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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.
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.