TheMiscreant

I have an older Dell Inspiron 7000 Laptop I got from eBay, along with a Targus AC Adapter. (Model APA01US) Now, the problem is that whenever I use the system with the AC adapter plugged in, I have to fiddle with the cord so that it is in the "just-right" position or else the notebook will not receive power. Often, the light on the notebook that shows whether or not the lappy is receiving power will wane away, or slowly grow, according to how I move the tip which is inserted into the laptop. This is rather odd, and, as of recently, the AC adapter will just quit... (no blue light, even when plugged in, and the light tends to go out while I "position" my power tip) or else it won't charge at all, but the AC adapter will stay on.

I'm trying to understand what the problem is here. My battery may be dead, but then again, why doesn't the AC Power work? Is something loose inside my laptop? (Since I have to wiggle the power tip, and it wiggles easily)

I'm not sure where to go with this one, so I thought I'd ask you guys.

swimtech

Could be the adaptor cord/end, or the connector in the laptop itself.

Get hold of a digital multimeter (voltmeter) and use the test probes to check the adaptor plug while bending the cord around some - make sure the test probes are making good contact with the end (inside and outer collar) of the AC adaptor (maybe get a friend to help, I could always use three hands when I do this...). Alternatively, you could take the adaptor to any electronics repair shop - they'll probably check this for you very quickly and maybe even for no charge...

If the voltage reading remains stable while testing the Adaptor end, then check for looseness while the AC Adaptor is plugged into the laptop - if it moves sideways or up and down much at all, then the problem could very well be the connector jack inside the laptop - a technician may be able to replace it (took a quick look at the service manual for your unit, and it looks to be soldered to the system board - definitely a job for a pro).

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pr0digal jenius

sounds like a bad power connector on the laptop itself [meaning...a new mainboard....big fun].....cuz those universal things work great.

Do you have another adapter to try tho..it could also just be a bad power unit

TheMiscreant

Thanks a lot. Would it be most beneficial to just take the machine and the adapter to a computer repair shop to get it checked out then?

swimtech

If you don't have familiarity working with a meter and a soldering iron, I would say yes, take it to a repair shop for an estimate.

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It's not so much getting your way that matters or not - what matters is how you go about getting it.