Dell Inspiron 11-3162 Troubleshooting

Wifi Signal Dropping Connection

If the signal keeps dropping, restarting your computer is the easiest way to fix any issues that the software could've run into.

If your Wifi signal keeps dropping, your networking driver might be faulty. Go to the search box on the taskbar. Type Device Manager, and then select Device Manager from the list of results. In the Device Manager, select Network Adapters > the network adapter name. Right click the network adapter, and then select Update Driver Software > search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the steps, then select Close. After you've installed the updated driver, restart your computer.

Replacing the hardware is a last-ditch effort for fixing problems you're having with your computer. Here's our guide on replacing your Wifi Chip.

Replacing the motherboard is typically a last-ditch effort for fixing any issues you're having with your computer. Use this only if you’ve already followed all of the above troubleshooting guides and your Wifi still isn't connecting.

The Dell Inspiron 11-3162 will not charge

Press the power button and check for any lights on the computer. If none, check the A/C adapter’s power light. If it’s not lit, try plugging the Dell Inspiron into an A/C adapter that you know is in working condition, or if you don’t have any extras, consider buying a replacement [link].

You may want to look into replacing your battery. Here's our guide for replacing your battery.

Replacing the motherboard is typically a last-ditch effort for fixing your LCD screen. Use this only if you’ve already replaced your battery and have attempted the fixes above.

The screen isn't lighting up

Press the power button and check for any lights on the computer. If none, check the A/C adapter’s power light. If it’s not lit, try plugging the Dell Inspiron into an A/C adapter that you know is in working condition, or if you don’t have any extras, consider buying a replacement This option is available through Amazon.

If, when you push down the power button, the light turns on, plug into an external monitor if possible. You can attempt to run the built-in LCD self-test, which has 2 methods.

Method 1

Turn the computer off.

Press and hold the D key while pressing the power button. This will start the Laptop LCD built in self test (BIST).

The screen will start flashing with colors. Take note of any lines, distortion, or any other video issues.

The laptop will restart when the test is finished.

Method 2

Turn the computer off.

Press and hold the Fn key and power on your laptop while holding down the Fn key. This will start the Dell Pre-Boot System Assessment.

Your computer will now run a series of tests.

When your computer displays a series of colored bars, it will prompt you with a message asking “Do you see the color bars? Y/N”

Press the N key to enter the Laptop LCS BIST.

The screen will start flashing with colors. Take note of any lines, distortion, or any other video issues.

The laptop will restart when the test is finished.

If your screen has issues, or you don’t see any colors flashing, you may have to replace your LCD screen [link our guide]

Replacing the screen is typically a last-ditch effort for fixing your display. Use this only if you’ve already attempted all of the above solutions, or if the underlying problem isn’t the software.

When the keys are pressed, there is no response

If you can't type or use keyboard functions, your driver might be faulty. Go to the search box on the task bar. Type Device Manager, and then select Device Manager from the list of results. In the Device Manager, select Network Adapters > the network adapter name. Right click the network adapter, and then select Update Driver Software > search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the steps, then select Close. After you've installed the updated driver, restart your computer.

Sometimes there's nothing left for you to do but replace your keyboard. Follow our guide to install a working Palmrest unit.

The touch pad does not respond

You will need a USB mouse or some equivalent pointing device to easily troubleshoot your device.

Search on your Windows Toolbar "Mouse and Touch pad Settings". Go to "Advanced Options" and then go to hardware to select your touch pad. Look to see if there's any messages in the general tab. Proceed to the Reinstall Drivers section to continue from here if you're still having issues.

If your touch pad is not responding, your driver may be faulty. Go to the search box on the task bar. Type Device Manager, and then select Device Manager from the list of results. In the Device Manager, select Network Adapters > the network adapter name. Right click the network adapter, and then select Update Driver Software > search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the steps, then select Close. After you've installed the updated driver, restart your computer.

If your issues aren't solved with reinstalling your drivers, you may look into replacing your touch pad. Follow our guide on how to replace the Palmrest Keyboard, which includes the touch pad.