. No. Go to step 7. 7. Is the battery indicator flashing green and amber? Yes. Your computer may be in a hot environment. Charging the battery in this condition may affect the life span of the battery. Continue to step 8. No. The problem is resolved. 8. Disconnect the computer from AC power. Is the the battery indicator still flashing amber? Yes. You may have a defective battery. Continue to step 9. No. The problem is resolved. 9. Remove the battery, and press its test button. Is the uppermost indicator in the charge gauge of the battery flashing? Yes. You have a defective battery. Continue to step 9. No. The problem is resolved. 10. If a spare battery is available, fully charge it, and then install it in the computer. 11. Turn on the computer. Is the power indicator off? Yes. Your original battery is defective. Call Dell for a replacement. (See Chapter 5, "Getting Help," for instructions.) No. Call Dell for technical assistance. (See Chapter 5, "Getting Help," for instructions.)
I had the same problem, I removed the bettery while it was still plugged in, tested it, then plugged it back and and now all is fine.
or you may try
If an AC adapter is not connected to your computer, the computer's power source is a battery. If the battery indicator flashes amber or is a steady amber, the battery needs to be charged. If the battery is flashing green and amber, the battery may be defective. To troubleshoot this problem, use the following procedure. 1. Turn off the computer and peripherals, and disconnect them from AC power. 2. Reseat each installed battery by removing it and then replacing it. 3. Turn on the computer. Does the green power indicator light up? Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components before checking for signs of power. Yes. Continue to step 4. No. Use the AC adapter to connect your computer to AC power. If the computer operates normally when using AC power, go to step 7. If the computer does not boot when using the AC adapter, see the previous subsection, "Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter." 4. Does the battery indicator flash amber or show a a steady amber light? Yes. The battery needs to be charged. Go step 5. No. Go to step 7. 5. Connect the computer to AC power, and fully charge the battery. For instructions, see the topic titled "Charging the Battery" in the online System User's Guide. 6. As the battery charges, does the green battery indicator light up? Yes. Go to step 9. No. Go to step 7. 7. Is the battery indicator flashing green and amber? Yes. Your computer may be in a hot environment. Charging the battery in this condition may affect the life span of the battery. Continue to step 8. No. The problem is resolved. 8. Disconnect the computer from AC power. Is the the battery indicator still flashing amber? Yes. You may have a defective battery. Continue to step 9. No. The problem is resolved. 9. Remove the battery, and press its test button. Is the uppermost indicator in the charge gauge of the battery flashing? Yes. You have a defective battery. Continue to step 9. No. The problem is resolved. 10. If a spare battery is available, fully charge it, and then install it in the computer. 11. Turn on the computer. Is the power indicator off? Yes. Your original battery is defective - please look for a replacement.
Hope it helps.
Hi,
Normally the life time of a laptop battery is 300 cycles. that is 300 discharges and charges. Since your laptop is almost 2 years old, the battery could be at the end of its life time, and again depends on how often you use your laptop in a day. Better goto a service center or get a similar battery from any of your friends just to make sure it is not a motherboard issue. Then you can think about which part you've to replace.
Please come back and rate my solution if it turns to be helpful fro you, or also if you need more clarifications.
Thnx
Troubleshooting a power problem is fairly simple:
1 Try a different AC adapter, see if there is any change
2 If system will not power on with a known good or new AC adapter, then the power connection on the motherboard is likely damaged and the motherboard will need to be replaced.
