My laptop will not boot with a new AC adapter
I have a Toshiba 320 CDT. The grandson lost the AC Adaptor. When I constructed another AC adaptor and plugged it in I get what appears to be a code? “53″ flashes on the AC LED. Nothing else happens, the battery doesn’t charge, its dead. But when I push in a bit on the on/off switch I will see a few flashes on the Battery LED. Wonder if someone can help me with this problem.
First of all, make sure that you use an AC adapter with correct voltage and amperage. The voltage should be exactly the same as required by the laptop specification; if 15 Volts adapter is required, you should find one that outputs exactly 15 Volts. The amperage should be as required by the specification or more; if 2A adapter is required you can use an adapter that outputs 2A or more. For example, if the laptop requires 15V-2A adapter you can use an adapter that outputs 15V-2A, 15V-3A, 15V-4A, etc… But if the laptop requires 15V-4A, you cannot use 15V-2A adapter. BTW, your Toshiba Satellite 320CDT requires 15V-2A AC adapter.
August 17th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Hello,
I have a Dell Vostro 1700 laptop. WinXP SP3.
Was having problems of it locking up. Tried system restore. Now it will only boot into Safe mode and only when it runs off of battery. If you have it up and plug in AC power it locks up. Even in the BIOS settings, if I plug in power it locks up. Trying to figure if it is hardware issue. Laptop is not under warranty.
Thanks,
T.
March 16th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Hi. I have an Acer Aspire 1690 laptop. Within the past month whenever I plug in my AC adaptor, it instantly freezes my computer. The computer runs fine on the battery (with the exception it doesn’t hold a charge for long) so this leaves me constantly having the computer shut off, or else I have to shut it down manually. Do you know why my computer freezes when plugged into the power cord?
February 15th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Hi, i have a HP pavilion zv6000 and my AC power adapter over heated yesterday. and wouldn’t work, and i tried to fix it.. but nothing worked.. then i tried plugging him in today and he worked.. so my question is this, is there any change he’ll burn over again and insted of feeding my laptop 12V it will feed it 220V and fri the laptop completely? or is it safe to still use the adapter?
February 9th, 2009 at 3:49 am
Hi, my problem isn’t related to ne thing I have found on your site but it is related to charging. My computer will suddenly freeze when I plug my charger in. Though suddenly is the incorrect way of putting it. It freezes after about 10 mins. It charges fine, though off charger I only get about an hour of use where as I used to get at least 2. It doesn’t freeze or muck up at all when it’s not plugged in. Neither my comp or the charger gets hot when it freezes either so my computer savy friends and I are at a loss as to what is happening. It still freezes when on charge and the battery isn’t in. I have tried every thing from cleaning my registry to running multiple virus scans, that all turn up clean. Please tell me you can help.
February 8th, 2009 at 11:22 am
yes it is the origianl power adater. is it possible that it is shorting out? the jack does not seem to be broken because it charges the battery.
Thanks for the quick reply.
February 8th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Ott99,
1. Are you using the original Toshiba AC adapter with correct voltage and amperage output?
2. Could be a problem with the DC-IN power jack even though it’s not soldered to the motherboard. Maybe the jack is broken? You can test it with a multimeter as explained in this article:
Laptop does not start. Is it bad power jack or motherboard?
February 8th, 2009 at 10:55 am
I have a strange problem. I have a Toshiba Qosmio F20 here is the problem the laptop will power on and run on battery only no A/C connected for the duration of the battery life about 85 min. With the battery removed and the A/C only it will start and then shut right down. When both the battery and A/C are installed it will run but shuts down after about an hour of operation. The battery light and A/C turns green when the system is off, but when on the battery light remains orange, however the power led is still green??? I thought it was a heat problem but now I think I have ruled that out. I think that maybe the A/C adapter is bad? I don’t think it is a bad power connector either, if it is this model is a seperate conector not attached to the motherboard.
I have had the machine apart fully cleaned all componets new thermal paste ect. I know this is a long explanation but I really need help.
