T42 with the Power connector in rear of machine broke

[tomjeffus]

My t42 has a loose pin that connects the power to the power brick.

does anyone have fix for this? Is it a FRU or is it part of the mother board?

Any help.

As long as I hold the connector in the back of the thinkpad it works but trying to type one handed is getting old. Yes I have tried several other new power supplies or bricks.

Thank you

tomjeff@sbcglobal.net

[poshgeordie]

The DC Jack is separate from the motherboard and is quite easy to replace.

The jack screws onto the metal chassis backplate, and plugs into a connector on the motherboard.

The assembly looks like this

Easily available via USA eBay.

You'll need to strip down the TP which is straight forward. Follow the steps in the Hardware Maintenance Manual.

You may also find the screw location guide in my signature of assistance as well.

<EDIT> I'm not sure if there's an actual FRU for the power jack and lead assembly. There's one for DC In cable as part of System Misc Parts, typically listed on page 244 of the Maintenance Manual.

[underclocker]

Over the years, I've come across three types of power jack problems. Some are easier to fix than others.

1) broken center pin - not much you can do, jack needs to be replaced (as I recall, this is a near or full motherboard removal effort).

2) loose jack, the entire jack wobbles around - the securing screw needs to be tightened, this can actually be done by just sliding a very thin screwdriver between the LCD cable and the bezel, you can actually see the jack screw clearly if you just look at the right side of the LCD cable from the front of the computer with the LCD open. Alternatly, you can partially disassemble the computer and tighten it properly.

3) the flat metal piece inside the jack the provides tension between the plug and the center pin is pushed in, causing the plug to easily slip out/wobble - this can be fixed by fashioning a needle or other thin metal stick into a dentist's type tool, then carefully prying the metal piece out a little. A slight bend makes a huge difference.

Be sure you remove all power (ac adapter and battery) before trying any of these fixes! Good luck.

[poshgeordie]

Mispost - sorry