Thinkpads Forum

My laptop is effectively dead because it doesn't recognize when I plug the AC adapter into it. So, it only runs on battery power, and it doesn't charge the battery.

It's the laptop's fault, since I used to be able to wiggle the plug a bit to establish a connection. Now, however, no amount of wiggling can establish a connection.

Anyone have this problem? Anyone have a solution?

Thanks

Depending on model of laptop you can either replace the jack or resolder it if the pin is not broken. If the pin is broken, you can buy a new jack for less than $10 on ebay. Soldering requires patience and skill however.

If this is with the T42 you have listed in your .sig, then there might be a couple of problems....

1) The DC jack is broken or loose
2) A fuse has blown on the motherboard
3) Some other problem with the power circuit on the motherboard
4) The AC adapter is broken

From your description of how you used to get it to work, I'd opt for #1. Not sure if the T42 has a replaceable DC power jack/cable like my T23s. I couldn't find any listing in eBay which is selling this type of part for the T4x, nor is there an FRU for the DC in cable in the Hardware Maintenance Manual. There is at least one thread in the T4x conference which does mention that it is like this:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=6513

I've had this happen twice on T42's. Here is how I fixed it:

(1) Take a small thin paperclip, straighten it out and using a set of pliers bend a small 90 degree hook on the end of it.
(2) Now take the hook and stick it into the hole where the power plug goes. Hook it onto the bottom edge of the flat silver contact strip.
You will notice that the flat strip used to be bent in the middle. You are going to bend it back the way it is suposed to be.
(3)Now using the pliers carefully pull it up until the flat strip buckles in the middle so it is bent like this < again. Now it will contact the plug correctly and it should charge properly.

If that does not do it the socket is bad and needs replaced. They are available online for about $10.00 and you have to completely disassemble the T42 to change it. It was the first piece to go into the T42 and the very last piece to come out.
It is a separate part held to the case with one screw and has short wires and a connector to the planar board.
Been there and done that.

rkawakami wrote: Not sure if the T42 has a replaceable DC power jack/cable like my T23s. I couldn't find any listing in eBay which is selling this type of part for the T4x, nor is there an FRU for the DC in cable in the Hardware Maintenance Manual.

I think this power jack is part of the Misc. parts kit:

System miscellaneous parts (14.1-in. LCD models): v Cable, RJ11-docking connector on system board v DC in cable v (c) Hard disk drive guide rail v Spacer for DSP connector v (e) I/O plate bracket v (f) Support structure v Harness (left) v (b) Antenna cable guide v Bracket holder, LCD cable v (d) EMI spring, CDC v Connector bag v Screw cap (square, thin)
91P8681

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-46504

System miscellaneous parts (15.0-in. LCD models): v Cable, RJ11-docking connector on system board v DC in cable v (c) Hard disk drive guide rail v Sheet for DSP connector v (e) I/O plate bracket v (f) Support structure v Harness (left) v (b) Antenna cable guide v Bracket holder, LCD cable v (d) EMI spring, CDC v Connector bag
13R2915

Thank you carbon_unit, the paperclip tip worked wonders on my daughter's T41! All of a sudden it failed to charge its battery, but I quickly found this excellent thread and was able to fix the problem. Thanks!