According to the following thread:

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/p/19489949/20297131.aspx#20297131

The possible culprits for the laptop not turning ON are:

  1. A defective Mother Board (or Logic Board).
  2. A charging Port defect.

In my experience, I will add to the previous list:

  • The AWM cable run, located below the upper frame (ie. the frame where the trackpad is attached).

01.awm-20696 e221612-s80c-30v-vw-1

Above you can see the original Dell 40cm AWM 20696 E221612-S 80C 30V VW-1 Ribbon cable.

This cable connects the laptop Power Button to the Mother Board.

02.awm-20696 e221612-s80c-30v-vw-1-defect

Detailed in this picture what could happen to your cable.

As you may notice, the golden pins are all ripped off and broken.

If you connect such a cable don’t be surprised if your laptop doesn’t turn ON!

So, before rushing and buying a replacement Main Board for your Dell XPS l501X (but I reckon it also applies to L502X), check your AWM Cable status (ie. take a snap & zoom)!

I got the replacement cable from the following E-Bay shop:

http://myworld.ebay.com.au/excell-electronic-excell?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

For my wife’s Dell XPS L501X I ordered an AWM 20798 RIBBON CABLE 0.50 mm pitch 12 PIN 400mm 12PIN 40 cm (which slightly differs from the Dell original one, but is 100% COMPATIBLE).

I also got two spare unused Dell L501X mainboards and a spare charging port for sale:

  • DELL XPS15 L502X MotherBoard nVidia 2G (DAGM6CMB8D0 Rev.D GM6C Black CPU Socket). <- Not Available anymore!
    37839-337839-4
  • DELL XPS15 L501X MotherBoard (DAGM6BMB8F0 0C9RHD White CPU Socket). <- Not Available anymore!
    39580-139580-2
  • DELL XPS15 L501X Charging Port. <- Not Available anymore!

Please make me an offer for the above equipment if your issue is not the AWM cable !

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9 comments on “[SOLVED] My Dell XPS L501X won’t turn ON.

  • I have the same laptop, and the same problem, but the link for the cable you ordered does not work, and I have looked everywhere trying to find one, and everything I find is too short.

    Could you do me a huge favor and possibly link me somewhere to purchase one? I'd be forever in your debt.

    Thanks!

  • Thanks for your post really helpful .
    I contacted Excell and they are asking the below questions .. what is 2 & 4 ..any help ..?
    1. 12 pin
    2. wide?
    3. 40cm long
    4. same side or inverted side?
    5. AWM 20696
    6. 105C or 80C?

  • Anybody who needs a similar cable can contact the seller on the same ebay shop:

    http://stores.ebay.com/excellelectronicexcell/

    The cable is:

    -12 pin
    -0.50mm Pitch
    -Same Side (You need to fold it several times to put it in place)
    -AWM-20696 but AWM-20798 works as well
    -80C
    -30V
    -40 cm Long
    -0.60 cm Wide ( A bit more than half a centimeter)

  • I have problem with my Dell Xps L501x. When I try to turn on my laptop it doesn't get on.
    What I see during this problem is:-
    When I turn on my laptop and press power button then only light of power button blink for 2sec but doesn't get on.

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