Adapter Pin Problem

Question

I have been having a problem with my Inspiron 1000 and keeping it on electrical power instead of battery.  Used to be I could barely wiggle or move the plug in on the back of the laptop and it would revert back.  As time went on, it got worse.  I called Dell and she told me to look at the pin on the back and see if it moved any when touched.  I told her it did a little.  She informed me that I would need a new motherboard, and that would cost me around $300!  Not  to mention I haven't paid the laptop off yet....  In the meantime, I could put a flat toothpick inside before inserting the power plug and it would tighten it up so that it would work.  (I even went so far as to tape it in place so it wouldn't move!)  This morning it wouldn't come on at all.  I inserted another toothpick and the top right green light of the four across the top of the keyboard came on, but nothing else.  What does that light mean anyway?  I've called the computer stores around here and they said they could solder the pin back in place but no one but Dell can put the case back together, something about a certain kind of machine they have so that no one else can fix things inside.  I am a contract worker from home and all of my programs and files are on this laptop!!!!  Anyone have any other ideas?  Thanks!

dbramlet · Answer

Well it is possible that the power adapter pins are bad and would have to replace that. Most often this problem is with the ac adapter power cable and right at where the female plug  is on the cord. Many times all you have to do it but a new ac adapter cable. But the pin being so lose worries me. Now I am not sure why the computer shop cannot put the case back together. I have had no training at all and have completely taken my case apart and replaced many parts. But if the pin is messed up that is part of the MB and then you are talking expensive to replace. But you haven't lost you data on the HD because of this. I know this isn't much help but just trying to give you ideas. Could be simply replacing the adapter will fix the problem.

wjaneczek · Answer

Your problem is very simple: either power jack socket soldered onto a motehboard is loose and need replacement or dc jack from AC power adapter cental pin is too big (less likely). You will need to purchase power jack on e-bay for a several bucks and solder it onto a motherboard or find someone to do it for you. If this won't help (90% it will fix your problem) you would have to replace AC jack at the end of your AC power adapter. Probably someone had bend and damaged the jack or your toothpicks have done it.  OK? Contact me, if you have any questions.

Monkhester · Answer

I am having the same problem. I see a crack on the cord that goes into the computer. I am going to try to replay the adaptor. Sad thing is I just ordered this laptop no less than 5 months ago!!!!!! :smileymad: Bad workmanship. Next time I will go to Gateway. Message Edited by Monkhester on 10-28-2006 07:46 PM

cadtech12 · Answer

The guy at the computer store said he has at least 2 or 3 people come into the shop with the same problem.  A common problem, especially with Dell Laptops.  Can the case be taken apart and the original pin be soldered with one of those cold/heat things, or something else?  I'm not a hardware type person!   Message Edited by cadtech12 on 10-30-2006 11:35 AM

Morpheus Phreak · Answer

Find another computer store.

I crack laptops open and repair them all the time.

There is no special machine.

I do believe the person who told you that is a non-intelligent person has no clue how to use a screwdriver and read a service manual that tells you step by step how to take apart each model and put it back together.

They are all different so having the service manual around helps.

It can be done, you just have to find someone who knows what they are doing is all.

wjaneczek · Answer

Yes, the case can be taken apart and old DC jack  can be removed by unsoldering its metal leads from the motherboard and a new one soldered in its place, and then he case could be put back together. For a mechanically inclined person like me this is not difficult thing to do, but it  requires soldering iron as well and some soldering skills, which you likely don't have. If I were you I would first purchase new DC jack for Inspiron 1000 on e-bay for a few bucks and then find someone to have it soldered for you. It shouldn't cost that much. If you were living in Toronto, Canada I would do it for you for free. I have Inspiron 1000 as well and never had this type of problem, but maybe because I understand that the DC Jack should be protected from any strain.

