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How to install your new power jack.

First off: Don’t be shy about sending your laptop in. In fact, over half of the laptops we receive are from other computer stores. We repair power jacks all day long here and have the equipment necessary to replace SMT components such as the power jack. For more information on our flat rate installation service please visit this page.

Second, this page will be updated more shortly to contain more information. Last update 05/22/07.

Step 1: Make sure your laptop isn’t under warranty. Many Dell laptops have recalls on them- run the serial number or service tag number on the manufacturer’s site to see if it is under warranty or not.

Step 2: Test your AC adapter using a Multimeter. Some newer laptops require a very specific voltage and will not work a universal adapter. Note: Universal adapters are usually not a good substitute for an original adapter and are almost always way overpriced. Another note: Many Dell laptops will not recognize power even if the AC adapter is putting out the proper voltage. This can happen due to several different reasons and can even be due to the adapter itself being defective! If your Dell adapter has a center pin, be sure it is putting out a steady 3.25v.

Step 2: Disassemble the laptop. If you have a Dell laptop you can find a disassembly guide on Dell’s site somewhere. If you have a different brand you’re on your own. IBM has nicely documented the ThinkPad laptops but most of these never need power jack repairs to begin with.

Step 3: De-soldering. It amazes us that almost daily someone asks us if the old jack just pops off. The answer is NO. It must be properly de-soldered. If you’re using an $8 radio shack soldering iron it is easy to get the board too hot for too long. Many Dell units such as the 600m, D600, D610 are almost impossible to repair without a special pneumatic tool. Example: Here we have a tool that removes solder from a jack’s leg in about 3 seconds. We’ve had reports of people spending 5 – 6 hours trying to get old jacks off. Those computers won’t be making it. De-soldering with home tools may be possible for some HP, Compaq, Toshiba and other miscellaneous models in the hands of someone who has some for of de-soldering experience.

Step 4: Soldering. The old jack area should be cleaned off. The new jack may be slightly different or precisely the same as the original jack. Some models, such as the Toshiba M35x or A70, A75, should have special modifications made to prevent the jack from coming loose again.

Step 5: Reassembly. Make sure you don’t put a long screw where a short one belongs- we’ve seen more than one laptop motherboard ruined this way. Clean out the fans and use new thermal grease between the processor ad the heatsink while you’re inside. Do not over tighten anything. Be careful of fragile LCD cables. Do not take any shortcuts- there is usually only one correct way to reassemble the computer.

Step 6: Testing. If the battery is installed, when you plug the machine in most laptops will display some sort of charging indicator LED. Power it up from there. If nothing happens turn the unit off and check the seating of your memory and processor.

Use this information at your own risk. We take absolutely no responsibility for anything! If a power pin or circuit is grounding out you will get a melting laptop this way, or worse!

For more information on our flat rate installation service please visit this page.

Thank you,

PowerJacksOnline.com