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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.
August 12th, 2012 at 9:59 am
@ Jim,
Yes, it’s necessary to remove all screws. They are securing the top cover.
It depends on the type of damage. If the bottom cover mounting brackets are broken and the DC jack doesn’t stay in place, gluing it will not help much.
On the other hand, if the DC jack is loose but still stay in place I think you can try using epoxy to secure the jack. If epoxy doesn’t work, you can remove it and ust the metal jack as I explained in the guide.
August 12th, 2012 at 8:50 am
Thanks so much for this very clear guide — great photos!
Question: Is it really necessary to remove *all* the screws on the bottom of the laptop, if all we want to do is pop off the keyboard and top cover? (referring here to steps 1-14 on the other web site)
Question 2: Have you had any success with just gluing the original jack back into place?
August 11th, 2012 at 7:56 am
This repair worked great on my daughters toshiba laptop. Hers is a Satellite l4555000
August 8th, 2012 at 10:22 pm
I have a Toshiba A305.I had the charger port fixed at a local store for a little over $100. They fixed it but they didnt do a good job. Now my ENTIRE port and base is gone. Even the hole is no longer a hole. The top half of the hole is cut off and the only thing left is a brken laptop and some wires. Please respond to my message as soon as possible. i can send a picture of what it looks like. i need some help!
August 3rd, 2012 at 1:32 am
Any idea where I can purchase the power jack (274-1576) or an alternative jack in Australia? Radioshack do not ship outside of the US unfortunately.
July 28th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
It would be easier, soldering & fitting wise (& slightly cheaper) to fit using panel mount DC jack of type with hex nut on the outside – for instance:-
http://uk.rs-online.com/mobile/p/dc-power-plugs-sockets-leads/0487842/
& then search on ebay for cheapest (2 for 0.99 ukpounds)
although it doesn’t look quite so pretty on the outside & you’d need to use the correct connectors (experiment with multimeter in ohm-meter mode, the + pin’s obvious) as it would allow it to be soldered & then fitted in, instead of fitted in & then soldered (awkward). You may wish to replace the split washer often accompanying these , with a conventional washer.
If it’s for a home DIY job it’s probably the easier option.
July 6th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
@ susan,
It’s not always possible to install the original Toshiba DC jack. It looks like in your case only the jack got broken but in most cases the laptop bas also gets damage. In cases like that the metal jack works great but the original Toshiba jack will not stay in place.
July 6th, 2012 at 12:51 pm
Great tutorial but to replace the whole unit is only $4.62 free shipping (from eBay) and you don’t have to rig anything. Although yours looks sturdier!
June 29th, 2012 at 7:45 am
@ Daug,
Yes, this can be connection related issue. Check connection between the video cable and motherboard. Make sure the cable plugged in correctly, all the way in.
Also, when the video cable is disconnected, take a look inside the connector on the motherboard. I hope you didn’t damage any pin inside.
By the way, when I worked on Toshibas a lot, I saw many issues with video cables on Satellite M305 laptops. This also can be the video cable issue. Here’s my post about that: http://www.insidemylaptop.com/image-flickers-disappears-when-move-display-satellite-m305-m305d-laptop/
June 29th, 2012 at 5:21 am
Great tutorial. Worked on my Toshiba Satellite M305. Only difference is that I had only 1 red wire and 2 black wires. Needed to solder a little exension of wire to get it in. Used a Dremel to grind out the old jack supports. New power jack was $3.61 at Radio Shack. Only issue is that everything on my screen is now red. Is it possible that the video cable is not fully connected, or maybe damaged? I was a little rough on it.