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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.
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.
As reported so far, this repair also worked on the following models:
Toshiba Satellite A305 – comment 110.
Toshiba Satellite A135 – comment 113.
Toshiba Satellite L300 – comment 145.
Toshiba Satellite L505D – comment 151.
Toshiba Satellite P305D – comment 164.
Toshiba Satellite P300 – comment 182.
Toshiba Satellite A200 – comment 189.
Toshiba Satellite A215 – comment 246.
Toshiba Satellite P305 – comment 264.
Toshiba Satellite L35 – comment 297.
Toshiba Satellite L515 – comment 315.
Toshiba Satellite C655 – comment 414.
Toshiba Satellite C655D – comment 468.
May 30th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Just did this today with a friend. We soldered wire to the jack then spliced with existing cable. Tested with a multimeter and found my power cable died, got a new one. Be careful when removing the keyboard ribbon, mine got damaged so I got a usb one to get me by. Also when reinstalling the memory, get it right or the display won’t work until you do.
May 28th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Colin,
Good luck! By the way, you can use these Toshiba Satellite A205 disassembly instructions.
May 28th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Havnt finished the actual repair yet, have to get out of work and run to radio shack for the parts however, i did prep everything so all i have left is the soldiering and such of the new jack. Spot on my friends this is most excellent. Im not really a electroincs guru, my knowledge goes thru high school electonics class, but what i am is a supporter or do it youself. this is much better then the repair would have costed me and the instructions are clear concise and get the job done. Spot on again my friends and i will update when the repair is complete. Doing the repair on a Satelite A-205a so far so good everything is matching up so add another to the list that this will work for. Thanks!!!!!!!
May 18th, 2009 at 5:05 am
The step-by-step instructions, right down to the case modification, were crystal clear, and spot-on. After opening my nephew’s L355D, I noticed the jack and the base were both intact, and I was about to cement it back in. Then I figured, for $3 and about an hour of time (and a large Dunkin’ Donuts coffee) I would save myself the hassle of most likely having to do this again, and, ultimately having to replace the jack assembly anyway. I would, however, strongly recommend to anyone doing this procedure NOT to do this on the kitchen table with 2 curious cats running around. Otherwise, it’s really quite a simple procedure. Thanks for the clear, concise, accurate instructions! Z
May 6th, 2009 at 7:23 am
piece of cake L355d has room but my soldering sucks. took 1 hr. used a 3/4 drill bit to open hole ( didnt have a 7/16. after putting laptop back together forgot the Electrical tape. THANK YOU
May 5th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Kenneth,
I think this jack will last for a long time.
I used just a regular pocket knife because I didn’t have your tools.
May 1st, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Kenneth,
The Satellite L355D laptop has a larger case and fitting a new jack in should be a problem. Enjoy your new jack. I think it should last for a long time.
May 1st, 2009 at 6:28 pm
I have to say this was a life saver for me. For $3.00 and an hour of time I repaired my wifes L355D-S7825 (5 months old). I saw no point in getting it repaired with the same type of power jack which may or may not break again in 5 months.
I used a 7/16″ bit to enlarge the hole and a sharp chisel to remove the plastic bits other than that you procedure was perfect for me.
In the L355D there was plenty of room for the new jack to fit.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I had a problem like that but I didn’t repair laptop myself because it was under warranty. I mailed it to a local authorized Toshiba center (Northwest Computer Support) and they replaced the bottom and power socket at no charge. I got my laptop a week later like new.
You can contact them and fix yours, here’s the link: http://www.nwcsupport.com/ContactUs.aspx