Any laptop technitions?

warlocks1

I have a Gateway laptop with a power jack issue. I have to jiggle the power chord over and over to get it to charge. I did some research and it sounds like replacement of the power jack can be difficult and result in total destruction of the motherboard. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to repair for decent price?

Thanks, Jeff

John30_30

that is a pita alright. Sounds like the motherboard jack is loose? Or is there a pin inside the little block that is loose? Replacing it is a beatch.
Look for some tutes online at notebookforums if you're handy with disassembling.

If you can get the case open to that point, sometimes you can hotglue it down.

shawn474

warlocks1 wrote: »

I have a Gateway laptop with a power jack issue. I have to jiggle the power chord over and over to get it to charge. I did some research and it sounds like replacement of the power jack can be difficult and result in total destruction of the motherboard. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to repair for decent price?

Thanks, Jeff

This might be a stupid question but are you sure it isnt the power cord itself?

Shawn

polkatese

I had the exact same issue with a Compaq X1000 a couple of years ago. It is a condition in which the soldered female power port on the motherboard came loose because of repeated push-pull of the power jack. I took a part the laptop completely, removed the mobo, removed the old power port and put a new one (OEM) I got over the fleabay. It works well for over 3 months, and then it started doing it again. When it happened again, I decided it was time to get a new one and put it out off its misery. Looking back, I feel it wasn't a worthwhile effort to do this. The laptop had served me well since 2004 when it failed in 2008.

AudioGenics

what model / year Gateway ?

warlocks1

I have tried 3 different power cords. All do the same. I have to close the laptop, plug in the adapter, wrap the cord around the laptop and jiggle the cable until I find the right spot.

The laptop is a Gateway MT6841.

Thanks for the replies.

halo71

shawn474 wrote: »

This might be a stupid question but are you sure it isnt the power cord itself?

Shawn

Exactly what I was going to ask.

I have a Gateway latop, that I am on now, that did the samething. It was the cord itself. Not the jack. I actually cut away the insulation on the plug, resoldered it and it worked fine. Used it until I got a new one.

fatchowmein

As others have stated, the resolution would be to replace the mobo. Way back when I use to do this stuff, it was only worthwhile if the unit was under warranty because the cost was so high. Unfortunately, at this point, you're looking at a new laptop purchase in the near future. If you really like your Gateway, call the company to find out what it'll cost to get it fixed.

Good luck

John30_30

The mobo itself on ebay is about 200 not counting labor. The DC socket is 6 bucks, not counting labor.
You can buy a good laptop new for 400, or a great one slightly used.To replace the board using a local shop, prolly 350.


And woilla woilla washington, what do you know, this guy in Illinois says he will replace the jack for 98 plus shipping.
Laptop Repair

warlocks1

I found a place in my area that will do it for $80.00. I will probably give it a shot. Thanks for everyone's help. Long live Polk Audio forum!

Systems

John30_30 wrote: »

The mobo itself on ebay is about 200 not counting labor. The DC socket is 6 bucks, not counting labor.
You can buy a good laptop new for 400, or a great one slightly used.To replace the board using a local shop, prolly 350.


And woilla woilla washington, what do you know, this guy in Illinois says he will replace the jack for 98 plus shipping.
Laptop Repair

I would stay away from "good laptops" that are $400...:)

bigaudiofanatic

i have seen this problem on quite a few laptops. Including my fathers and my sisters the first thing you can try doing is buy a new power cord and adapter. If that does not work I would send it in for repair if it is under warranty. If it is not I would not recommend dropping like 300 bucks for a new MB to fix the problem. sometimes you can re solder the power port back onto the board but you have to know what your doing.

nadams

I do these types of repairs on laptops all the time. To pay someone to do it does cost a bit, as it's quite labor intensive on most laptops just to get them apart to the point that you can access the jack. I usually charge $50-$75, also depending on the price of the jack itself.