AC power adapter can not be determind

I have a brand new I8500. When I start it up with the AC adapter connected, the laptop stops (before OS starts) with the message: The AC power adapter type can not be determind, this will prevent optimal system performance. The laptop will not charge the battery but it runs on AC, and when the AC adapter is connected there is no light on the battery indicator. Hope sombody can help me with this problem.

I have the exact same problem. First the AC Adapter (Rev L01) was making a high pitched whine noise. Found out they have an updated version, but sent me the old one anyhow. So I got a new one (Rev L03). Yay, it's not noisy. But now I get the same message on bootup and the battery won't charge.

Dell tech support suggested:

1. Update the bios (I have A01, A03 is out). Ok, but I can't. In order to do so, you must have the battery and the AC Adapter plugged in or the update program gives an error and forces you to cancel.

2. Motherboard needs to be replaced. Don't think so, it worked just fine before on the older AC Adapter. Plus if they searched this forum they would see that that did not work for others with the same problem.

So Dell Tech support is sending another adapter. If that doesn't work, I have to send it in to get the bios updated.

I have the very same problem.  I'm have been running the A03 BIOS for over a month with no problems and then a week ago I started receiving the same error message and symptoms you've had.  I'm working with Dell mobile-pc group with no results as of yet.  Did you get the problem resolved.

I also have the same problem. Tech Support had me update my bios and sent me a new battery. Now they want me to send the laptop in for a new motherboard ! They never even offered to try a new ac adapter first !

I have an Inspiron 8500.

Got a new adapter that did not work (L02) after they sent one more (L03) everything is workink perfectly.

Olav,

What version bios are you running?

Well the new ac power adapter came in (another revision L03). Same problem. Looks like I'll have to send the 8500 back (again). This is getting seriously annoying, first the keyboard and now this. I'm not recommending this laptop to anyone.

I`m using bios A03. The first adapter that I got with the laptop (that wasent recognised) was also a L03 revision. Olav.

Hi all,

Just a quick note - I recently joined the forums because my new 8500 was having the "adapter not recognized" problem. The adapter was also an L03. Support sent me a new one, also L03, that works fine. I wanted to report in because I was also having the processor speedstep issue (there are a couple of threads regarding this). Having the new adapter also seemed to cure the processor speed. I am now locked in at 2.6Ghz instead of the 1.2Ghz I did have, and boy, I can sure tell the difference.

Good luck.

garyme2

I have got just the same problem. "Lower capacity AC adaptor..." and 1.2GHz processor speed. My I8500 is 1 month old. Before everything was OK. Should I send my adapter for replacement? 8-( 

I have a 600M with the exact same problem.  They diagnosed bad mobo, but by the time it was sent to the tech and he arrived, the ac adapter was dead.  So they ordered a new dispatch, but someone at Dell cancelled it unilaterally because it didn't have level 3 approval necessary for a 3rd service call for the same problem.  I discovered this two days later, and they have issued a new dispatch order.  48 hours later, the order has not been shipped.  The customer service email I received told me to reply to the message if the issue was not resolved.  I replied and the email bounced as undeliverable. 

No resolution yet. 

Looks like I'll be sending my laptop in for a motherboard replacement now, since the new adapter (another L03) didn't do a thing. I'd upgrade the bios if I could, but it won't let you do it because the ac adapter is not functioning (it is) and the batter is not installed (it is but is not being charged). Fun never ends.

Message Edited by hornerjo on 08-14-2003 03:29 PM

Moderators is awfully quiet on this topic.  I think they don't have an answer on this one yet.  Otherwise, why would they put my new ac adapter on back order?  How do you run out of power adapters unless they have a real issue here? 

Well my laptop came back today. In it was a paper that just said "AC adapter bad". They did not replace the motherboard. They did not even send a new ac adapter ! The same problem still exists ! I called Dell AGAIN and they are sending me a new ac adapter. Suffice it to say that this is the LAST Dell I will ever buy !

Well, after all I would try a different brand adapter together with my I8500. But the original one has 3 contacts : +20V, 0, and a third contact - a pin at the center of the connector. Does anybody know what function the third contact has. Thank you.