Laptop DC Power Jack Problem

by bearvp May 11, 2009 2:41AM PDT

So I have the popular problem of the DC power jack in my HP ZV5000 laptop being wiggled too much to the point that the soldering has cracked or broken down. It only will charge my battery if I hold the power input plug at an angle. I need to get the DC port replaced and was wondering if I should have a company that is familiar with this type of repair do it and spend ~$160 or could I get a friend that is familiar with computer repairs, but doesn't have the latest and greatest soldering equipment to affix the new power jack to the motherboard.

Any suggestions from people that have gone through this? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Your post hurried me up.

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator May 11, 2009 5:01AM PDT

I have a failed jack on a Compaq r3000. However it was just the solder work so I was a little lucky in that I only needed to re-flow the solder and add just a smidge more solder.

This is definitely not to for faint of heart and I have one left over screw that is par for the course it seems.

Total time seems to be two hours and even then I didn't tear it down all the way. Just far enough to get access to the lugs that needed the work.

-> My thought here is you should not have any friend do this. You may blame them if it kills the laptop altogether or fails again in a few months.
Bob

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thanks

by bearvp May 11, 2009 5:42AM PDT

Yeah, my friend actually has his own IT company and is a computer engineer, but he doesn't have the advanced soldering equipment that this one repair place does. Also, the repair place has a warranty on their work for 60 days so I can rest easy if they flub it up the first go around.

Thanks for the advice!

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Here's the advanced gear I used.

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator May 11, 2009 7:26AM PDT

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3132686

Mine is last years model but close enough. I also used one philips screwdriver and tweezers to pick up the small screws.

Solder was the usual rosin core.

Hope the details help.
Bob

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Laptop DC Power Jack Problem

by leo5311 May 11, 2009 9:44AM PDT

Hi!

Try this link: www.laptoprepair101.com. It shows how to replace the dc jack including the tools that you might need. If I may comment on the sophisticated equipment that other responders are talking about, a 25 - 30 W soldering iron without the temperature controller will do.

Good luck.

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LAPTOP DC JACK LOOSE

by WINDTALKER1963 Apr 21, 2011 5:59AM PDT

I DAUGHTER LAPTOP DC JACK WAS LOOSE YOU HAD TO HAVE IT JUST RIGHT TO USE IT. IT COST AROUND $100 TO FIX IT BUT DID NOT WANT TO SPEND THAT MUCH ON A 3 YEAR OLD LAPTOP. WHAT I DID IS GOT A PAIR OF PLIERS AND SQEEZE THE END OF THE PRONGE A LITTLE BE CAREFUL DO IT A LITTLE AT A TIME UNTIL IT FITS SMUG. HOPE IT HELPS YOU AS IT DID FOR ME. GOOD LUCK

Laptop DC Power Jack Problem

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