Aspire V3-551 no AC power nor battery charge

mcmahanmr

The AC power cord is not charging the battery and not powering the computer.  The computer works fine, so it is not a mother board issue like I have seen on other posts.  It started one month after the warranty expired when I was using the computer without the battery.  There was just a sudden loss of power, but it would turn on just fine right afterwards, confusing the problem.  But after a number of these occurrences, I put the battery in and the computer worked fine.  Then this week, the battery stopped charging.  It is now down to 22%.  After trouble shooting all of my power sources, finding no issue, I thought it might be the power cord and purchased a new one with no help.  So it appears that there is some sort of power interrupt with internal hardware.  Does anyone have a suggestion?  Can this be repaired?

JackE

I agree that your system is probably OK. You might only have to re-train Windows on the battery's true charge level --- I doubt it's really 22%. So, while the computer is running, try disconnecting the power supply. Let Windows run the battery down till it automatically shuts itself off --- it'll do so when the battery is near 5% charge level. Then re-insert the power supply and power up. You might have to do this a few times before Windows senses the charge level accurately.

 

Jack E/NJ  

mcmahanmr

Thanks Jack.  But that does not explain why the computer is not running on AC power.  This is not a battery issue, but an AC power issue.  Do you know what a "battery reset" is for?  I read somewhere on Acer's web site about how to reset the battery, but it gave no explanation on why to reset the battery.  There also is not any explanation of this in the user's manual.  I have never heard of resetting a battery before.

JackE

Probably should avoid running without a battery installed if for no other reason than the Windows battery utility cannot sense and may give an inaccurate level of charge when there is a battery installed.

 

At any rate, I sorta use the term Windows re-train interchangeably with battery re-set. It is an attempt to recalibrate the Windows charge level indicator with the battery's actual charge level.

 

I have two questions. Does the laptop seem to work okay WITH THE BATTERY INSTALLED  whether or not the AC power adapter is plugged in? What Windows version are you using.

 

Thanks

 

Jack E/NJ  

mcmahanmr

Yes Jack.  Computer works fine on battery only.  Acer's user guide says to save battery for when you need it.  If you have AC power, take the battery out to prevent constant charging.  I have always done this with laptops and have never had a battery fail on me.  I know a lot of people who keep the battery installed constantly, but now the battery only lasts a fraction of when it was new.  So what is best?  You say to keep it in all the time.

JackE

Yes. Probably should keep it in all the time.  The lifetime of Li-ion battery is primarily influenced by its age, not by how much or how little it's used. It should be charged and discharged at least once in a while. I wouldn't count on the Li-ion battery lasting longer if you never use it.

 

As for recalibrating the charge level indicator, I suggest trying to get into safe mode as suggested by Acer. Did you follow these directions? http://acer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11574/~/how-do-i-calibrate-my-battery%3F

 

Jack E/NJ