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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.
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.
July 18th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
kevin,
Do you mean remove the motherboard from the base in order to replace the jack? No, you can leave the motherboard in the base, just be careful.