Dell Inspiron 3147 won't charge with non-Dell chargers

My Dell 3147 has issues with non-Dell brand chargers.

Anyone know a way around this? I have a Targus DC cigarette adapter (APD038US) that I want to use to charge this computer. The voltage is correct and it produces more amps than the device requires. I believe it produces 90 watts and this computer only requires 45. The barrel connector is the correct size, etc. I originally found this adapter on Dell's website.

I have another Dell laptop (XPS 13) that charges with the adapter without issue. It does give me an unauthorized charger warning but doesn't prevent it from charging.

My only goal with this machine is to use it when I travel. I deliberately bought something older that didn't cost a lot of money. I plan to use it on a long distance road trip/camping because I don't want to risk damaging the XPS 13. Being able to charge it in my truck is essential.

From reading other threads, it appears that Dell puts chips in their adapters to prevent users from using third-party adapters....... How obnoxious......

Do you think that reverting to an older BIOS could work?

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

I am pretty certain you are out of luck.
only specific chargers and batteries work in the Dell laptops these days.

You may want to consider a 12 volt to 120 VAC adapter, they are fairly cheap and work well.,
A 70-100 watt version would probably do just fine and are not much bigger than the Targus unit

 

Thanks, I'll look into that.

I'm curious why the charger works with my XPS 13 and not the Inspiron.

 

that charger was made for certain dell laptops

Targus 90 Watts Auto/Air Charger for Latitude, XPS Laptops

 

Got it. Thanks for clearing that up.

I'll look into an inverter. I feel like it's going to really drain the battery on my truck though going from DC to AC and then back to DC.

I'll check to see if Targus has an adapter specifically for this laptop.