Want some opinion about strange problem with m14x

Hello all.
This is my first time posting on this forum.
I will most likely send laptop back to fix this problem but if anyone have any two cents about this issue that would help because its very strange for myself as ex.techie person.

My initial problem was video distortion, that was solved by first on site service which switched the motherboard.

However, I start to have strange problem. I can not turn on the system after initial start up and shut down of the system (I shut down the system the next day). So I start to take off back panel, reseated RAM, did power discharge by disconnect AC power and battery and hold power button for 30 seconds. Then, tried turn on system without battery and it worked. So I put back battery put back panel back. It wont turn on again. After couple twinkling, I realized that as soon as I put back back panel firmly, the system will shut down. I tried putting back the panel while its on and it will shut down so I can tell its backpanel is related to the power problem somehow.

So I called dell and had on site service again with motherboard change. I explain the situation to the technician. And he changed motherboard and it was working with the backpanel. He said that previous guy didn't wipe off thermal paste properly and caused thermal censor to malfunction. It sort of make sense plus it is working so I thought the problem is solved.

Unfortunately, next day, which is today, it doesn't turn on again. I took off backpanel and its working again.

It is a strange problem so I'm just wondering whats causing it.

 

It sounds like maybe a loose connection or break in a wire somewhere, so when you take the panel off, the connection/break is being made which is why it works. Hope this helps

 

Thx for the quick reply.
I have pretty much similar idea, I guess only way to fix is send it back.

 

when your laptop shutdown, is it like instantaneous or takes like few seconds to close?
because if its instantaneous, it might be a faulty wiring. But if it takes some time, maybe something is wrong with the heatsink unit not cooling your laptop and causing it to shutdown to avoid damage from overheating?

 

you try making sure that the battery connector/wires are properly put away so when you put the cover on it doesn't turn off? or maybe a faulty battery? sry, wasn't 100% on your explanation. my m11x used to turn off randomly when it wasn't plugged it because the wire wasn't put away correctly LOLS... took me a couple months (sadly) to figure that out.

 

Yeah this is totally due to the battery connector on the back. It sticks out a bit and probably gets smushed in there when you put the backing on. I would try to re-seat the cable, or ask for a replacement battery to fix the issue.

Test this by fiddling with the wire connection while trying to turn your unit on.