How to repair damaged power jack in Toshiba Satellite L305 and L355 laptops

Today I explain how to repair a damaged power connector also known as power jack in Toshiba Satellite L305 and L355 laptops. I started covering this problem in one of the previous posts.

Also this power jack modification should work for the following models: Toshiba Satellite L300, L305D, L355D, P305, P305D, Toshiba Satellite Pro L300, L350 and probably some other Toshiba laptops.

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION. The power jack gets pushed into the laptop base so it feels loose.

I will replace the original plastic jack with a generic metal jack purchased at RadioShack for about $3.
The RadioShack part number is 274-1576. This jack is designed for tip size 5.5mm O.D.x2.5mm I.D. You can order this jack online or pick it up in a local store.

Proceed on your own risk! If you do something wrong, you can damage the laptop.

In order to access and repair the power jack it’s necessary to disassemble the laptop and remove the top cover assembly (palm rest). Here’s an example of removing the top cover assembly from a Toshiba Satellite L355D, you’ll have to follow steps 1-14.

Disassembly steps for all above mentioned models will be very similar.

OK, let’s say the top cover is removed and we are inside the laptop. By the way, I’m fixing a Satellite L305D laptop.

Why the power jack feels loose? You see the answer on the picture below.

In my case both, the power jack and mounting brackets on the base assembly got broken. Even if you replace the broken jack with a new one, it will not stay attached to the base. If you send a laptop with a damage like that to a repair shop, they will recommend replacing the power jack harness and laptop base. This repair will easily cost over $200 but I have a better idea how to fix it for $3 without replacing the base assembly.

Here’s my new replacement panel-mount jack which should last for a long time unlike the original Toshiba jack.

All laptops mentioned above come with one of the following AC adapter: 19v-3.42A, 19V-3.95A, 19V-4.74A or 19V-6.3A.
All these power adapter will fit perfectly into the jack from RadioShack.

LET’S START THE REPAIR.

STEP 1.

Using a pocket knife remove plastic supports from the internal side of the base assembly, so the side where the new jack will be mounted is flat.

On the picture below you see plastic supports removed.

STEP 2.

Again, using the pocket knife remove the plastic wall surrounding the mounting hole. Make the hole larger, so then new jack fits in.

STEP 3.

The new jack is too long and if you install it as is the laptop cover will not sit properly on the base. It happens because one of the speakers (in Satellite L305D) is located very close to the power jack.

It will work if you make the jack shorter. You can cut off part of the long “-” lead or simply bent it as I did. After it’s done coat both leads with generous amount of solder.

STEP 4.

Now remove the damaged power jack from the laptop and cut off wires somewhere close to the jack base.

Remove isolation, twist wires and coat them with solder.

The red “+” wire will connect to the lead in the center of the new jack.
The black “-” wire will connect to the lead on the side – the one you made shorter.

In some laptops Toshiba uses green wires instead or red wires. They also should be soldered to the “+” lead in the center of your new jack.

WARNING! Check the polarity before you apply power to the laptop.

STEP 5.

Now mount the new power jack on the base.

STEP 6.

Solder wires to the new jack. Again, the red wire is soldered to the lead in the center and the black on to the lead on the side.

As you see, I soldered wires at a 90 degree angle to the jack so the top cover (and the right speaker) fits in.

I covered both leads with electrical tape.

The new (modified) power harness has been installed into the laptop base. Now you can tighten the nut on the power jack and secure it on the base.

STEP 7.

You’ll have to modify the top cover assembly a little bit so it fits on the laptop.

Remove plastic reinforcement walls so they do not touch the power jack when the cover is installed. If you leave these walls, there will be a gap between the cover and base.

The plastic walls have been removed.

STEP 8.

Assemble the laptop. You are done!

I think the new power jack is way more robust then the original one and should last for a long time.

And it looks great too.

Here’s an example of damaged power jack in a Satellite L355D laptop. This base is bigger than in Satellite L305 and you’ll have plenty of space for your modification.

Here’s another example of damaged base assembly in a Satellite P305D laptop. Again, there is plenty of space for the jack modification.

By the way, if your laptop is still under warranty, Toshiba might fix this problem at no charge. Call them first or take the laptop to the authorized repair center.

If this modification works for you, please mention the laptop model in the comments. You are welcome to post any suggestions and improvements.

 

 

Static electricity can kill your laptop. I recommend wearing an anti-static wrist strap while working with internal parts of your laptop.

 

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