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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.
I have a list of compatible models (reported by users) at the end of this post.
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 insulation, 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.
If this fix works for any other Toshiba laptop, please mention the model number in the comments below.
Here are Toshiba laptop disassembly guides.
As reported so far, this repair also worked on the following models:
Toshiba Satellite A300/A305 – comment 110.
Toshiba Satellite A130/A135 – comment 113.
Toshiba Satellite L300/L305 – comment 145.
Toshiba Satellite L500/L505/L505D – comment 151.
Toshiba Satellite P300/P305/P305D – comment 164.
Toshiba Satellite A200/A205 – comment 189.
Toshiba Satellite A210/A215 – comment 246.
Toshiba Satellite L30/L35 – comment 297.
Toshiba Satellite L510/L515/L515D – comment 315.
Toshiba Satellite C650/C655/C655D – comment 414.
Toshiba Satellite L450/L455/L455D – comment 512.
Toshiba Satellite P300D – comment 514.
Toshiba Satellite A500/A505/A505D - comment 518.
Toshiba Satellite L650/L655/L655D - comment 602.
June 9th, 2013 at 8:05 pm
Just performed this replacement on my Toshibaa Satellite A205. Got the part and the soldering kit at Radio Shack and works like a charm. Thanks for the instructions.
June 2nd, 2013 at 2:35 pm
Satellite L505D user here. This method worked for a few months, but the center lead has become loose and is now pushed back into the laptop more than normal. It still charges (sometimes), but has pretty much returned to the state it was in prior to me working on it. I know I can change the entire DC power jack again, but I was wondering if there was a safe way I could maybe solder the center lead back into place without blowing up my laptop. I’m not sure if that would create a grounding out issue or whatnot.
May 27th, 2013 at 7:29 pm
My Battery Charger plug has a Flange on the tip of the plug and would not fit into this
Radio Shack jack. Has anyone else had this problem ? I will try to find another jack. Thanks.
May 18th, 2013 at 5:52 am
That’s a good DIY job – where there’s a will there’s a way! Power connectors are a nuisance, they’re one of the main things that go wrong with laptops. I’m about to fit a new jack-plug onto the end of my Toshiba’s power adaptor lead. I’ll cut the wire back to remove the plastic bauble, whose only purpose is to snag on furniture and weaken the integrity of the plug-socket connection, anyway.
Well-described and nicely photographed.
May 1st, 2013 at 5:54 pm
@ shaun,
Unfortunately, you’ll have to solder. There is no other way around.
May 1st, 2013 at 10:32 am
I have a L505 and I am wondering if I buy this part from radio shack, am I able to use it without soldering the wires? Is there another method that can be used to attach them? Please advise. I need to do this ASAP
April 15th, 2013 at 11:23 am
Awesome! Very well explained and good pictures showing both what to remove and then what it should look like once those parts are removed! Keep up the great tutorials!
April 12th, 2013 at 4:52 pm
Thank you this simple fixed saved me big bucks and no down time..did exactly as u said your instructions were spot on….radio shack had the part and for 4 bucks as indicated…cant thank you enough….
April 9th, 2013 at 10:56 am
on o toshiba l355 theres 2 green and 2 black wires that go to the jack but three post on the original jack what goes where
April 5th, 2013 at 10:31 pm
Thank you for a graet description.
My problem was at different from just a broken DC jack. Some weeks ago there was a smoke from the DC jack when closed my Toshiba and it was jsut dead, no lights, no sound. Nothing.
But after installing a new jack following your description, it seems to work again. Now I just have to put the HDDs back in and I’m up and flying again.