Toshiba laptop - DC input jack only works when pressing adapter cable in with force

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Wedge1

Senior member
Mar 22, 2003
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I am trying to repair a friend's laptop - Toshiba Satellite L305D

I have establish that both the AC adapter works, and that the wires (with a harness around them) leading from the DC input jack to the motherboard are functioning (i.e., the DC jack isn't soldered to the motherboard).

But I only get power when I press really hard on the plug into the DC jack. This is not a situation where I can jiggle the cord and intermittently get power on and off. It gets no power unless I put a great deal of force into the DC jack. Just a straight push, no jiggle needed, but a very generous force is required in order to get power.

Is this indicative of a faulty DC jack that should be replaced? Or is the plug of the AC adapter (the end that goes into the DC jack of the laptop) capable of going bad?
 
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Wedge1

Senior member
Mar 22, 2003
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Excellent articles.

And one could easily assume my problem fits one of the two scenarios (broken jack and/or broken base where the jack mounts inside the laptop), especially since the article is written specifically about this model.

But for this laptop, the base isn't broken. The owner already super-glued the input jack back in place because it had come off, just like the articles say about this model. And I can assure you it is strong. There is no movement of the DC jack at all. And the fact that I can force it to get power tells me the harnessed wires running to the motherboard are working.

But the input jack is just sitting too far away from the entrance perhaps?? Superglue might have set it back just enough to not work? Not allowing the plug to make enough contact for power unless force is applied and held in place?

I'm thinking the quickest thing is to go ahead and just take the old jack off (if I can, damn this superglue job is TOUGH), replace it a la the step-by-step in the article. It's not going to do the job as is, even if it isn't actually damaged or defective.

Thanks for the links. Much appreciated. If I am overlooking something, someone please chime in.
 
Last edited:
corkyg

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Probably the super glue created a "cold solder" joint by penetrating a cracked solder point or the connection bteween the female plug and the internal wires.
 
Last edited:
bruceb

bruceb

Diamond Member
Aug 20, 2004
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You need to open the bottom of the laptop. Odds are you will find either a cold solder joint or a hairline crack in a foil connecting the jack. You need to locate it and fix it.
 
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Wedge1

Senior member
Mar 22, 2003
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I am not sure what you mean by "open the bottom" because I have it disassembled completely, save for removing the motherboard. I don't see how I can remove anything beneath the input-jack.

I'm including a couple of photos so that you can see what I see. I can shoot more if you need a different angle. But this is what I see after the owner super-glued the casing of the jack to the inside where it should never have broken off:

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Wedge120/Forums/IMG_5215.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Wedge120/Forums/IMG_5210.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Wedge120/Forums/IMG_5214.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r80/Wedge120/Forums/IMG_5213.jpg


Please advise.
 
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Wedge1

Senior member
Mar 22, 2003
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I stand corrected. It appears (after checking with a voltmeter) that it is the AC adapter that isn't functioning properly.

I am seeing a range of prices for replacements. So I am assuming the lowest of the low are of questionable quality? Can anybody offer a reputable dealer for this?
 
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