My 5 year old Toshiba laptop won't charge

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deadstar6

30 posts

Geek

#126851 22-Jul-2013 12:15

Hi all,

As you can see, I'm a newbie here but I'd still really appreciate any help. I've tried searching the web for help with my situation but can't really find anyone else who's been in exactly the same situation as me.

I have a 5 year old Toshiba Satellite L300 laptop. A few months ago, I noticed that the power jack looked like this:

http://dics.voicecontrol.ro/had/images/fixing_that_broken_laptop_power_jack.jpg?w=470&h=353

I also realised that the AC adapter that goes into that hole was breaking to the point of almost snapping. (Sorry if some of the terms I use here are not quite right). I bought a replacement AC adapter (voltage etc. all matched) and all was fine.

However, a few days ago, I was using my laptop, plugged in, and then closed the lid and kept it plugged in while I did something else. I came back, opened it up to carry on with what I was doing and noticed it wasn't charging. I did the obvious (tried a different socket etc.) but it still wouldn't charge. I googled what to do and followed some basic instructions but still couldn't get it to charge. Meanwhile, it's ran out of juice so now it won't switch on.

I am not 100% sure if it's the 5 year old battery that's the problem, or the 3 month old replacement AC adapter. I tried plugging in my old, original (and slightly broken AC adapter) into my laptop very briefly and it started charging. So does that mean the battery is fine and the replacement AC adapter is to blame?

Thanks for any help. I just don't want to fork out for a new battery when it's the AC adapter to blame (and vice versa).

CYaBro

4583 posts

Uber Geek

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#863499 22-Jul-2013 12:48

Well I'd say it's actually the power socket on the laptop itself.
It could have broken off completely and not actually making contact any more with the mainboard.

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

dickytim

2514 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#863529 22-Jul-2013 13:04

Have the same laptop with the same issues about the same age.

I opened it up about 2 or 3 years ago and glued the socket back in to place, it worked/works now but the battery is toast as well now so it is ready to be replaced.

Opening the laptop was an indepth process as you need to remove all the insides and I found a guide on google for doing it. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who isn't confident with electrical or electronics.

Please note I did not have to solder my one back in place as it was only the plastic that broke, I wouldn't recommend anyone but a professional tried that!

wasabi2k

2096 posts

Uber Geek

#863534 22-Jul-2013 13:11

I had similar with my A500.

Take the battery out and plug it in - if it powers on the issue is your battery.

My battery got munted too when the power connection was flaky.

robjg63

4098 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#863535 22-Jul-2013 13:11

So you have two issues?
1. The socket on the laptop has come adrift somewhat - so I guess that means the Adapter plug might not fit quite as well as it could.
2. You replaced the old adapter because you were worried about some wires being bent?

If you plugged the old adapter in and it started charging then it sounds like the new adapter is playing up.

If the old adapter is working ok (apart from your concerns of bent wires - a fair enough concern), the test is to remove the battery and see if the laptop runs just on the old adapter - It should work without a battery as far as I am aware. But it the adapter/wonky socket are causing intermittent connection issues then you possibly risk windows getting a bit damaged by power off on erratically..

If the battery is 5 years old then its probably getting a bit sad but as I said you can eliminate it from the equation while you are testing.

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

deadstar6

30 posts

Geek

#865989 25-Jul-2013 16:13

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the replies. I took the battery out and tried the replacement AC adapter and it wouldn't charge. I did the same with the old original one and it did. It also worked with the battery inside (with the original AC adapter) which makes me believe the battery is fine and the replacement AC adapter is the one at fault.

So I'm currently weighing up my options: a) buy a new AC adapter (maybe a genuine Toshiba one this time) and b) get the power jack and the bit that goes into it fixed from a repair shop. I have no idea how much that would cost though!