Power problem with Acer TravelMate 2700 notebook

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tom Walker
  • Start date Start date
T

Tom Walker

I've been having a problem with this notebook no longer detecting the
external power supply when it is plugged in.

I have already replaced the power supply but noticed no change.

If the notebook is powered off, inserting the external power supply will
charge the battery until the battery indicator turns from amber
(charging) to green (fully charged).

If I then power on the notebook (both battery and external power supply
connected), the battery indicator turns off and the notebook runs on
battery power (and the battery is not charged).

Removing and replacing the external power connector has no effect; the
notebook continues to run on battery power.

If I then leave the external power supply connected and implement a
Windows shutdown, once the notebook turns off, the battery charging
indicator turns on - amber to denote charging.

If I remove the external power supply followed by the battery, then
replace the external power supply, when I press the power button, the
power indicator (plus bluetooth and wireless indicators on the front of
the notebook) flash briefly but the notebook remains powered off.

I tried to replace the bios with the latest version on Acer's website,
1.12 (version on the notebook is 1.07)but the instructions for
Windows-mode for the 2700 do not work. Double-clicking oemflash.exe
brings up the Winphlash window with spurious file names. I can't find
any other text or help files in the package that clarify how to make it
work. I've emailed Acer for help on updating the bios.

I'd appreciate any other input about where to look or check before
coming to the conclusion that there is some sort of hardware problem
with the power internals.

Many thanks for any help.

Tom Walker
 
Hi Tom,

I also have an Acer TravelMate 2700 and have the exact same problem.
wanted to know if you had been able to fix the problem and if so wha
needs to be done?

Thanks
Ric
 
I would suggest checking the PSU (by substitution) before attacking the
computer and maybe causing more problems.

It's quite possible the output is low in voltage or has AC ripple on it.
This often makes it possible to run the computer OR charge the battery, but
not both.

To test the PSU you could measure its output with a voltmeter and a suitable
load, but this won't indicate ripple, for which you'd need an oscilloscope.
Thus a substitution-test might be easier.

Most Acers use a 19v 3.75A centre-positive supply, and this is a fairly
common arrangement. One or two models use a special plug, but most are the
easily-available 2.5mm ROCA type. Just make sure that any replacement is of
the right polarity and that it cannot be accidentally reversed - which could
seriously damage the laptop.
 
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