9 replies to this topic

[neilpeart]

I hope everybody is doing well. I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 laptop. Yesterday, after using the machine until the battery died, I plugged it in and instead of the usual green light, I got a flashing red light and the computer is telling me that it doesn't recognize the battery. I plugged in the compatible charger from my daughters computer, but still have the same message. My guess is the battery is no longer functional but wanted to hear from the experts before attempting resolve the issue. Thank you!

[8210GUY]

I'm no expert, but 2 things come to mind, the most common fault with laptops is the jack socket for the power breaks or gets loose so contact is very ropey, and as you think it "could" be the battery as well, the battery is the easiest thing to test, at least it is if you have the following possible, if you can run the PC direct from the mains without having to have the battery in the laptop, then remove the battery and try and use the laptop with just the mains, if this works it starts to support a battery issue, if it makes no difference then it supports the jack being at fault. Next you mention having a comparable charger, would you by any chance have access to an identical laptop ? If you do you can simply swap battery's, should your battery work in the other system then it is fine, if the other battery works in your system then it's highly probable that it's the jack socket, of course you will probably need to use the mains initially to power your battery in the other laptop as it will be dead due to not being able to charge it, but if you can do this it will make diagnosing a lot easier than normal. But either way it will mean a trip to a store to either buy a new battery if the above proves it at fault, or a repair centre if it's the jack, as it's not an easy job and is best done by someone experienced in this field, but if you still can't be certain due to no 2nd system, take your laptop to a store and ask if they can let you test a battery before buying, explain the situation and hopefully they should be willing to help, hope this gets you a result.

[neilpeart]

I'm no expert, but 2 things come to mind, the most common fault with laptops is the jack socket for the power breaks or gets loose so contact is very ropey, and as you think it "could" be the battery as well, the battery is the easiest thing to test, at least it is if you have the following possible, if you can run the PC direct from the mains without having to have the battery in the laptop, then remove the battery and try and use the laptop with just the mains, if this works it starts to support a battery issue, if it makes no difference then it supports the jack being at fault.

Next you mention having a comparable charger, would you by any chance have access to an identical laptop ?
If you do you can simply swap battery's, should your battery work in the other system then it is fine, if the other battery works in your system then it's highly probable that it's the jack socket, of course you will probably need to use the mains initially to power your battery in the other laptop as it will be dead due to not being able to charge it, but if you can do this it will make diagnosing a lot easier than normal.

But either way it will mean a trip to a store to either buy a new battery if the above proves it at fault, or a repair centre if it's the jack, as it's not an easy job and is best done by someone experienced in this field, but if you still can't be certain due to no 2nd system, take your laptop to a store and ask if they can let you test a battery before buying, explain the situation and hopefully they should be willing to help, hope this gets you a result.

That is a good start. Thanks!

[neilpeart]

I plugged in the computer with the battery removed, and it is working just fine. That eliminates a potential jack issue.

[8210GUY]

Yes I have to agree with that, although it doesn't mean there may not be an intermittent fault in the absolute worst case, but it is highly unlikely from what you've said, so it does appear to be a battery related issue, or at least in the battery bay, have you visually inspected the battery and it's home for any signs of contamination or anything ? it's worth a look to make sure the contacts are clean etc. But it is a good thing the mains works, because thats not easy to resolve, so I suggest your next step is take the laptop with you to a store to get a battery, explain the situation and ask if you can just check it works first before buying, if they allow this you have complete peace of mind of a resolution so it's money well spent, but if it does not work then one has to figure it's some corrosion or similar inside the laptop that you can't see, but thats my suggestion, hopefully the store will be happy to help, good luck.

[neilpeart]

My only problem with that is; I like to purchase the products from Ebay, in which case, I'll be stuck with the battery.

[8210GUY]

Sorry for the slow replies, just got masses to do ATM, but I am cautious over buying battery's from eBay, I dare say there are many good reputable seller's out there using quality parts, but unfortunately there are quite a few selling bad battery's etc, and be aware of battery recalls issued by makers as well, because when a battery goes bad it can literally explode and catch fire, so I only buy battery's from places that are reachable so to speak, that way you have a better idea what your getting, but the only way to be certain is to try another battery in there, maybe ask a shop if they can try this for you, then ask the price and say you can't afford it that day and suggest getting it in a few days, then get it from elsewhere, hope this helps a bit.

[neilpeart]

I appreciate the advice. Knock on wood, I've has nothing but good experiences with Ebay. So far, anyway. Ok, back to my problem. I did some investigating and found out that in some cases, updating the bios solves the problem, especially with the Dell model I have. Unfortunately, it didn't help. I should also mention, the six lights on the battery are still on which leads me to believe the problem lies within the computer. I could use some new ideas because I'm stumped at this point.

[8210GUY]

NP, have you actually checked out if your unit may be one of the recalled units ? check out the list and double check yours is not on the list:-
http://support.dell....ex.aspx/en/main

As to bad battery's, this is how dangerous they can be, they have a lot more power than you'd imagine, people have lost body parts and been seriously burned, and even died IIRC from these when the worst case hits.
http://www.pcpitstop...eo/pcsafety.asp

But the fastest way to move forward is to try another battery, anything less and you can be chasing ghosts so moving forward is best done by getting this checked out IMHO.

[neilpeart]

I'll check out your links, 821 and I'll try to find somebody locally, who will let me try a battery.