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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 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.
If this fix works for any other Toshiba laptop, please mention the model number in the comments below.
If you find this article useful, please consider making a donation to the author. Thank you!
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Abe,
It shouldn’t be different.
That’s way I always check the AC adapter before doing any repair. I cannot tell if your adapter was bad or you soldered something incorrectly without looking at the laptop.
Nope.
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
i was wondering since the laptop i’m trying to fix has the black and green cables. could there be a chance that the polarity on this laptop is different. the reason why ask is that after changing the dc jack it burn the ac adapter but i also don’t know if the ac adapter was good to begin. also would the the ac adapter get mes up if the dc jack was push in?
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I simply screwed the radio shack into the plastic with pliers. It is very solid and no cutting required. BETTER than new!!!
October 8th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
[...] My previous post explains how to fix power port in Toshiba Satellite L305/L305D laptops. [...]
October 8th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Thomas L,
That’s funny, but right now I’m troubleshooting a Satellite L305D laptop with pushed power jack. Just in case I tested the AC adapter and it’s not putting out any voltage. It’s dead.
Again, before you disassemble the laptop, test the adapter.
October 7th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Thomas L.,
First of all, test the AC adapter. Maybe the adapter doesn’t output any power.
If it’s not the adapter, I guess you’ll have to take it apart again.
Remove the top cover and check if the power goes to the motherboard through the DC harness. Plug in the AC adapter into the jack and test voltage at the terminals where the harness is connected to the motherboard.
If the motherboard is getting power but there is no power light, most likely the motherboard is bad.
October 7th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Ammar,
1. Make sure memory modules are seated correctly. The laptop will not start with improperly seated memory.
2. Make sure the video cable is properly plugged into the motherboard. Reconnect the cable just in case.
October 4th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Hi, I followed your instructions in opening the laptop, and fixed the power port. Now I see the power button working and I could tell that there is power reaching the machine although the screen DOSE NOT DISPLAY ANYTHING. It is completly black as if the laptop is turned off although the laptop is turned on.
Any help please.
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:44 am
My power connector has broken on my Toshiba L350 – bought in january 2009 and still under warranty.
Toshiba ordered me to send it by post 700km from home ! As I wanted to do faster, your solution seemed to me so interesting that I have followed it until page 2 step 11. I didn’t had to disconnect as shown on the step 9. An opening of 3 centimeters was enough to fix the problem.
Thank you very much for your advice.
ps : Have you somme feed back from Toshiba ? Of course Toshiba knows its kind of connector is too fragile. But sincerely with your help I know I will be able to do it again by my own.
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:54 am
Hello,
My wife’s L305D had the loose power socket. I opened it up with your instructions and found the adapter was just knocked out. No broken plastic or anything. I put it back into the guides and reassembled the unit. Checked the power cord and have power going into the unit. I also checked for power where the red and black wires connect to the laptop and had power. Still will not power up or charge.
Any thoughts???
Thanks in advance!
Thomas L.
October 1st, 2009 at 2:51 am
Thanks for the guide. Very helpful. This is the second time my power connector has broken on my L355D – it’s still under warranty, though, so I’ll be having it fixed by Toshiba. But, if it breaks again, I’ll try your solution here.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:43 am
Josh,
I guess you purchased a wrong jack. There are different jacks available at Radio Shack, find one that fits your adapter.
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:55 am
I have a toshiba p205d-s7802 i have the same problem with the power jack did follow the step by step instructions, purchased the new power jack at radio shack however i notice that there is a significant size difference in the inner prong of the new power jack, it is slightly thinner…is that a cause for concern……input would be greatly appreciated as many others i’m being overcharged for such a simple procedure…thank you
September 11th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
My power port is having the same problems a second time, though I’ve used the warranty to get it fixed the first time. However, now the warranty is over and I’ll like to try your method. But before I start, can you give me detailed tips on the soldering portion. Not sure what that is or how to go about doing it. Thanks alot.
September 11th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Thanks for the guidance – I went for a slightly different approach which involved simply glueing a small wedge of rubber to the side of the power socket so that the mini speaker mounted to the top cover fitted right next to power socket when re-assembled. The shim was around 3mm x 8mm x 10mm but I used a slice of an eraser (that’s a “rubber” for us Brits) and was able to shave bits off as required.
There is still a little lateral movement but it doesn’t move in anymore and I avoided having to visit Radioshack or break out the soldering iron! A new metal power socket does look a bit better though
September 7th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
marie,
I linked to the laptop disassembly guide in the post.
