Most Common Faults in a Dead Laptop: Troubleshooting and Repair Guide
A dead laptop that shows no signs of life when the power button is pressed can be challenging to diagnose. Typically, a powered-on laptop should display a white or orange charging light. If there are no lights, no display, and no response, it indicates a critical hardware issue requiring thorough troubleshooting.

Table of Contents
Initial Checks and Troubleshooting Steps
Before opening the laptop, it’s important to perform some basic checks:
- Check the Power Supply:
- Ensure the charger is working by testing it with a multimeter or using a known-working charger.
- Try a different power outlet to rule out issues with the socket.
- If possible, use a universal power adapter to see if the device responds.
- Remove the Battery:
- Disconnect the battery and attempt to power on the laptop using only the charger.
- If the laptop turns on without the battery, the battery may be faulty and needs replacing.
- Perform a Power Reset:
- Remove the battery and unplug the charger.
- Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain residual power.
- Reconnect the charger (without the battery) and try turning the laptop on.
Disassembling the Laptop and Checking Internal Components
If the device remains unresponsive, internal diagnosis is required. Carefully open the laptop by removing the back cover and inspecting the motherboard.
1. Checking the Charging Port and Power Rails
- Inspect the charging port for damage.
- Use a multimeter to check for 19V on the power rail.
- If 19V is present at the charging port but does not reach the motherboard, there may be an issue with the charging circuit or MOSFETs.
2. Identifying Liquid Damage
- Look for corrosion, rust, or burn marks on the motherboard, as liquid damage can cause short circuits.
- If liquid damage is found, clean the affected area with isopropyl alcohol (ISO) and a soft brush.
3. Checking MOSFETs and Power Management System
MOSFETs are essential components in power delivery. If power is present at the input but fails to pass through MOSFETs, the laptop will not turn on.
- Use a multimeter to check the voltage across the MOSFETs.
- If 19V is on the input but only 0.8V on the output, the MOSFET is likely faulty.
- Replace the faulty MOSFET and recheck power flow.
4. Testing the Current Sensor and Capacitors
- The current sensor resistor should allow 19V to pass through.
- A shorted capacitor on the power rail can cause the device to remain dead.
- If capacitors show continuity (shorted state), they should be replaced.
Replacing or Repairing Faulty Components
- Removing and Replacing a Faulty MOSFET
- Desolder the defective MOSFET using a hot air rework station.
- Solder a new, identical MOSFET in place.
- Test voltage flow after replacement.
- Bridging MOSFETs for Temporary Power Flow
- If time is a constraint, some technicians remove faulty MOSFETs and create a bridge to allow power directly from the charger.
- While this method works, it is not a recommended long-term fix, as MOSFETs regulate power and prevent damage.
Testing the Laptop Post Repair
After replacing components:
- Reconnect the charger and battery.
- Check for power lights (orange for charging, white for power on).
- Turn on the device and check the display.
- Ensure the fan spins and components function normally.
Final Steps and Charging Verification
- Reassemble the device and verify functionality.
- Boot into Windows and check if the battery is charging.
- Use battery diagnostic tools to ensure proper power delivery.
Conclusion
Fixing a dead device requires patience and a systematic approach. By following these troubleshooting steps—checking power rails, MOSFETs, and capacitors—you can identify and resolve the issue efficiently. While some issues require deep diagnosis (such as missing gate voltage or sensor failures), in many cases, replacing a faulty MOSFET or fixing liquid damage can bring a laptop back to life within minutes.
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