Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop model: N20c2 AN517-52-7116 will not start, solid blue light on

WheelsHC32
WheelsHC32 Member Posts: 6

Tinkerer

edited August 2022 in Aspire Laptops
Hi!  I had trouble with the keyboard not working a few times (unresponsive keys so I had to use the on screen keyboard);  so I shut down the laptop to restart it; aaand now the laptop will not boot/will not start when I hold down the start button. The blue charging light turns on steady when I plug in the charging plug.  I also tried removing the li-battery (took off the back cover) and starting with just the plug- no dice; and starting with pressing F2 etc. Nothing works-ot won't start up.  I am worried it's just the keyboard needs an updated driver but I can't start it with the on button because the keyboard doesn't work..Is that the issue? How to fix if so? If not what could it be? TIA!


[Edited the title to add the model number ]

Best Answer

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,873 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓
    OK, shown below are the troubleshooting flowsheet for the A515-43 series and the keyboard connector on the mainboard.

    I would probably first try to reseat the keyboard connector on the mainboard a few times to help clean the contacts just in case they're dirty. 10 screws and bottom cover must be pried off to access the connector.





    If still no joy and you don;t have equipment for evaluating the battery capacity, you can try replacing it. Battery capacities typically drop  20% each year even if sitting on a shelf unused. About $40usd.

    If a new battery still doesn't work, you can try replacing the upper case keyboard assembly with power button for about $50 part no. 6B.HF4N2.001.

    Swapping the mainboard usually isn't practical. However, a full  board solder reflow might work as a last resort.

     


     

    Jack E/NJ

Answers

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,873 Trailblazer
    (1) Unplug charger. No LEDs should be lit
    (2) Gently insert and press paperclip into battery disconnect pinhole on bottom. If no pinhole, then remove bottom cover an disconnect battery again.
    (3) Replace bottom cover
    (4) Press and hold power button for about 1 minute with NO battery and NO charger.
    (5) Then reconnect the battery and replace bottom cover again
    (6) Plug charger back in.
    (7) If/when battery charge LED is steady blue, try to turn it on again

    Jack E/NJ

  • WheelsHC32
    WheelsHC32 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    Thanks I already did all those steps and it doesn't turn on. Any other ideas? 
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,873 Trailblazer
    (1) Did you screw the bottom cover back on after disconnecting the battery and before you pressed and held the power button for one minute?

    (2) What is your full Aspire 5 slim model numbers? For example Aspire S5-471T?

    Jack E/NJ

  • WheelsHC32
    WheelsHC32 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    Hi Yes. And I did it all again - still nothing. Model on back cover says "Model no  N19C5"  Aspire 5 
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,873 Trailblazer
    Then N19C5 is associated with the Aspire 7. Can you find any labels on the bottom cover or the UPC label on the original packing box that indicates other numbers such as the full ACER model number?  For example, A515-55G? Or A715-75G? Or something like NX.505D7.001?

    Jack E/NJ

  • WheelsHC32
    WheelsHC32 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    It definitely says (and I bought) an "Aspire 5 Model No: N19C3"  Other numbers on the label include: A515-43-R19L Why do you ask? 
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,873 Trailblazer
    >>>Model on back cover says "Model no  N19C5"  Aspire 5 >>>
    >>>It definitely says (and I bought) an "Aspire 5 Model No: N19C3">>>

    Please double check again. Because these numbers are important.

    In earlier post, you say "N19C5". Now you say "N19C3"





    Jack E/NJ

  • WheelsHC32
    WheelsHC32 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    Can you explain what is informative or important about the end numbers? N19C3 is the model number. Aspire 5 is what it says elsewhere on the label. Why does the last number matter? Any other ideas for fixing? "Aspire 5 Model No: N19C3"" is correct. 
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,873 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓
    OK, shown below are the troubleshooting flowsheet for the A515-43 series and the keyboard connector on the mainboard.

    I would probably first try to reseat the keyboard connector on the mainboard a few times to help clean the contacts just in case they're dirty. 10 screws and bottom cover must be pried off to access the connector.





    If still no joy and you don;t have equipment for evaluating the battery capacity, you can try replacing it. Battery capacities typically drop  20% each year even if sitting on a shelf unused. About $40usd.

    If a new battery still doesn't work, you can try replacing the upper case keyboard assembly with power button for about $50 part no. 6B.HF4N2.001.

    Swapping the mainboard usually isn't practical. However, a full  board solder reflow might work as a last resort.

     


     

    Jack E/NJ

  • WheelsHC32
    WheelsHC32 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    Success! - it was the keyboard connector that was loose.  It was pulled out a tiny bit (still fully connected but slightly loose) and once I slide it all the way back in on both sides, the computer started up on button press (after closing back up) from battery. Also pulled out a few chunks of (likely) cat hair balls from the fan area while I was in there, but don't think that was the cause of this issue in this case. Makes sense because it was intermittent keyboard problems at first before the total failure. THANK YOU so much!  (non-technical folks- Don't be afraid to unscrew your laptop back and follow this thread if you are already out of warranty anyway. You can see the battery connection, keyboard connection, motherboard etc pretty clearly - even without the diagram provided above for reassurance/guidance.) 
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,873 Trailblazer
    Congratulations on your success. Thanks for reporting back. :)

    Jack E/NJ

  • Royjunior
    Royjunior Member Posts: 3 New User
    I have a problem with my notebook.  I left the house and left it plugged in, when I came back I went to turn it on it didn't turn on.  the blue battery light is on.  but the power lamp light does not come on.  when i press to turn on the battery light goes off.  if I press it again, it flashes the blue lamp light for a second and then both of them go off, if I press it again both of them turn on for a second and if it goes off, and finally if I press it again only the battery light turns on

    What’s going on ? 

    Model Acer nitro 5 i7 
  • Royjunior
    Royjunior Member Posts: 3 New User
    Royjunior said:
    I have a problem with my notebook.  I left the house and left it plugged in, when I came back I went to turn it on it didn't turn on.  the blue battery light is on.  but the power lamp light does not come on.  when i press to turn on the battery light goes off.  if I press it again, it flashes the blue lamp light for a second and then both of them go off, if I press it again both of them turn on for a second and if it goes off, and finally if I press it again only the battery light turns on

    What’s going on ? 

    Model Acer nitro 5 i7 
    It’s one model: N20c2 
    AN517-52-7116