Monkhester · Answer

It is a common problem with older and cheaper models computer.  I had a Thinkpad and it did the same kind of problem because of where the power insert is locate on the back. I brought an older dell (I am sure), Insipiron B130 (new from Dell about 5or 6 months ago and voila!!! the power cord is located at the back.   Hower, I just fit my own tonight..I went to Best Buy for about 45.00 and brought a Targus Mobile 70 Unversal AC/DC Adapter and computer is working great. The new one don't have of the original Dell's cord.

wjaneczek · Answer

It is actually quite likely that not the DC jack is damaged, but the solder connection is cracked. In this likely case you won't even need to purchase new DC jack, only disassemble the computer and re-flow the solder. Also please contact me , because I need the help of someone with Inspiron 1000. You can do it easily by clicking on my name button and send me a private message with the contact to you. Thanks in advance.

cadtech12 · Answer

Thanks for all the suggestions.  None of them however pointed to what the Dell person told me.... that I needed a new motherboard!  Sounds like someone wants some money!  My father-in-law is a welder, I'll see if he's got anything that would work to solder it back on tight and see what that does.  Wish me luck!

wjaneczek · Answer

Instructions to disassemble your INSPIRON 1000.
After removing the battery and unpluging AC adapter, you need to:
1.Start by removing long piece of plastic covering four LED lights right above the keyboard.
To do that you need first gently unhook the plastic pieces covering both LCD display hinges from the back of your INSPIRON 1000 laptop and then gently pry it out - be very carefull not to break it.
2. Remove all bottom case screws and screws exposed under the plastic already removed earlier (bag all the screws, so you won't loose them!!!), unplug (lift the locking tabs first) and remove keyboard and mouse pad, unplug and remove LCD display, CD ROM and hard drive and remove top plasctic cover.
3.Remove the remainder of the screws and GENTLY remove motherboard from its bottom case housing.
4.Inspect carefully the DC jack connection to the motherboard and re-flow the solder joint if cracked. Inserting tiny piece of clean copper wire into the flowing solder might be a good idea!!!
5. Re-assemble everything.
BE EXTREMELY CAREFULL NOT TO BREAK ANYTHING. UNPLUG IT AND REMOVE THE BATTERY BEFORE ANY WORK IS STARTED. IF NOT SURE- STOP AND CONTACT ME WITH YOUR QUESTIONS - I WILL HELP YOU.
OK?

Monkhester · Answer

I think that you all should check the cheap first...buy the adaptor at Best Buy. They will take it back if it is wrong. I did check my pin for movement and no movement. Also if the light is on the adaptor's, then you have a problem. If it come on, then off, then off, then on, etc.   Look at the part of cord that goes into the computer and observe if there of tiny cracks of the on then replace the entire cord. Don't fall for adapter' pin thing until you try moving the pin. Message Edited by Monkhester on 11-06-2006 07:11 PM

cadtech12 · Answer

OH MY GOODNESS, all that sounds scary to try to do!  Glad you'll be available to help if I come down to that point.  Thanks for your concise instructions!

cadtech12 · Answer

The adapter pin is loose, it will move if I touch it.  Are alot of cords from different brands interchangeable?  Right now I've actually got it taped down tight over the pin.  Done that a few times already, it works for awhile then works back loose eventually.

wjaneczek · Answer

I am a bit confused: What exactly is loose? 1. Just the end of the AC adapter cable plug is damaged? (part of AC adapter) 2. Or the metal pin inside the centre of the hole at the back of Inspiron1000 on the left hand side where the AC adapter gets plugged? (part of the computer) That means the end of AC adapter cable is OK, but isn't sitting tight once it is plugged into the hole at the back of the computer? Please look and examine carefully and then answer this question.

Monkhester · Answer

See my first post. It works great. The case contains many pieces and the dell one was included. The tells you which brand and numbers are included. Mines wasn't exactly mention, my AC said 60 amps, but the container said 70 amps. It is perfectly fine, maybe better.

Try the Best Buy solution if your pin isn't loose. They will take it back if it doesn't work. Simple solution to most of your simple problems.

Pins loosen is a whole different issue. I have put in mother board myself and it was not too difficult. I found a dependable company on the web.

Good Luck!

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Adapter Pin Problem

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