Thanks,
Jeff
February 1st, 2009 at 3:50 am
thanks rob…..will try to look at it when i find time…..
January 31st, 2009 at 8:34 am
I need some help.
Got this FOSA Power4 laptop from a friend of mine. He lost the original AC adapter, but he got it working happily with an IBM Thinkpad adapter. But becos he needs the IBM adapter for his IBM laptop, i got the laptop without an adapter. Since FOSA is not a brand common in my country, i have problem getting the original adapter. I checked the specs needed for this FOSA creature. It requires a 20v 3.5A adapter. 2 days later, i managed to grab hold of this DELL laptop adapter (Model AA20031 PA-6) with the same voltage and amp rating, but with a different output connector. So i modified the output connector to the one compatible for FOSA, ensure polarity is correct and then power on.
Result: Weird. The green light on the adapter lights up for a while then slowly faded off. I turn on and off the main switch, same thing happened. Switch polarity and try again, the green light is on, but laptop not charging.
Dun have a clue to wats going on… can help?
January 29th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Brando,
I think you are lucky that your laptop starts at all. What could be wrong? I don’t know. It’s possible that the battery fuse which is located on the motherboard is fried, but it’s only a guess.
January 29th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Rob,
I think there could be a problem with the memory (RAM) module. Could be bad connection between the memory module and motherboard, or the memory module itself is going bad. Do you have two modules installed in the laptop? Try removing them one by one and test the laptop with each one separately.
January 29th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
My friend had plugged in my compaq evo n600 to an universal adapter with “incorrect” polarity.
now, it can only power on thru ac and cannot run on batteries…is there any way or any part that i can purchase so that i can again use it in battery…
Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.
January 26th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
So I have a sony laptop vgn-fs980 series and I have recently been having trouble starting the computer up. I push the start button and the start-up lights remain on and it will not go to the start-up screen. Then it will stop loading and just stay like that. However, if when I first start it up I hit the button it will sometimes successfully start-up. I don’t know if something is loose inside or what it could be or whatever. Also the computer will not run off of battery power. The minute I unplug the AC adapter it turns off on me. The computer says it recognizes that a battery is in the computer and it even recharges it, but it just won’t run off of it. I just had the motherboard replaced this summer, along with the charging port and AC adapter so maybe one of the technicians messed something up? If you could help in anyway that would be great. Thanks a lot!
January 17th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Most laptops out on the market today are heavy-duty gaming and/or multimedia machines. Much like the power supplies in todays desktop models, they simply cannot handle the workload. If they can, it will tax the supply heavily (shortening it’s life dramatically.) Most AC chargers on the market can only handle operation or charging power only (not both.) If you need the laptop now, and the AC can’t handle the workload, take the battery pack out. Charge the battery during idle times, much like sleep or mealtime (as if we have time for those.) Once the battery has obtained a full charge, the AC Adapter can maintain the battery and operation of your system with minimal/normal effort. Otherwise, the AC Adapter will overheat (failsafes shut it off at that point.) Once it returns to functioning temperatures, it comes back online. Running AC Adapters at full throtle and high temperatures shortens it’s life dramatically also. Then, its another $100 down the turnpike.
This may be somewhat a solution to your problem. Last resort: Shut it down before bedtime and plug it in. If its not fully charged by wake-up, its probably the battery. Before making any quick decisions, try another AC Adapter if possible (ie. exchange it for another, try a friend’s Universal AC Adapter, etc.)
Battery Packs are covered by the laptop’s maufacturer warranty, while the AC Adapter may not.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I have a compaq laptop and yesterday the AC cable broke so today I went to the shop to buy a replacement; and the man at the store told me which chargers/cables would work.
Now that I’m home, I can hook the computer up and it works, but it’s not charging. The little battery symbol says ‘Plugged in, not charging’ and I don’t know how to get it to charge, any help??
