What Does A Blinking Light Mean For Battery Charge Sattus on a Swift 3 SF314-512T-76CS

techtodd1990

The laptop was left in the extreme cold overnight, and when we tried to charge it, the charge indicator light flashed back and forth between blue and amber. From what I can tell from reading about this laptop, Amber indicates that it is charging, and Blue indicates that it is fully charged. But it no longer holds amber; it constantly goes back and forth, and this is even after several hours plugged in.

I suspect this means the battery is damaged from being in below-freezing temperatures for over 8 hours without being used. I do not think it can take a charge, and it also seems like this battery isn't replaceable.

Are my suspicions correct?

https://youtube.com/shorts/flCnPS8aJ7I

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Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/719795/what-does-a-blinking-light-mean-for-battery-charge-sattus-on-a-swift-3-sf314-512t-76cs

Hi, correct, the Smart chip inside the battery is probably bad and/or cells may have died. get a new battery, after 3 years a good idea anyway:
Acer Swift 3 (SF314-512) original Battery 55,9Wh - sparepartworld.com

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/719795/what-does-a-blinking-light-mean-for-battery-charge-sattus-on-a-swift-3-sf314-512t-76cs

What you need to do is a Hard Rest first as the signs that you are getting is that your laptops EC chip has frozen which is stopping the laptop from fully booting.

Note: only do a hard reset if your laptop is not under warranty as if it is, get Acer support to fix this problem for you as this is covered under warranty.

To do a hard reset do this, open the back cover of your laptop, take the battery out, disconnect the bios battery and short its +&- pins of the batteries plug at the mainboard, leave the laptop like that for 15min and then reconnect everything as your laptop should boot 100% and perfectly afterwards. of it doesn't then you have a main power rail problem that you need to take your swift laptop to a technician so they can pinpoint the exact problem and fix it. Good luck.

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techtodd1990

Hey guys, thanks for the information. I will try out the Hard Reset. The warranty has expired.

Axxo

Charging and power lights blinking means the charger is faulty (The DC charger in this case.) Try to get a new DC charger.

billsey

Actually, a flashing light doesn't mean anything in regards to the charger. Here's the info from the sG:

They don't show an indication where the battery LED is alternate flashing amber and blue though, so that state isn't known to us. You also have a battery reset button on the bottom of the case, behind a pin hole. No need to tear it apart for a reset. Disconnect the charger with the laptop off. Press and hold the reset button for 15-30 seconds. Wait for 15 minutes or more, then plug only the charger back in. Wait again until the battery indicator shows steady blue for a full charge, then turn it back on.

techtodd1990

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1322289#Comment_1322289

Yea I saw this guide for the lights. The Power indicator light is out and the flashing goes between Amber solid and then goes to blue solid. I've already tried the battery reset button on the bottom of the case but nothing changed.

techtodd1990

Ok so I tried the reset button. Still doing the same thing.

Then I opened up the case and removed the battery as well as the BIOS battery for over 5 minutes. Put it all back together and its not working.

I also tried another charger and that is not working.

My guess is the battery is shot or another item. I suppose we can replace the battery but what could it be if that doesn't work?

Also does if we send this in to Acer can they fix it? How much does that usually cost and who do I call for that?

Also I want to mention again that this device is no longer under warranty.

billsey

It is dependent on where you are as to whether Acer will fix it for you at one of their service centers. In most areas of the world they will, for either a flat rate or for a quoted price once it's been diagnosed. You do have to contact Acer support to find out what's available where you are.

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1322478#Comment_1322478

If its not the battery its an eDP cable which its cable is damaged or its plugs are shorted at either the screen or the mainboard eDP plug and you need an technician to pinpoint the exact fault.

If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful👍

billsey

I don't see where an eDP cable would make the battery status light flash…

techtodd1990

We found that the laptop is under extended warranty from Costco. So I have a case open now with Acer and will be sending it in for repair. We will see what the techs have to say.