Comments on: Fixing a faulty laptop DC jack connector

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:16:01 +0000

I had this same issue with my Pavilion N5340. Since I am the original owner and only user of this notebook, I know it was never handled rough, etc.

About 2 years ago, I acquired an Pavilion XF235 from craigslist.org (Free) – with a bad power connector.

I recently acquired an Omnibook XE3-GC from E-bay for about $3. – with a bad power connector.

This is such a common problem with HP notebooks, it is difficult to believe they were not aware of the issue.

A couple of repair tips:

1) Be sure to remove the standoff screws from the external connectors for the printer, display, etc. (otherwise, the main board can not be removed)

2) After soldering the new connector in place. Apply a few drops of epoxy between the connector and the board. This relieves some of the stress from the solder joints and seems to make the repair last longer.

By: Arjan

Arjan — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:13:10 +0000

Thanks for the article. I think this is also the cause on my gf’s laptop. It only charges when the adapter plug is pushed to the right. I reckon a broken joint somewhere from the DC to the motherboard. Now at least i know it can be done and parts are available.

By: David

David — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:52:53 +0000

They are not many who would attempt to repair the DC on laptops. I myself haven’t a clue how to do it but my work friend Chris does it all the time. That what you get for being a TV Repair Man

By: Mike Biddell

Mike Biddell — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:43:17 +0000

Just as annoying is a cable fracture, just at the Jack Plug (this occurs very frequently). I cant find anywhere to buy a new self fit plug, as all you need to do is cut the cable below the fracture and fit a replacement plug. Can you get a jack plug…… not on your nelly, you have to buy a new power adapter.

By: Lee Collins

Lee Collins — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 11:15:49 +0000

Hi All

I must congratulate those brave enough to venture into their laptops in order to replace the DC jack, I must warn the rest of you that this is not a job to be taken lightly.

It is very easy to damage many components of the laptop if you are not careful, or are inexperienced with taking it apart.

We see many laptops in which have been damaged through DIY repairs. Most (if not all) would have been cheaper to fix if sent into to an experienced technician in the first place.

There are many companies throughout the UK who will offer this level of repair – however, not all are equal. If you are looking around, check their small print and any warranty that comes with the repair. Most only offer a 30-90 day warranty with this type of repair. There are a few, including us, which offer a 12 month warranty which shows how confident we are with the quality of our repairs.

Good luck!

Lee

By: SteveTheBass

SteveTheBass — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:53:49 +0000

Just get a DC jack from Maplins (or Radio Shack if you’re USA) and mount it to the laptop case, then solder this to the + and – on the motherboard. Cost me £3.50 inc delivery!
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102489

Eventually looks like this:
http://www.laptoprepair101.com/wp-images/power-jack-modification-plugged.jpg

This is what i’m going to do when i find out how to remove the motherboard from my girlfriend’s ifriend/novatech laptop!

By: hm2k

hm2k — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:19:24 +0000

Update: I had to do this again recently. I realised how much I hate doing it. There’s so many screws and so many things to do. In the end it probably isn’t worth doing. I would recommend getting a reliable laptop repair centre to do it, ensure they offer a fixed fee, and will only charge if they fix the issue.

Hope this helps!

By: Katy

Katy — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:57:12 +0000

What do you do if you have this problem but are petrified of ruining your computer, or if you don’t have a soldering iron! I’m going to get screwed over aren’t I?!?!

By: DLH

DLH — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:47:11 +0000

Hi there
Nice guide, it saved me tons to time :D.
Just fixed a ze4111s… turned out that the powerplug was loose. I sanded the motherbord (and the pcb-lanes) a bit to get the protective coating off, so that the solder would last a bit better.

By: Matt K.

Matt K. — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:16:27 +0000

Do you know where I can find directions for replacing the motherboard on a newer hp laptop (dv2141tx) pavilion???