Hi there. Sounds like the battery could be faulty. The diagnostic procedures from the Dell User Guide are as follows:
Total Power Failure When Using a Battery If an AC adapter is not connected to your computer, the computer's power source is a battery. If the battery indicator flashes amber or is a steady amber, the battery needs to be charged. If the battery is flashing green and amber, the battery may be defective. To troubleshoot this problem, use the following procedure. 1. Turn off the computer and peripherals, and disconnect them from AC power. 2. Reseat each installed battery by removing it and then replacing it. 3. Turn on the computer. Does the green power indicator light up? Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components before checking for signs of power. Yes. Continue to step 4. No. Use the AC adapter to connect your computer to AC power. If the computer operates normally when using AC power, go to step 7. If the computer does not boot when using the AC adapter, see the previous subsection, "Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter." 4. Does the battery indicator flash amber or show a a steady amber light? Yes. The battery needs to be charged. Go step 5. No. Go to step 7. 5. Connect the computer to AC power, and fully charge the battery. For instructions, see the topic titled "Charging the Battery" in the online System User's Guide. 6. As the battery charges, does the green battery indicator light up? Yes. Go to step 9. No. Go to step 7. 7. Is the battery indicator flashing green and amber? Yes. Your computer may be in a hot environment. Charging the battery in this condition may affect the life span of the battery. Continue to step 8. No. The problem is resolved. 8. Disconnect the computer from AC power. Is the the battery indicator still flashing amber? Yes. You may have a defective battery. Continue to step 9. No. The problem is resolved. 9. Remove the battery, and press its test button. Is the uppermost indicator in the charge gauge of the battery flashing? Yes. You have a defective battery. Continue to step 9. No. The problem is resolved. 10. If a spare battery is available, fully charge it, and then install it in the computer. 11. Turn on the computer. Is the power indicator off? Yes. Your original battery is defective.
LED indicator for your laptop model
Steady Blue = Battery charged and AC adapter plugged in Amber = Battery charging and AC adapter plugged in Slow Amber Flash = <10% battery life Fast amber flash = 3% remaining TPC will automatically go into hibernate Slow flashing amber Adapter plugged in = Overheat condition
Do you have a multimeter to test the battery that you are using? check the output current of the battery.
The diagnostic procedures from the Dell User Guide are as follows:
Total Power Failure When Using a Battery If an AC adapter is not connected to your computer, the computer's power source is a battery. If the battery indicator flashes amber or is a steady amber, the battery needs to be charged. If the battery is flashing green and amber, the battery may be defective. To troubleshoot this problem, use the following procedure. 1. Turn off the computer and peripherals, and disconnect them from AC power. 2. Reseat each installed battery by removing it and then replacing it. 3. Turn on the computer. Does the green power indicator light up? Allow one minute for the computer to initialize its components before checking for signs of power. Yes. Continue to step 4. No. Use the AC adapter to connect your computer to AC power. If the computer operates normally when using AC power, go to step 7. If the computer does not boot when using the AC adapter, see the previous subsection, "Total Power Failure When Using the AC Adapter." 4. Does the battery indicator flash amber or show a a steady amber light? Yes. The battery needs to be charged. Go step 5. No. Go to step 7. 5. Connect the computer to AC power, and fully charge the battery. For instructions, see the topic titled "Charging the Battery" in the online System User's Guide. 6. As the battery charges, does the green battery indicator light up? Yes. Go to step 9. No. Go to step 7. 7. Is the battery indicator flashing green and amber? Yes. Your computer may be in a hot environment. Charging the battery in this condition may affect the life span of the battery. Continue to step 8. No. The problem is resolved. 8. Disconnect the computer from AC power. Is the the battery indicator still flashing amber? Yes. You may have a defective battery. Continue to step 9. No. The problem is resolved. 9. Remove the battery, and press its test button. Is the uppermost indicator in the charge gauge of the battery flashing? Yes. You have a defective battery. Continue to step 9. No. The problem is resolved. 10. If a spare battery is available, fully charge it, and then install it in the computer. 11. Turn on the computer. Is the power indicator off? Yes. Your original battery is defective
Thanks for your quick response. The laptop has been plugged in all day, and the light is still flashing. Is this an indication that the battery is not charging properly? It has been maintaining less and less charge over the last few months. Do I need to replace it?
Thanks very much Worlvet, the answer and links were very helpful.
Much appreciated,
J.
FLASHING AMBER LIGHT
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