Power Plug Problem

[wayandrs]

Had to get my X31 out of the closet since my T400s is having problems. *sigh*

The main reason I stopped using it in the first place was a problem with the power plug. When I plug it in, it won't keep a stable connection. The plug requires a fair bit of wiggling to connect, and even when perfectly stationary it is likely to lose connection (with the ever fun 'beep' sound when it has to switch to battery power).

I can't tell if it's the AC connector, or the female end soldered to the motherboard. Any suggestions? Sort of buying another AC adapter, is there a common failure, way of troubleshooting?

[Neil]

If you have access to a volt meter, you can check the AC adapter to make sure it is putting out a constant voltage. Also, sometimes the contacts inside the female jack will get bent so that they don't contact well. It's a fairly tricky operation, but you can sometimes snag the contact with a small pin and pry it out away from the wall of the jack so that it makes better contact.

[wayandrs]

Yes, I bent out the female end contacts.

There is quite a bit of play between the male and female anyway though, which I can't account for. Looks like just the way it was constructed.

There is some physical contact problem, if I get it situated just right it sometimes stays 'plugged in' for days.

[Neil]

A brand new replacement jack is not expensive, but it is a royal pain to put in.