September 7th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
How do u open the lap top to replace that part
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I have had this same problem, bought an L305 in February (love the laptop, but probably wouldn’t have bought it if I had known about these issues) and had to have the port and keyboard replaced in late August. Barely two weeks later now, and the cord is wobbling again, but it will still charge, plug and unplug properly. Should I be concerned that the cord is wobbly in the base again so soon? I don’t want to replace the port with your steps just yet, as I am pretty sure that will negate the warranty, and it would be my luck that other issues arise, but to be safe I am printing the instructions for when that time comes. I would appreciate your feedback though on the fact that the port was just replaced and is already acting up again.
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
WOW, this worked like a charm for me. I had never soldered before so there was a learning curve and I screwed it up once but the 2nd time held. I could not believe it when I powered it back up! BTW, my power cord/charger appears to have gone bad simultaneously. I had to replace it. Thanks for submitting!!!!!!
August 28th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I have the same problem too but with mine it was broken since day 1 after i pulled it out of the box.
Boy i wonder if QC was paying attention.
August 27th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Meena,
Sounds like you have a faulty power adapter. Apparently the power cord is damaged and when you move it you shorting wires inside the cord.
I doubt it. Most like the jack is just dislocated because the jack housing is broken or the mounting bracket inside the case is broken. Try calling Toshiba, should be covered by the warranty.
August 27th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Hey thanks for ur reply.
So i tried to use my charger on a different toshiba laptop and it was causing the same problems, if u slightly moved it, it would go on battery. So i am assuming the charger is damaged?
I also see the power jack inside the laptop displaced and pushed in, can that alone cause that problem too?
thanks
August 24th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Meena,
I cannot tell without looking at the laptop. It’s possible that you damaged the power cord when you tripped over the AC adapter but this is just a guess.
You’ll have to test the AC adapter with a voltmeter and find out if power cuts off when you move the cord.
August 24th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Hi
thanks for sharing this, its really helpful. I have the same problem my power jack has been displaced, but my laptop goes on battery with this problem, its as if my charger doesnt supply the electricity enough. I have to push the cord in and put the computer in a weird position so it gets charged, which is very inconvient bc most of the time it goes back to battery. So not sure if my problem is the same?
But initially it was caused bc i accidently tripped over my charger and the power jack got displaced inside.
Is the battery problem being caused by the displaced power jack or is there something else?
thanks
August 17th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Thanks for the fix, turns out, my lappy, had three problems, bad jack, bad cord, and bad support for the jack, thankfully radio shack also stocked the end of the power cord, so all i had to do was solder that back together, and now my lappy works great,
August 9th, 2009 at 12:06 am
I just want to thank you very much, for putting these instructions online, i see that they have already been a huge success for many others, and i just finished on my satellite L355. My laptop was under warranty still but toshiba still refused to fix it, and considering the shop wanted $330 to fix it, i decided to do it myself. I have to admit, I was somewhat nervous about doing it as I have never attempted, nor had I ever seen anyone else ever open up a computer, but thanks to your clear and concise directions I now have a working laptop again. Thank you so much for taking the time to write out these directions, I will send a donation as soon as I am able to (next payday).
August 5th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Great work in providing the steps. This saved my nephews computer. He was about ready to throw it away but thankfully he called me first and when I found these steps I knew this is all he needed. He was so happy that I fixed the problem and he still had a laptop. He was so grateful and I think i’m now his best uncle and he now thinks I know rocket science.
Thanks a ton for taking the time to share.
August 5th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Thank you so very much for your excellent, detailed instructions. The power jack on my Wife’s ‘17″ Toshiba was broken when a grandchild kick the cord running through the house. I warned my wife several times that was going to eventually happen because she is not careful where she plugs in her laptop. She needs her laptop for her home business and was devastated when she realized it could take days or weeks not to mention the expense to have it fixed. Researching the Internet for a repair service I found your instructions to dis-assemble the laptop and subsequently how to repair a broken jack. I ran out to Radio Shack to pick up the jack and within 3 hours of reading your instruction I had repaired my wife’s laptop. So the day after it was broken, I fixed it for 3 bucks. It works great and the new jack is much more sturdy. I do not understand why Toshiba doesn’t make jacks like that. The only thing I did differently was use a 7/16″ drill bit to open the hole for the new jack and it was a perfect fit. Also as another did, I used a dremel tool to remove the support plastic around the jack. Again thank you very much.
~eddie
August 3rd, 2009 at 6:24 pm
YOU SIR ARE MY HERO! Your guide just saved my laptop. The project took about an hour to complete. The only thing I did different was use a Dremel to shave down the unwanted plastic backets. Thank you!
July 21st, 2009 at 6:00 pm
The issue was with the power cord. After I replaced the jack, it still did not charge so I cut open the power card close to the connector and discovered a loose solder on the ground wire in the power card. I got a new power cord since the laptop was under warranty and now I have a much stronger power jack installed as well. All works fine.