What to do with T43p with power issues

[wuffers]

Long time lurker back.

So, my trusted T43p that just had maintenance lapse earlier this year is maybe on its last legs.

A little back story:

A few weeks ago I tripped over the power cable and the DC jack was so loose I made an on the spot repair with some tin foil. This poor man's fix worked at home and so I brought the laptop back to work and tried to continue using this fix. This was probably my first mistake by unplugging the AC adapter that was working, as this stopped working when unplugged and replugged with the tin foil fix. At this point, I took the entire T43p apart and did a jury rig fix on the DC jack, and a multimeter test showed that it worked with the power plugged in. Put the whole thing back together and still no go (the laptop still works, just doesn't charge). Went home, and remembered I had a dock that I never even opened, and tried it, hoping it wasn't the motherboard that had the issue. Guess what, still doesn't charge from the dock.

At this point I ordered a new DC jack anyway, so when it arrived and replaced (yes, took the whole thing apart again), it still did not charge the battery.

I'm looking at T43/T43p motherboards for a 2668-G2U, and looks like about $180-200 US for one with a M24 GL-128 GPU.

So my dilemma:

- Is it worthwhile to get this fixed? Laptop still functions but I can't charge the battery at all.
- Is it really the mobo? I doubt it's the battery but I don't have a spare handy.
- Should I part this out instead and just bite the bullet and get a replacement?

Sigh. And this is just before a vacation trip. In the meantime, I've resurrected my 600X just for basic productivity. I guess I should start taking a look at the T or W500..

Is there still any interest here by forum members for a 9FU 600X once I get my T43p back in commission or a replacement?

[SteveS]

If it were only the DC power jack, then I would say you should replace it. Exact replacements are available on e-bay for under $10.

However, if you can operate the laptop with the AC adapter, without battery installed, then it is not the power jack.

I would try to find someone with any T4x series that would loan you a battery to try, as there is a chance that the battery is damaged.

The charging circuit has a separate fuse on the MB. I don’t know which of the 17 fuses in a T43 system board it is, but you might be able to trace it out. It will be in the area between the power hack and battery connections. Note that there are some circuit components between these. The fuses are generally not considered replaceable, and if you sent the computer in for service they would replace the system board.

If you do the exchange your self, you are still saving some money with a $200 motherboard. But used T43 machines are selling in the $300-$300 range now, depending on the model. While the T43 is getting to the point it is considered “old” now, they are still very serviceable PCs. The SXGA+ models are my favorite laptops now

[wuffers]

I've already replaced the DC jack. With an AC adapter plugged in without the battery it does not turn on (it didn't turn on with a dock either). I doubt at this point it's the battery.

I guess I'll have to mull it over. I may just sell it as is for someone to use as parts. 200$ to fix a machine that's worth at best $400 in good condition doesn't tickle my fancy.

[RealBlackStuff]

Check this post: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=70832