January 8th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
i have a compaq presario v6111tu laptop problem is when i press the power button all the leds flashes once and no power on but i remove the battery and insert it after an hour then i plugged the AC adapter and press the power button it was normally on and work fine.these problame repated every next day.PLEASE HELP ME.
December 24th, 2008 at 1:39 am
I own a toshiba A60 laptop. the problem is that it always runs on battery power even if its showing that the current power source is AC, and it the battery never gets fully charged, but it stops charging once it reaches 99%. please help me
December 10th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Nemodius,
I don’t think that your statement is correct. If your laptop is still within 1 year manufacturer warranty, your adapter will be covered too (except physical damage).
If your adapter just stopped working, it will be replaced under warranty.
If it’s damaged (broken connector, damaged power cord, etc…) it will not be covered.
I’ve replaced hundreds power adapters for IBM, Lenovo, HP and Toshiba under warranty. Maybe other manufacturers have different adapter replacement policy?
December 10th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Larry Wilson,
I wouldn’t do that. It’s very important to have the same voltage. 20V can damage the laptop.
December 8th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I have an older IBM R40 Laptop with an AC adapter with and output of 16V, 4.5Amp. I ordered a replacement from Lenovo but it is a 20V output unit. Can I safely use this?
December 8th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Okay.. here’s a few things to consider.
Computers are covered by manufacturer warranty, AC Power Adapters are not.
AC Adapters are covered by retailer warranty only.
What does this mean? Your computer manufacturer more than likely will laugh if you cry about a malfunctioning Power Adapter.
Run back to the store that you bought the computer from, as fast as you can. If your purchase is still covered by warranty, drop that piece of crap on the counter and get a new one. Otherwise, the manufacturer will gladly sell you a new AC Adapter, online (bitter irony,) through one of their retailers.
These bad boys go for $30 – $100, so check retailers for extended warranty packages. Considering shoddy AC Adapters, $70 – $100 for an extention to an extended warranty is a STEAL!
All you gamers out there, learn to undervolt your systems. Otherwise, the retailers will know you by name (with a new AC Adapter laying in wait.)
November 25th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Hi, we have two Dell Inspiron 6400 laptops. They`re about a year and a half old. The batteries no longer hold a charge so I rely on the AC adapter One of my AC adapters stopped working…it started working sometimes and not other times…until it just stopped working altogether. The green light doesn`t go on on the AC adapter.
I bought a new one from ebay, that was new…it has a Dell sticker on it, looks proper…except the box on it is slightly larger than the ones that came with the laptops. It says it`s for the PA-12 family though, just like my originals.
Well it seems to work fine, except my touchpad mouse stutters. It never did it before, until the one laptop used the new AC adapter. I restarted and it seemed to work fine….I used the AC adapter on the other laptop and it was having the same stuttering touchpad mouse thing happening. Put the AC adapter back onto the first laptop and it worked fine….for awhile. TOnight it started stuttering again.
It`s gotta be the AC adapter, ti`s the only thing that`s changed. But I don`t understand how it could just affect the touchpad. The screen doesn`t flicker…the green light on the adapter doesn`t flicker….nothign else seems to be wrong except for teh awful jumping and stuttering pointer.
Is this crazyÉ Is there a fixÉ
(Also, on an unrelated note…sometimes when I type my questions marks come out like this É, and my at sign comes out like this ”
What`s that all about!é)
November 17th, 2008 at 4:36 am
I have the same problem as littlecujo. My AC adaptor won’t work when my laptop (Sony Vaio PCG-V505GP) is switched on. But it will re-charge the laptop’s battery (only when the laptop is off). However, my battery is really old and will only work for about 10mins. Without the battery, my laptop begins to startup but then cuts off. If this is a motherboard problem, is it possible for me to fix it and how? (My friend has a good general grasp of computers and has offered to help, but wanted me to ask here first coz he hasn’t come across this kind of problem before). Please help!
