battery/brick troubleshooting

System Manufacturer/Model Number:dell inspiron 17 5770
OS:windows 10 pro x64 2004 version 10.0.19041 build 19041

Before going into the details, please note:
I cannot perform all the troubleshooting because of some physical limitations. I am color blind and cannot determine LED colors. An injury has left me virtually one handed and unable to perform remove/replace battery functions.

the problem:
The computer will no longer charge properly. I cannot boot or use the computer without the brick plugged in. Hovering over the battery icon (on the task tray) indicates battery 98% charged. However, unplugging the brick generates a low battery warning and subsequent shut down in less than one minute.

what I have done:

• I have unplugged/plugged in all the brick connections.
• I have calibrated the battery using the drain and recharge process.
• Dell's EPSA Preboot System Assessment yields error# 93734 (battery problem)
• I have changed power plans.
• I have uninstalled/reboot both battery drivers shown in Device Manager.

The next step appears to be to remove/install the existing battery. Then let the success/failure dictate replacement decisions regarding the battery and/or brick.

I have no desire to throw parts at the computer in attempt to solve the problem. That is not a wise solution. I have a (non-techie) friend whom I can guide through a mechanical repair if necessary. That is better than paying a shop to do what I know how to do, but am physically unable to perform.

...SO... My question is: Are there any other troubleshooting techniques I can employ before proceeding?

Thanks in advance for you replies.

regards,
caffeine

Samuria,

They have a habit of wires coming off the MB but you need to open it up to see and see if the charger is getting through

I tried researching MB and found MacBook!? What are you referring to?

regards,
caffeine

caffeine said:

System Manufacturer/Model Number:dell inspiron 17 5770
... Hovering over the battery icon (on the task tray) indicates battery 98% charged. However, unplugging the brick generates a low battery warning and subsequent shut down in less than one minute....

steve108 said:

Have you looked at the BIOS battery section? My Dells have battery health information in the BIOS, so suspect your does too.

The symptoms do suggest poor battery health. If you have the Dell Power Manager installed then the same BIOS battery information will also be available in Windows. The Dell Power Manager should already be installed if your Windows is the OEM install from Dell, but if not then the 'Dell Power Manager Service' can be downloaded and installed from Dell Support's drivers page for your machine here.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en...laptop/drivers

steve108 MB is referring to motherboard

I was tunnel visioned and googled "power adapter MB". I am more accustomed to seeing MOBO for motherboard.

In case you don't already have the service manual for your model

Thanks for the thought. I already have the service manual.

Bree said

The symptoms do suggest poor battery health. If you have the Dell Power Manager installed then the same BIOS battery information will also be available in Windows. The Dell Power Manager should already be installed if your Windows is the OEM install from Dell, but if not then the 'Dell Power Manager Service' can be downloaded and installed from Dell Support's drivers page for your machine here.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en...laptop/drivers

Thanks, Bree. I will be away from this computer for the rest of the day. I'll check it out when I return.

Ztruker said:

A new battery for the Inspiron 17 is $48.98 Amazon Prime.

Buy it. If it doesn't make any difference return it. That's one of the beauties of Amazon.

Aftermarket batteries are such PITA to buy. Read the reviews carefully (some people barely get past 30 days) and try to buy from a place that gives at least a one year warranty in writing vs 30 days.

From the description that you provided, it sounds like a typical symptom of a battery that has gone bad. You noted that after you unplug the AC adapter, you get a low battery notification and that the computer then shuts down in less than a minute. What that tells me is that the computer is clearly capable of running from the battery or else it would shut down immediately upon unplugging the AC adapter.

There is always a possibility that the charging circuit is at fault, but that is far less likely than the battery itself.

You might also want to plead your case to Dell. They may be willing to help you out. I have an HP that was out of warranty by over a year, but when I contacted HP I noted that I use my laptop almost exclusively on AC power and that the battery had not many charge / discharge cycles on it when it died. They replaced it for free even though I was well out of warranty. No guarantee that Dell would do the same, but it never hurts to ask!

A battery place to consider Where to Buy a top Quality laptop battery with warranty I have no affiliation with this place, but once bought a crap battery from eBay probably equivalent to no/30 day Amazon battery.