Power supply questions

[generalachoo]

So, I have, I think a common problem.

The power adaptor on my laptop needs jiggling to get it to work. This is not from the T4x alone; my T2x and before power adaptors have this same problem. If I jiggle the tip a bit it comes back on.

Is there any way to fix these?

Thanks.

[Harryc]

You have to tighten or replace the power jack in the Thinkpad. In order to replace it you have to remove the systemboard. To tighten it you may get away with removing just the LCD assembly. EBay is a common source for the jacks. Do a search there for 't40 jack'. See the T40 maintenance manual at Lenovo for details on removals.

[generalachoo]

But when I switch adaptors, the problem dissapears. Im fairly sure its not the jack...

This problem also happens when adaptor is connected to the docking station. If the dock moves, same phenomenon.

[Harryc]

It was difficult for me to understand your first post. So if the problem moves with the adapter, then replace the adapter. If you are asking how to replace a broken tip or power lead on an AC adapter, I would not recommend it. First there is the obvious safety concern, then there is the fact that the adapters are dirt cheap.

[generalachoo]

Fair enough.

Its just that I have a total of 7 adaptors. 3 of them exhibit this problem.

The reason is because I put my knees up (and my laptop between my waist and knees) when I sit in bed and in the T40 the jack is on the back of the laptop. This causes the power tip (where the hard plastic bends into the wire) to become lose.

In fact, In one of my adaptors the plastic layer has come off.

It would be nice to fix those three adaptors, and I thought this would be a real common problem (other people in my family have done this too).

[sarbin]

The reason is because I put my knees up (and my laptop between my waist and knees) when I sit in bed and in the T40 the jack is on the back of the laptop. This causes the power tip (where the hard plastic bends into the wire) to become lose.

something to consider...
if you're putting enough strain on the cord-end in this position to have them break down, you might also be putting unhealthy strain on the tp's power receptacle. you might end up with the kind of repair Harry describes, down the road. just a thought...

[generalachoo]

^^Agreed.

Thanks for the warning. However, it is one of the few positions I like in bed for a long period of time.

I will try to watch out in the future. I did get an X40 recently almost solely for this purpose (as the jack is on the left side)!

[schen]

You have to tighten or replace the power jack in the Thinkpad. In order to replace it you have to remove the systemboard. To tighten it you may get away with removing just the LCD assembly. EBay is a common source for the jacks. Do a search there for 't40 jack'. See the T40 maintenance manual at Lenovo for details on removals.

How do you "tighten" a jack? I've come across a couple of machines in the last year or so with what I'd call a loose jack, but haven't felt motivated to go through the trouble to replace them. But if there's an alternative.....

[Harryc]

Schen, there is a single screw that holds the jack in place. All you need is a thin #0 phillips to tighten it...but you have to at least remove the keyboard, keyboard bezel, and entire LCD assembly to even see it, and even then you'll be lucky to angle in the screwdriver to tighten it.

[schen]

Schen, there is a single screw that holds the jack in place. All you need is a thin #0 phillips to tighten it...but you have to at least remove the keyboard, keyboard bezel, and entire LCD assembly to even see it, and even then you'll be lucky to angle in the screwdriver to tighten it.

Awesome! I really appreciate that little tidbit of information. This is the kind of stuff that seperates this forum for others. No fuss, no muss, just useful information. Thanks