What component is it that just died on my Dell laptop?...

So while using my computer, I heard a slight "spark" sound emanate from where the power adapter plugs into it from the side, after which the laptop defaulted to battery power. Seems like a part of the laptop died somehow. Note that the problem isn't the adapter itself, but the laptop.

Can I replace whatever part died? It's a Vostro 1400. I hope it isn't part of the motherboard that died.

 

Can I ask how you know that the power adapter is still working?

Because if you're sure the power adapter works then the problem is most likely a component on your motherboard.

You could always replace the motherboard. Or look closely at it and try to find the component that got fried.
Though it's probably more than one component.
That is something that a computer repair tech would take a while to figure out and it's not going to be an easy fix (unless you can find he motherboard on ebay for a good price).

 

When I plug the adapter into the wall, without having it connected to the laptop, it lights up just fine. Once I plug it into the laptop, it then "blips out". Also: I heard an audible sound right where the adapter plugs into the laptop. All of this points to something dying inside the laptop.

Correct me if I'm wrong though.

 

First thing I'd do is just go to whatever big box electronics store you have nearby and get a universal power adapter, just to confirm that it's not the adapter. Once you've ruled that out, you're basically left with a motherboard issue. Generally, replacing the motherboard is prohibitively expensive and not really a self service kind of thing.

I'm assuming it's not still under warranty?

 

You can check your power supply output with a multimeter.

 

No, (well, he needs to check it with a load applied too).

 

Um, the power adapter is shutting itself off when you plug it in?

What about when the computer is off?

Sounds like the DC jack could simply have broken and shorted.

 

No longer under warranty; it's 5 years old.

But yea, I can totally replace the motherboard if I have to. I've done extensive repairs on this laptop before (I once took it apart completely). The difficult part is probably finding a cheap motherboard that works 100%. I'm thinking eBay.

Plugged into the wall and not connected to the laptop = runs fine.

Plugged into the wall and connected to the laptop, whether on or off = blips out.

 

Still not definitive since it could be the draw that makes it "blip out." Your next step is to use the scientific method to isolate the problem.

When my laptop died displaying the same characteristics (save the pop) I replaced the power brick. It turned out to be the power cord a much less expensive piece.

Nevertheless, I gained an additional power brick which I can leave connected at home. Lesson: start with the simple/inexpensive frequently handled stuff first. Good luck.

 

I actually ordered a power adapter right away off Dell, but then cancelled the order because I thought I had overreacted.

I'll look into it eventually.

 

Have a look on US eBay site. A replacement motherboard will set you back between $80 to $100US plus postage. I may only be the power plug, but from what you describe, I would be surprised if some motherboard components didn't get zapped.

 

1st, I'd split it open and inspect the board closely, looking especially for failed (exploded) electrolytic capacitors, these components are prone to failure much earlier than other components.

 

in case you need a great dell OEM part/component replacement merchant...

 

Replaceable via soldering?

 

I'm staring at the motherboard now. Nothing looks out of the ordinary. All 3 capacitors on the board are intact. Nothing at the power connector looks fried. But still, I'm not sure. I might have to test the adapter on another similar laptop to know for sure if it's the motherboard or not.

 

So it turns out it was the motherboard after all...

I just got a new power adapter for it and I have the same problem.

Anyone know how to determine, conclusively, which motherboard I should be looking for on eBay? There seem to be at least 3 models out there for the Vostro 1400...

I want one with Intel's onboard X3100 video. I do not want the NVIDIA GPU variant.

TT361?
TT356?
TT347?

 

at this rate, why not just by a new cheapo laptop for 299? its performance will likely blow away what you had before.

 

This is my hobby. It's fun to bring old systems back to life.

 

I skimmed though may have missed some stuff but, yeah you are wrong about the adapter being bad since you didn't check it with a volt meter. IT may be bad but, I never claim death to check it's output with a volt meter. (very simple thing to do, if you haven't done it before)

it probably blips due to safety precaution that prevents it from being short circuited. more than likely something fried in the charging circuit causing it short circuit and thusly short circuit the power adapter hence it it shutting off to protect it's self.