How to fix laptop/mobo plug so battery charges?

[BAD311]

Hey guys. I have a Gateway MP6954 laptop. It's been a great laptop until recently.

When I plug the connector into the laptop, I have to wiggle, jiggle, and do whatever needs to be done so the laptop stays hooked up to power. If I do not, the laptop doesn't maintain a solid connection and starts eating up the battery power.

When I plug the connector into the laptop I can feel that the little grasper things that hold the plug tightly in place are now loose, or looser. I have to pull the plug almost 90% out until the end of the plug (which is slightly larger then the rest of the plug) connects with the end of the grasper thing to form a tight solid connection...

What are my options? I'm capable of opening the laptop up, soldering on the mobo, etc... Just need to find out what the exact cause can be before I go on a goose chase. I've already tried 2 different power packs (a factory Gateway FOR this laptop, a Targus (with swappable tips), and a cheap-o eBay power pack.

It's obviously not the power packs.

Would love to hear how you guys fix a problem like this! I'm in no place to buy another laptop right now, nor do I have the $$$ to pay someone to fix it.

Thanks all!

 

[bruceb]

You need to open the laptop up and resolder the jack connections to the main circuit board. It takes about 1 hr or so to do as most laptop have screws all over to remove and it needs to be done in a specific order.

 

[BAD311]

Does it matter where I solder? Do I need to remove the jack piece, clean, sand, prep, etc... and resolder totally?

 

[bruceb]

Sometimes, you do need to clean the tabs so solder sticks better. Use some denatured alcohol or flux remover to clean the pc board solder pad.

 

[corkyg]

Before soldering, make sure you have a good mechanical connection/joint, or you may end up with a cold solder joint. Solder is designed to seal and permanize a good mechanical jo0int.

That connector is one of the most frequently damaged items on a laptop. Main causes are yanking out the cord instead of pulling the plug or tripping over the wire when connected.

 

[BAD311]

Hey guys, thanks. I'll give it a go and try it out. Any type of special solder I need to use? I got a solder gun and solder for different applications.

 

[corkyg]

Use rosin core solder - and a very small soldering tip, and have a heat sink clip handy.

 

[Matt1970]

I highly recommend you get a new Jack rather than just solder it. You can get them on eBay for under $10 shipped. I have resoldered jacks and put laptops back together only to find out that the power is now good but the battery will not charge.