I suggest check out the AC adapter first. 1) When plugged into power, and plugged into the laptop, gently wiggle the cable from the AC adapter TO laptop.Any change?Do the same on the power cord TO AC adapter.NO?Go on.2) The port on the laptop that the plug from the AC adapter plugs into, is the DC Power Jack.If we are discussing an Acer Aspire 5738Z Notebook PC, the DC Power Jack resembles this one, (Not installed),
http://www.batterysupport.com/acer-aspire-5738-jack-p-302046.html(When I note the DC Power Jack, it is this link I will be referring to )As you can see there is a Center Pin. All power removed from the laptop, use a small wooden, or plastic object, and see if this pin moves around.ANY perceptible movement means a bad DC Power Jack.DC Power Jack checks out it's back to the AC adapter.Wanted to perform the easy diagnosis first.This will require a multimeter. An economical, yet fine for this test multimeter, can be purchased for as little as $8 to $12.Available in a multitude of stores. An auto parts store is but one example.Analog or digital is fine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF3OyQ3HwfU(Analog is fine. Some of us still like 'em)DC Voltage is what you are going to check. Black probe lead (Negative) goes in the Common port on the multimeter. (COM)Red probe lead (Positive) goes in the Voltage port on the multimeter. (V)If the multimeter just has symbols around the Function Knob, set it to the dotted line over a solid line, symbol.The plug on the end of the AC adapter, that plugs into the laptop, has a center hole, and a cylindrical metal shield surrounding it.The Center Hole of the plug is where the red Positive lead, of the multimeter goes.The outside cylindrical metal shell is where the black Negative lead of the multimeter goes.Hold the AC adapter plug in one hand, and at the same time hold the red Positive multimeter probe in the center hole.With the other hand touch the black Negative lead of the multimeter, to the cylindrical metal shield on the outside of the plug.You should read 19 Volts (DC), or VERY close to it,
http://www.cellularfactory.com/laptop/ACER/3/305268/I believe the AC adapter is the problem. Post back in a Comment as to your findings.Regards,joecoolvette