August 31st, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I am having the same problem as Scott…just had to replace my adapter & sometimes when it’s plugged in, the mousepad won’t do anything, just frozen. Unplug it, works fine. Mine is Dell Inspiron E1505 & I never had this problem with the other adapter. That one just bit the dust & stopped working completely so it had to be replaced. Very frustrating!
July 5th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Weird problem here just started on my Compaq Presario 2800. The mousepad and keyboard won’t work if the ac power adapter is plugged in. Unplug it and run on the battery and they work fine.
Any ideas?
Thanks.
Scott
June 9th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Hello:)
And if the answer is yes…how do we fix that? Would a power supply with a higer voltage do the trick?
Really weird, we have a gateway that has been wonderfull to us. Within the last week, however, it will not run off the power cord…but at home only. We took it to best buy, it powered right up off the cord, then trouble at home again, my husband took it to work to take it to best buy by his office…powered right up! Same at the 2nd best buy. He brings it home, nothing, battery power only. He thinks the house is not putting off enough volts to run it. Is this possible? Because Im reading the above posts that say your volts got to be exact or higher, so could the house be a dud.
Currenty the power supply is a a LITEON pa-1605-01 and the specs are 19v 3.42a 65w
and aparently it is hard to find, as all the sites that sell this stuff are “sold out” or “not in stock”.
O and the comuter is a Gateway Model Number MX6445
THanks this looks like a cool site. Hope to hear from someone…maybe and electrician who substitutes as a geek? lol
Denise
June 9th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Hi there-
I have an HP Pavillion (can’t remember the make and model offhand – it’s at home right now.) Last night, I was happily typing some e-mail, when all of a sudden, the laptop shut down with no warning (no hibernation message, nothing) whatsoever. It was plugged in to the wall jack, although the battery was fully charged. I could not turn the laptop on after that, whether or not I had it plugged in or used battery power.
Anyone have any suggestions? I hate to spend the money getting the power supply looked at when it’s likely to be something else.
June 7th, 2008 at 3:16 am
okay this is almost the same but I am still confused so I will ask. Its like a story my toshiba satelite was on and charging when it suddenly stopped charging. I gave the charger for getting fixed and it still didn’t work so I sent the laptop this time it came back today with a new acer charger which was working fine for a while. I spilt water on the laptop so I took the charger out and the laptop was working then I dried the laptop and plugged in the charger, the adapter blinked and the laptop charged but after a while the laptop froze I manually switched it off and it turned on its own it booted but as the windows launch started it froze. I took the charger out and manually switched it off this time it didn’t turn on by it self. NOW it worked fine without the charger and as I put the charger in it froze but the battery was charging. Finally I tried changing the plugin and tried it in the other room the charger stopped working at all it doesn’t even blink no more
I need HELP
May 30th, 2008 at 1:52 am
ok about a month ago, my laptop charger died, no idea why, took it to a computer shop, and he opened it up and said there is no way you can repair that.
so i managed to get another one off school, tell i can find a new charger, i found one, i cant use a universal one because its apparently an odd size, so the computer shop managed to find me one that looked a similar size, it was almost the correct size bar from it was a couple MM big, but it fitted in with a push. before plugging it in i thought i better check the output power and instead of it being the 19V i had before it was 30V, so i thought better not plug it in and turn it on, and il just go get my money back.
i went to go and plug the charger i borrowed back in, and there was a great spark leapt out of it, it almost got me, i then thought its not charging and looked at the power pack and the LED was off, i thought oooo no this hasnt blown too, but strangly when i unplug it from the Laptop the LED lights back up, this had led me to belive that the power connector in the laptop is shorting on something, when i pushed the purchesed one in.
the only problem is my laptop does not charge, any ideas what i should do, is it fixable if i just open the laptop up, and try to see if anything is touching or should i take it to the computer shop to see if its repairable, i hope it is…….
my laptop is an RM CY 25
March 4th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Gary,
If you experience the same failure with two different adapters and it’s not related to the power jack as I suggested in my previous comment, then there is a problem either with the motherboard or the battery. Probably it’s related to the motherboard because the battery charges when the laptop is switched off.