Member Avatar for WillsAsp

Hi anyone help please, we have a Dell Inspiron 1525, was working fine then power started to flicker, it would go off then after a short time come back on again, this went on for a few weeks, then went off all togeather, not a scrap of power, green led was lit on AC adaptor but still i assumed that was the problem so bought a new one.

Connected new adaptor, not a scrap of power, don't know anything about removing bits stc.

Any suggestions please.

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Quick, practical summary tied to the thread: ’s idea of a broken power connection is a common and plausible cause for an Inspiron 1525 that went from intermittent flicker to completely dead. On this model the DC jack is usually mounted on a small DC power / I/O daughterboard (not always soldered directly to the mainboard), so a failed jack or board is a frequent, repairable fault rather than an instant full motherboard loss. (ifixit.com)

Safe, no‑open diagnostics (do these before attempting full disassembly):

  • Remove the main battery using the bottom latches and try powering with the AC adapter only.
  • Hold the power button 15–30 seconds with battery and adapter disconnected to discharge residual charge, then reconnect adapter (battery still out) and try power.
  • Verify adapter output with a multimeter or a known‑good Dell adapter (the Inspiron 1525 commonly uses ~19.5V adapters).
  • Look at and gently wiggle the barrel at the laptop end for looseness, bent pin, or scorch marks; smell for burnt components.
    These are standard Dell troubleshooting steps and are safe first checks. (dell.com)

If comfortable opening the chassis, follow the Dell service manual order: remove battery, remove the access/center covers and drives, then remove the palm rest/keyboard to reach the DC power board. The DC jack on the 1525 is often a replaceable board that can be swapped without soldering the mainboard; follow ESD precautions and the service manual’s step sequence when attempting this. Replacement guides and step‑by‑step photos are available for the DC power board on this model. (downloads.dell.com)

Practical next steps for someone who can’t or won’t open it: take the machine (battery + both adapters tried) to a reputable laptop shop and ask them to test the DC jack/daughterboard first and to quote on replacing that board before suggesting a full motherboard swap. Request data backup or drive removal before any major work.

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Member Avatar for efmesch

It sounds as if your plug in the machine has developed a broken connection. The description is typical of the process. I would suggest (depending on your own level of expertise or daring) to either open the case, find and repair (solder) the broken connection by yourself or bring it in to a repair shop to have the job done for you.

Member Avatar for WillsAsp

Thanks will try the repair shop, tried to remove back but cannot get it off completely.

Member Avatar for efmesch

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:)

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