Nitro 5 AN515-54 battery won't charge

federico94 · June 2020

Hi, the battery of my Nitro 5 is not charging anymore, it's stuck at 37% and slowly going down. When I turn the computer on, the battery icon gets animated for some seconds, then stops.
I have already updated the BIOS at V1.30 and performed several battery resets.
I also updated the ACPI-compliant control methods battery driver but hasn't solved the problem (when I deactivate or uninstall this driver and reactivate, the icon gets animated for some seconds as explained above).
Now the charger is connected directly to the power outlet.

I'm pretty upset because this issue has already occured about three months ago, I brought the computer to the assistance and they solved the problem updating the BIOS and replacing both battery and motherboard. The process took almost a month, but now I can't wait that much.

My version of Windows 10 is the last update 2004.
I bought this computer in January.

So, two questions:
- how can I solve this problem?
- what happens if the battery runs out? will I be able to use the computer if I keep it plugged in the AC?

MihaiEVO · June 2020

I think you could try and see if it is charging if your laptop is shut down (let it sit plugged in for about 5 minutes, then boot it up and see if your battery level has increased). If it has charged while the laptop is shut down, then the battery is in a good state but it is a software problem. Try using Windows 10 1909, since v2004 is really buggy. If the battery runs out you will still be able to use the laptop plugged in, but lower performance or power limit throttling may occur on some certain laptops, not the case of acer laptops. If the battery is charging while it's shut down, then it's no hardware problem. Of course, batteries might stop charging in windows if the temperature of the battery is high to prevent permanent damage. For now, try the above.

federico94 · June 2020

MihaiEVO said:

I think you could try and see if it is charging if your laptop is shut down (let it sit plugged in for about 5 minutes, then boot it up and see if your battery level has increased). If it has charged while the laptop is shut down, then the battery is in a good state but it is a software problem.

When the computer is shut down, it won't charge, unfortunately.

Try using Windows 10 1909, since v2004 is really buggy.

Also the 1909 doesn't work, the issue occured when I had that version, then I upgraded.

If the battery runs out you will still be able to use the laptop plugged in, but lower performance or power limit throttling may occur on some certain laptops, not the case of acer laptops.

Thank you! This was my main concern, as I need this computer for work and study.

MihaiEVO · June 2020

If it doesn't charge while shut down, then the problem is either the AC adapter or either the battery, but since you said that you recently replaced the battery, it must be the AC adapter. If any of your acquaintances, friends of family have this model ask them to borrow you the charger to test if yours is broken. If other chargers work but yours doesn't, get a new AC adapter. I am still using Windows 10 v1903, for me it is really good. If this ends up solving your problem, please mark it as the answer. By the way the AC adapter might not provide enough power for the system so that's why your battery isn't charging. AC adapters first provide power to the components, and the remaining power to charge the battery. If the power consumption is too high for the adapter, the battery will aid with its power to the components too.

federico94 · June 2020

I'm pretty sure it's not the AC adapter: since the assistence returned me the computer the first time, I've been using the same adapter and worked fine.

MihaiEVO · June 2020

Is it charging in BIOS though? Enter BIOS and let it sit for about 5-6 minutes and then boot into windows. See if there was any charging progress made. If there was not, try uninstalling the Microsoft Battery Drivers from Device Manager located under the "Batteries" section. Then, click Scan for hardware changes on the toolbar. Restart, and see what happens. Windows should reinstall the battery drivers itself.

You can also try:

1. Run Power Troubleshooter

Press Windows Key + S and enter troubleshoot. Select Troubleshoot from the menu.
Choose Power from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter button.
Now follow the instructions on the screen.

Sometimes you can fix this problem simply by running the power troubleshooter. Once the troubleshooter is finished, check if the problem is resolved.

2. Connect your PC charger straight to the power outlet

According to users, sometimes battery issues can occur if you’re using an extension cord. Sometimes the extension cord might be the cause of the problem.

Therefore, it’s advised to disconnect your laptop charger from the extension cord and connect it directly to the power outlet.

Several users reported that this solution worked for them, so be sure to try it out.

3. Check if your device is overheating

Laptops can become quite hot, and sometimes the heat can affect your battery. Many users reported that they were unable to charge their laptops because their battery was overheating.

4.Is the power slot dirty? Clean the adapter and laptop connectors.

According to users, this issue can occur because your laptop or adapter connectors are covered with dust.

Sometimes dust can lead to this issue, and in order to fix the problem, it’s advised to clean both laptop and adapter connectors.

To do that, turn off your laptop and disconnect the adapter from the power outlet. Now take a lint-free cloth and gently clean the connectors. Be careful though!

Do not use rubbing alcohol.

Once your connectors are clean, the charging issue should be completely resolved.

If those didn't work, I'm not sure how I could help you as a fellow user. Try reaching to the warranty provider or to an Acer support agent. Have a good day!