FAQ
TL;DR: Lenovo G50-45 with a 20V/3.25A adapter and a 47% battery that won’t charge usually needs board-level checks — "It has to be diagnosed and measured." [Elektroda, boro1234567, post #16627104]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps owners fix or triage no-charge, no-AC-start issues on Lenovo G50-45 laptops.
Quick Facts
- Reported setup: 20V 3.25A, 65W nTec/Qoltec 50053; laptop runs only on battery and shows charging while draining. [Elektroda, waldemas1, post #16627097]
- Common platform: G50-45 (AMD) uses NM-A281 board; DC jack includes an ID signal pin. [Elektroda, lisek, post #16627281]
- Indicative repair budget: approx. PLN 150 for power-path faults, per technician guidance. [Elektroda, boro1234567, post #16627926]
- Quick adapter test: load it with a 24V car bulb; it should sustain voltage under load. [Elektroda, slawmix1234, post #16629405]
- Performance context: AMD E1-6010 @1.35 GHz with R2 iGPU (~350 MHz) is entry-level, suited for web/YouTube. [Elektroda, lisek, post #16628086]
How do I fix a Lenovo G50-45 that won’t charge or start on AC?
Start with the power adapter and jack. Load‑test the adapter, then inspect the DC jack and board power path. Technicians advise proper measurements before part swaps. If AC shows “charging” while the battery drains, the fault is inside the laptop. Service evaluation is recommended. [Elektroda, boro1234567, post #16627104]
Is this failure likely inside the laptop, not the adapter?
Yes. The symptoms point to an internal fault when the system reports charging but only runs on battery and won’t start on AC alone. Experts confirmed it requires diagnosis on the motherboard power path. [Elektroda, boro1234567, post #16627926]
Can a G50-45 run without a battery installed?
It should. If it refuses to power on from the adapter alone, test the adapter under load and inspect the DC‑in circuit and identification line. A healthy unit boots on AC-only. [Elektroda, slawmix1234, post #16629405]
How do I load‑test the 20V adapter at home?
Use a 24V automotive bulb as a simple load. Connect it across the adapter output and verify it holds near 20V and the bulb lights steadily. Voltage sag or flicker indicates a weak adapter despite a good no‑load reading. [Elektroda, slawmix1234, post #16629405]
What parts commonly fail in the G50-45 charging path?
Community notes point to the DC jack with ID pin, the charger controller (e.g., “bq737” reference), or related power stages on NM‑A281. Faults there can block charging and AC operation. Board‑level diagnosis isolates the culprit. [Elektroda, lisek, post #16627281]
What does the ID pin in the Lenovo power jack do?
The ID pin carries an identification signal that lets the motherboard recognize the adapter. If the ID line is damaged or open, the laptop may refuse to charge or power on from AC. [Elektroda, lisek, post #16627281]
Which motherboard is in the G50-45, and why does it matter?
Most G50‑45 units use the NM‑A281 board. Knowing the board ID helps locate the charging IC, MOSFETs, and jack connections in schematics and repair guides. This speeds accurate measurements and repairs. [Elektroda, lisek, post #16627281]
Could this be a Windows driver issue showing “plugged in, not charging”?
Sometimes drivers or ACPI battery management cause that message. Reinstall battery drivers, update BIOS, and retest. If AC‑only boot still fails, treat it as hardware. A contributor provided a driver‑focused troubleshooting reference. [Elektroda, elecol, post #16627672]
What repair cost should I expect for this fault?
Technician guidance in the thread suggests about PLN 150 for typical power‑path repairs. Final pricing depends on parts, board damage, and labor. Get a written estimate after diagnosis. [Elektroda, boro1234567, post #16627926]
Is it worth repairing the AMD E1-6010 G50-45?
This platform is entry‑level: E1‑6010 at 1.35 GHz with R2 graphics around 350 MHz and a 64‑bit DDR3 bus. It’s fine for web, office, and YouTube, but lags in modern games. Consider repair only if your needs are light. [Elektroda, lisek, post #16628086]
Give me a 3‑step quick diagnosis checklist.
- Load‑test the 20V adapter with a 24V car bulb and confirm stable output.
- Try AC‑only boot; watch for charge LED or messages.
- If it still fails, inspect the DC jack/ID line and proceed to board‑level checks. [Elektroda, slawmix1234, post #16629405]
What do experts recommend if I lack tools or experience?
Seek service. As one expert put it, “Return to service.” Board‑level issues require measurements of voltages, currents, and components with proper equipment. This prevents misdiagnosis and further damage. [Elektroda, grubas, post #16627251]
Why does my meter show 20V, yet the laptop still won’t power?
No‑load readings can mislead. A weak adapter may show 20V but collapse under load. The bulb test exposes this edge case, revealing sag or instability the laptop detects and rejects. [Elektroda, slawmix1234, post #16629405]
What was the outcome in the original case?
The owner ultimately dismantled the laptop and sold it for parts. This underscores the value of early, accurate diagnosis before investing in repairs or accessories. [Elektroda, waldemas1, post #18905213]
