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Alienware X15 R2 LA-L611 No power

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    Alienware X15 R2 LA-L611 No power

    Not having the best of luck with my own gadgets atm - I own two identical X15 R2 laptops, both have died suddenly with no prior issues. I have time to focus on one of them and in this post. I might need some hand-holding with this so I kindly ask for some understanding

    Make: Alienware
    Model: X15 R2
    Motherboard: LA-L611
    CPU: i9-12900H
    GPU: RTX 3080Ti

    History: I was using the machine as normal when it suddenly switched off and never came back on. I've owned the machine for over a year and use a Dell Thunderbolt Dock to charge my laptop with. This was connected along with a USB SSD when it stopped working. No water ingress, I keep the fans and grills meticulously clean. I use a genuine Dell 130W PSU into the Dell Dock.

    I want to learn as well as fix this machine, but im not sure if I've handled the diagnostics and repair in the correct order. Someone has uploaded a boardview on Badcaps forum recently, credits go to them but I have posted it here if it helps for reference. I should mention from the beginning that I have replaced ISL9241HRTZ and the EC as I wasn't getting certain voltages. I regret replacing the EC without asking for help first, but I have the original EC still...it just needs reballing if I need to resolder it..


    I decided that looking at the charging circuit was the best place to start. Measurements taken with USB-C PD charger connected and battery disconnected.

    PUB1 (ISL9241HRTZ)

    | Pin | NetName |
    |-----|--------------------|
    | 1 | CSON_CHG | 12.55v
    | 2 | CSOP_CHG | 12.55v
    | 3 | NGATE_CHG | 16.84v
    | 4 | BST2_CHG | 6.67v
    | 5 | UG2_CHG | 2.67v
    | 6 | LX2_CHG | 1.62v
    | 7 | LG2_CHG | 4.4v
    | 8 | N17081747 | 5.054v
    | 9 | LG1_CHG | 4.405v
    | 10 | LX1_CHG | 1.625v
    | 11 | UG1_CHG | 1.645v
    | 12 | BST1_CHG | 6.67v
    | 13 | BYPSRC | 0.58v
    | 14 | CSIN_CHG | 19.66v
    | 15 | CSIP_CHG | 19.66v
    | 16 | BYPSG | 0.561v
    | 17 | DCIN_CHG | 19.35v
    | 18 | VDD_CHG | 5.065v
    | 19 | PROG_CHG | 0v
    | 20 | OTGEN/CMIN_CHG | 0v
    | 21 | SDA_CHG | 0.446v
    | 22 | SCL_CHG | 0.446v
    | 23 | PROCHOT#_CHG | 2.256v (fluctuates a bit)
    | 24 | ACOK_CHG | 3.35v
    | 25 | BATGONE_CHG | 0.01v
    | 26 | OTGPG/CMOUT_CHG | 0v
    | 27 | COMPR_CHG | 1.189v
    | 28 | COMP_CHG | 1.426v
    | 29 | AMON/BMON_CHG | 0v
    | 30 | PSYS_CHG | 0.02v
    | 31 | VBAT_CHG | 0.525v
    | 32 | BGATE_CHG | 0.395v (fluctuates a bit)
    | 33 | GND |


    I think I can take away a few things from this.

    1) SDA_CHG and SCL_CHG should be at 3.3v, otherwise it most likely wont communicate to the battery or the EC.
    2) LX1_CHG and LX1_CHG look abnormal at 1.62v. I replaced two dual N channel posfets Is it safe to inject 20v here?
    Click image for larger version

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    Next thing i thought would be good to check is PU301 (TPS51225)
    | Pin | NetName |
    |-----|-------------|
    | 1 | CS1 | 0.829v
    | 2 | FB_5V | 0v
    | 3 | +3VLP | 3.299v
    | 4 | FB_3V | 0.018v
    | 5 | CS2 | 0.565v
    | 6 | 3V_EN | 0v
    | 7 | POK | 0v
    | 8 | LX_3V | 0.031v
    | 9 | BST_3V | 4.821v
    | 10 | UG_3V | 0.031v
    | 11 | LG_3V | 0v
    | 12 | 3/5V_B+ | 12.56v
    | 13 | +5VLP | 5.011v
    | 14 | +5VALWP | 0v
    | 15 | LG_5V | 0v
    | 16 | UG_5V | 0v
    | 17 | BST_5V | 4.821v
    | 18 | LX_5V | 0vv
    | 19 | VCLK_5V | 0.07v
    | 20 | 5V_EN | 0v
    | 21 | GND |

    The 5v and 3v enable lines are tied together. These are at 0v so it's not turning these circuits on. This comes from the EC - I purchased this from a supplier who said it could be loaded with the correct fw.

