Dell laptop not charging through 110V output of GLC300
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 2
From: NORTHERN CA
2016 GLC 300 4MATIC (previously 2004 CLK CAB)
Dell laptop not charging through 110V output of GLC300
Hi all, problem that's vexed me for a while...
In our 2016 MB GLC300 we have a 110V outlet that came built in from the factory.
For some reason, Dell Latitude 7480 laptop does not charge from that outlet. AFIK it's the only one of many differing type of laptops/pads we have that does not charge. It's NOT a power draw issue, this laptop comes with a 61W travel charger that does not work either. I only need trickle charge I don't care if it charges very slowly on this outlet.
Over the years I researched it a bit and it's a known issue, the quality of the power does not seem to be compatible with that Dell charger (the commonly used round one for Dell business laptops).
FYI I am super tech savvy and work computer related tech field and have friends in IT, it's nothing basic. This is the kind of thing if you've already solved it, you will know the answer in 1 minute.
This Dell Latitude 7480 also has a Thunderbolt/USB-C input, I may be able to trickle charge from that I am going to experiment more but the simplest would be to use the dedicated travel charger with the proprietary Dell round connector.
Any solid ideas out there would be super welcome, I REALLY need to get this to work.
In our 2016 MB GLC300 we have a 110V outlet that came built in from the factory.
For some reason, Dell Latitude 7480 laptop does not charge from that outlet. AFIK it's the only one of many differing type of laptops/pads we have that does not charge. It's NOT a power draw issue, this laptop comes with a 61W travel charger that does not work either. I only need trickle charge I don't care if it charges very slowly on this outlet.
Over the years I researched it a bit and it's a known issue, the quality of the power does not seem to be compatible with that Dell charger (the commonly used round one for Dell business laptops).
FYI I am super tech savvy and work computer related tech field and have friends in IT, it's nothing basic. This is the kind of thing if you've already solved it, you will know the answer in 1 minute.
This Dell Latitude 7480 also has a Thunderbolt/USB-C input, I may be able to trickle charge from that I am going to experiment more but the simplest would be to use the dedicated travel charger with the proprietary Dell round connector.
Any solid ideas out there would be super welcome, I REALLY need to get this to work.
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 36
From: Suffern, NY
2020 GLC300 & 2009 SL550 (previously had 1999 CLK / 2006 E500 / 2011 GL450)
Usually any modern AC->DC converter (transformer) is pretty forgiving (they accept 100-240V, 50-60 cycles per second). So it's really odd that this one adapter isn't working. So, I'd try another Dell adapter if you have one (even just borrow one from someone for a day).
As an alternative, if you have a USB-C charger that is 30W or higher output (preferably 45W or higher), give that a try. I have a 7280 (same laptop with the 12" screen), and use a 30W USB-C charger as a backup when I travel. I've not tried it in my 2020 GLC, but I use it on planes and in my wife's non-Mercedes vehicle. 30W or higher should charge the laptop fine, albeit a little slower, and should be able to keep up with usage without letting the battery drain much (unless you're pushing the laptop hard).
A couple of caveats:
If your charger is <45W (I think), you'll get a warning at cold boot that the attached power adapter is lower capacity than what is specified for the machine. As noted above, it will charge it you dismiss the warning. So if you're buying a new charger, get 45W or 60W.
Also, a large power-brick might not fit the way the foldup socket in the car is designed. So you'll need a small outlet extension cord (like those 8-12 inch "outlet saver" extension dongles) -- I keep one of these in my seatback pocket for other large power adapters.
As an alternative, if you have a USB-C charger that is 30W or higher output (preferably 45W or higher), give that a try. I have a 7280 (same laptop with the 12" screen), and use a 30W USB-C charger as a backup when I travel. I've not tried it in my 2020 GLC, but I use it on planes and in my wife's non-Mercedes vehicle. 30W or higher should charge the laptop fine, albeit a little slower, and should be able to keep up with usage without letting the battery drain much (unless you're pushing the laptop hard).
A couple of caveats:
If your charger is <45W (I think), you'll get a warning at cold boot that the attached power adapter is lower capacity than what is specified for the machine. As noted above, it will charge it you dismiss the warning. So if you're buying a new charger, get 45W or 60W.
Also, a large power-brick might not fit the way the foldup socket in the car is designed. So you'll need a small outlet extension cord (like those 8-12 inch "outlet saver" extension dongles) -- I keep one of these in my seatback pocket for other large power adapters.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
GLC
There's likely a start up current surge that exceeds the capability of the inverter and the voltage drops and it shuts off. Make sure the car is running when you plug it in.
Also, I'd try it in another GLC at your dealer and just to see if you get the same result.
Also, I'd try it in another GLC at your dealer and just to see if you get the same result.
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 620
Likes: 65
From: Florida
2018 E300 Luxury - P3 and more
You're dealing with an inrush current problem. The power adapter's capacitors are discharged when you first plug it in and they're charging themselves faster than the car's inverter can provide. It only happens for half a second, but it's enough to trigger the overload protection circuitry on the car's inverter. Google people having issues with laptops and airline power outlets and you'll most likely find the solution there.
If you want to do a load test on the inverter itself, plug in a lamp with an old-school incandescent bulb or two. They too have an inrush current, but much smaller than a laptop power supply.
If you want to do a load test on the inverter itself, plug in a lamp with an old-school incandescent bulb or two. They too have an inrush current, but much smaller than a laptop power supply.
