Dell Latitude 5500 *periodically* says AC Power Adapter Not Recognized – works only when unscrewing back cover.

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Troubleshooting the Dell Latitude 5500: My Charging Dilemma

If you’re a proud owner of a Dell Latitude 5500, you may encounter an unusual issue: the laptop intermittently fails to recognize the AC power adapter. This frustrating problem manifests itself in several ways: while the Windows operating system acknowledges that the charger is plugged in, it displays a “not charging” message, and the white LED indicator remains unlit. On rebooting, users are greeted with a BIOS warning stating that the charger isn’t recognized, despite using an original Dell power adapter.

After extensive troubleshooting, it appears this is not a matter of software or drivers, as the same issue arises when running Ubuntu—my dual-boot OS. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the steps I took in trying to remedy the situation:

  1. Testing Different Power Sources: I tried plugging the laptop into various outlets and even different buildings to rule out any voltage variability that might be causing the problem.

  2. Using Multiple Chargers: I experimented with several original Dell chargers, varying the wattage between 65W and 90W, yet encountered the same issue.

  3. Replacing Hardware Components: I noticed an issue related to the AC DC Jack Power Plug on the laptop’s motherboard, so I swapped it out with one from an identical laptop, but the problem persisted.

  4. Updating the BIOS: I made sure that my BIOS was updated to the latest version available, hoping this would resolve compatibility issues.

  5. Draining the Battery: As a last resort, I allowed the battery to drain completely before attempting to recharge, but unfortunately, this did not yield any positive results.

After all these attempts, I found an odd workaround. Interestingly, the charger seems to be recognized once again after unscrewing and re-securing the back cover. This led me to speculate whether there might be a short-circuit induced by a screw or perhaps a loose connection somewhere inside.

Have you experienced similar charging issues with your Dell Latitude 5500? Any advice or insights you could share would be immensely appreciated as I continue to seek a more permanent solution to this conundrum.

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One Comment

  1. Hi,

    Thank you for sharing your detailed troubleshooting steps and observations. Based on your description and the workaround involving unscrewing and re-securing the back cover, it suggests there might be an internal hardware connection issue, such as a loose connection or a grounding problem.

    Here are a few suggestions that might help you identify and resolve the issue more permanently:

    • Check Internal Connections: Carefully re-examine the internal wiring and connectors related to the AC/DC jack, power circuit, and motherboard. Ensure all cables are securely connected and that there are no visible signs of damage or corrosion.
    • Inspect for Physical Damage: Look for any cracked solder joints or damaged components on the motherboard that might be causing intermittent contact or short circuits.
    • Test with a Known Good Motherboard: If available, swapping the motherboard with a known good unit can confirm whether the issue is hardware-related.
    • Consider Power Supply and Charging Port: Sometimes, the charging port or its solder joints can cause intermittent recognition issues. Reflowing the solder or replacing the port might be beneficial.
    • Ensure Proper Grounding: Since the issue seems related to physical connections, verify that the chassis and internal components are properly grounded, especially if this problem started after hardware changes or physical adjustments.
    Reply

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