    The GPU looks like it's a dead short at 0.5 Ohms, but i've read up that this is normal for these chips...I did inject 0.3v to vcore at one point to see if the GPU driver MOSFETS were shorted to ground. I saw no signs with a thermal camera.

    Prior to replacing the EC all i got as 6mA draw from my USB-C ammeter, after reflowing it I had the same value. After replacing the EC with another I now get 0.042mA.
    I think the issues lie with the EC because I believe its responsible for I2C comms to ISL9241 and it should enable the 3v and 5v rails.

    I'm a little lost and some advice would be great. Thank you

    #2
    Study the Power Sequence (S3 -> S0) on sheet #5 of the schematic.

    What is the voltage to ground of ALW_PWR_EN?

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by mon2 View Post
      Study the Power Sequence (S3 -> S0) on sheet #5 of the schematic.

      What is the voltage to ground of ALW_PWR_EN?
      Thank you so much for a response.

      Sorry, but I can't find the schematic. I have only found the boardview. Someone else requested it on the forum but had no response. I'll look again.

      ALW_PWR_EN is 0v. From the boardview, it seems that this signal is generated by the EC?

      EDIT....I think I have found the schematic, but it looks like i've fallen at the first hurdle!!
      Click image for larger version

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      I get 3.3v for VCIN1_AC_IN, but then the EC should spit out ALW_PWR_EN. Guess the EC I bought is not performing as it should..? Surely even without an appropriate firmware loaded it should give out a signal for ALW_PWR_EN?

      Comment


        #4

        I am not sure its a same one or not. Maybe it will help you

        you may check the schematic and update if it is match
        Attached Files
        Last edited by qayyum786; 03-29-2025, 06:02 PM.

        Comment


          #5
          Surely even without an appropriate firmware loaded it should give out a signal for ALW_PWR_EN?
          No. The EC is a stand alone microcontroller based on 8051 or Cortex M0 or similar. Either way, the microcontroller requires working firmware to make this component operate as a keyboard encoder; power supply monitor; power supply sequencer, etc. based on the requirements. Otherwise, the referenced pin is just a GPIO (general purpose input/output) pin that has no smarts so is doing nothing. The premise here is that this EC is being properly powered and was properly soldered onto the board.

          Start with confirming that the EC is being powered and do inspect each solder short. If available to you, check under a thermal camera to confirm the part is not being shorted.

          Comment


            #6
            Bit late to this, but same story with 2 identical X15 R2s I own, the thing that surprises me is both systems had went when plugged through the type-c port. This lead me to the conclusion that it was a power delivery fault, and upon further research there is a video titled " This Alienware Died… I Hot-Wired It Back to Life", Which shows the tech re-program a KB9542GF. The symptoms are the same and the only part-sign of life that i ever got was plugging the system in and holding the power button and FN for 30 seconds - which gave me a couple red flashes of the Alienware head.

            I've ordered x2 KB9542GF chips pre-programed from a certain seller on AliExpress, I'm planning on either soldering them in myself or going the safe route and giving it to a repair shop, as it's BGA soldering on which I have no experience with. I've looked through many forums and videos and this isn't a random issue that happens with select systems, it's an issue that Dell has given us, the cherry on top here is the fact that you cannot program the chip through the keyboard headers, and need to go straight to the JDEBUG port to program with a certain tool that seems to cost upwards of 400 euros.

            I'm hoping for it to just be the chips that have been corrupted, as it's been approximately 4 months since the laptops failed, and I don't have any other ideas of what it could possibly be.

            fyi, each chip pre-programed cost approximately 12 euros.

            Comment


              #7
              UPDATE!!!

              In order to fix this issue, you must disconnect battery, hold power button for 30 seconds, plug back in the battery, hold FN and power, and wait until the system shows its slight sign of life, with it being 2 red 4 red. After this you must close the lid, unplug the system from AC, and open the lid on battery. This has resurrected both my Alienware X15 R2s. their both specd with RTX3080TIs, i9 12900k, and a 240hz display. Hope this message finds anyone with the same issue as me and prevents months worth of work and research just like I had to do, along with hundreds in repair bills.

              My apologies if my "professionalism" doesn't meet the standards, I'm extremely happy about this and I'm unable to contain myself over this.

              Comment


                #8
                Soldering a BGA Sio requires skill+suitable tools.These SIO's are expensive to buy so doesnt makes sense to try yourself if you are not confident. better to get it done from an expert.

                Comment

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