This guide will allow you to perform a Laptop DC Power Jack repair on your own laptop successfully with insider tips and trick known only to the computer repair professionals.
So lets start with the symptoms -
You’ve probably noticed your laptop has been playing up recently, powering off unexpectedly, getting hot, power connector has become distorted or melted. A very common indicator is the need to wiggle the power cable to get the laptop to start or charge.
Normally most users just keep on wiggling the cable or bending it so that they can continue using the laptop without getting the problem looked at. This is probably the worst thing to do as it is likely to just stuff the charger adapter end which could mean you need to shell out for a new charger too.
The problem is caused by a developing dry joint where the DC jack is soldered onto the laptop’s motherboard. During use most people have their laptop on their, well laps, and the constant movement while in use causes a fracture where the DC jack is soldered to the laptop motherboard. Alternatively someone has tripped on the charger cable of a laptop that was sat on a desk or table or chair – come on, admit it we’ve all done ( or nearly done ) it even though the vast majority of teenagers will never admit it to their parents we just know it happens. This fracture causes a heat build up due to the increased resistance which makes things gradually worse.
Eventually the power connector fails ( sometimes becoming chargrilled due to massive heat build up ) and you are unable to use your laptop.
First things first check you have the correct charger otherwise once you have performed the repair you will be back in the same situation within days or weeks. What do you look for? Well normal alarm signs are ask yourself if you have purchased a new charger recently ( most people do this as they just assume its the charger causing the problems )? If you have then you need to check the output voltage supplied by the charger is suitable for your laptop. Printed on your laptop you should see a label which indicates the required supply voltage ( a lot of Toshiba laptops are 15V DC while others vary up to around 19V ). Check the charger and on its label you will see its output voltage. Are the two voltages the same? If they are not then you will cause heat to build up in your laptop which will put you back in the same position again very soon. When you purchase a replacement laptop charger ensure that the charger is suitable for your laptop, buying off the car boot with the ‘it should fit’ mentality will often lead to inoperative laptops.
In order to repair the laptop DC jack yourself you will need the following ready:
- A good miniature screwdriver set with philips and flat blade screw drivers. The type used for glasses repair are too fine really and the type used by electricians are too big.
- A good soldering iron ( preferably with temperature control ) with a good medium/fine tip. A plumbers iron used for central heating work is not really suitable – although at times you have to use what you have to hand – I know.
- A desoldering pump.
- Silver solder – generally this is what is sold now due to WEEE legislation.
- A clean working area free from dust, dirt, debris, fluids ( that includes your favourite hot beverage too – sorry spillages can be costly ).
- Anti-static desk mat and wrist strap.
- A ball point pen and a sheet of plain paper ( see insiders tip later ).
- A marker pen ( see insiders tip later ).
Dont attempt to perform the repair after having an argument with the Wife/Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Husband etc as you’ll likely end up taking it out on the laptop if you reach a tricky spot and that will be the end of it. Dont attempt the repair if you are rushed for time. We would recommend that you have everything in place to complete the repair in one go. You should allow yourself about 4 hours including coffee breaks ( avoid beer breaks as your concentration may become impared and perhaps repairing the laptop may not seem as important anymore ).
You should start by placing the laptop on your clean work area, have a comforable seat ready as you could be here for some time.
Make sure the laptop is not powered on before you begin so remove the laptop’s DC charger.
- Remove the battery from the laptop and place it to one side.
- Remove the hard drive cover and then remove the hard drive carefully setting it to one side.
- Remove the memory cover and remove the memory if fitted on the underside, carefully setting it to one side.
- Remove any other covers if fitted.
- Remove all the screws from the underside of the laptop and using the paper write the location the screws were removed from and tape the removed screws to the paper. This insider tip will prevent you from loosing or fitting the screws in the wrong place when you come to put the laptop back together again.
- Look where the battery was removed to see if there are any hidden screws.
The next installment of this laptop DC jack repair guide will be available shortly.
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