Studio 1537 Electric Shock Issue: URGENT

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

I'm not really sure of the policy on this, but I would imagine if the computer is unsafe, Dell will (have to) fix the computer even if it's out of warranty, assuming they can't prove that you somehow damaged the laptop.

The only related example I can think of is that recalled laptop batteries always get replaced even when out of warranty. Dell really doesn't want you to get hurt when using their computers- it gives them a bad name.

 

when i worked at HP, a laptop that caught fire was an automatic replacement with a brand new laptop, even if it was 6 years down the road. This was around 8 years ago now.

 

As long as this shocking issue was not caused by something you did to physically damage the system (because you could be charged for the repair if they discover you intentionally damaged it to try to get service), I recommend the following:

Even though it is outside of your service contract, call Dell & tell them about how it is a shock hazard. Be friendly, patient, polite & let them determine what they will do. If the tech will do nothing, thank them for their time, hang up & call back.

With most companies, that tends to be a safety capture issue, usually resulting in the manufacturer repairing via depot (so they can inspect it to try to determine what caused the shocking hazard) or replacing the system to avoid further legal issues. Just imagine the lawsuits that could be involved if someone with a pacemaker was shocked by a defective laptop.

No matter what they decide to do, be sure to back up all of your data before letting the computer leave your hands.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have emailed Dell and I'll update this thread with their response (if I get one). I unscrewed the bottom casing once to see if there was any obvious problem, but didn't remove any components. Would this mean they could legitimately claim I caused the laptop to shock me?

Cheers.

 

They could try but if you confront them with legal action they'd almost certainly back down, they know that they would have a 1 in 10 chance of getting it to go their way.

 

The screws are there for the computer owner. There are so many legitimate things you can do that involve removing the bottom panel:

-blowing the fan out with compressed air
-changing/adding RAM
-replacing the Hard Drive

"Bill" from Dell even said that removing the heatsink and changing the Thermal Paste on the XPS 16 won't void the warranty unless they can prove that the user caused damage when doing so. My Point? It's pretty hard to void a Dell warranty. Unless you drop the laptop (hard) or spill something on it you'll be fine.

 

Hi there guys, thanks for the replies.

After some time trying out where I am shocked worse (call me mad), I think the right hand area of the palmrest join is where most of the shocks are coming from. Anyone know why this might be?

I emailed Dell and received, after a few days, a curt reply informing me that my system was out of warranty, and little else. As disappointing as this is, do you know how I could get them to take more interest?

 

E-mail is impersonal, and it is very easy to tell somebody no. Actually call them on the phone, you'll get better service that way. Make sure that you explain that the laptop is physically injuring you, at no fault of your own. I agree with the others, even though it's outside of warranty, if it's posing a hazard to your health/safety, they should still fix it.

 

Okay. I'll try phoning. I'll let you all know how it goes!