Laptop suddenly turns on and off after a few seconds

Troubleshooting a Laptop That Instantly Turns On and Off: A Case Study with Predator Helios Neo 16 (2023)

Introduction

Many users rely heavily on their laptops for both work and leisure, making hardware stability essential. However, encountering unexpected power cycling issues can be frustrating, especially when the device refuses to stay powered on or reach the BIOS. In this article, we’ll analyze a real-world scenario involving a Predator Helios Neo 16 (2023), explore potential causes, and provide guidance on troubleshooting steps.

Case Overview

The user reports owning a Predator Helios Neo 16 2023 model for nearly two years. Recently, the laptop exhibited the following behavior:

• The issue began after the device was shut down without unplugging the charger.
• After approximately three hours, the keyboard backlighting indicated power, but the screen remained blank.
• The laptop then shut off and entered a continuous power cycle, turning on and off repeatedly.
• Attempts to access BIOS or perform hardware resets were unsuccessful.
• Holding the power button for ten seconds did not resolve the issue.
• The user was unable to open the device cover due to warranty restrictions.
• The problem occurred late at night, adding urgency.

Potential Causes

Several factors could lead to a laptop exhibiting this power cycling behavior:

1. Residual Power or Firmware Glitch: Leaving the laptop plugged in during a shutdown might cause residual power issues, potentially affecting system stability.

2. Hardware Malfunction: Components such as the motherboard, power supply, RAM, or other internal hardware might be faulty or have become dislodged.

3. Battery or Power Adapter Issues: A malfunctioning battery or power adapter can cause inconsistent power delivery.

4. Overheating or Thermal Issues: Although less likely given the timing, thermal problems can cause system shutdowns and restarts.

5. Recent Updates or Software Changes: While the user believes their OS is fully updated, software conflicts usually do not cause such hardware-level power loops but cannot be entirely dismissed.

Troubleshooting Steps

For users facing similar issues, the following steps can help identify or resolve the problem:

1. Unplug and Perform a Power Reset

2. Disconnect the charger.

3. Remove the battery if it is removable (note: many modern laptops have non-removable batteries—if so, skip this step).
4. Press and hold the power button for at least 30 seconds to discharge residual power.
5. Reconnect the charger (without