power issue

[senoritafrita]

I too am having the same problem with my Compaq R3000, it actually got to the point where the computer would not recognize that the cord was plugged in at all, now I'm just hoping that it will stay alive long enough to get it fixed.

Does anyone know if replacing the DC jack will solve this problem. I know its sounds bad but I don't think I can replace the whole motherboard, I'm only a poor college student.

I contacted Compaq about the problem and actually sent them a link to this site and I told them that this is a big problem however they will not acknowledge that this is a real problem. They told me that I could send it to them and they could fix it for $400 since (of course just like everyone else my warranty is up). I don't have that kind of money.

My brother knows a lot about computers and can take it apart and try to fix it if need be, but I want to be able to lead him in the right direction. Any help at all would be greatly appreceiated.

 

[Que]

If you can get the power back on by wiggling the jack, it is most likely broken. If you have a charging/power light lit, but no charging of the battery and no power on booting, there might be some bad capacitors or other components malfunctioning. Is your battery charging erratic too? Does the computer work well on battery only?
Replacing a dc-jack is not so difficult, just pay attention to putting the right length screws back. If you want an option without the repair, buy an all-in-one media cable (xc1000), or a docking station. These have their own power connector, and use the docking port to connect the laptop with your own power adapter. Cheap off ebay, sometimes.
Usefull manual to take it apart:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00212209.pdf

 

[senoritafrita]

Yes, I can get the computer to function after positioning the cord into the jack just right. It runs fine off the battery. Charging seems to be fine once the computer actually recognizes that it is plugged in. I think I will try replacing the jack.
Thanks so much for your help. I'm so glad I found this forum!

 

[Que]

Maybe you don't even have to exchange it with a new one. The center pin and the 3 ground contacts tend to go loose from the mainboard, because the soldering is very weak (cold-soldered). Resoldering and adding a good blob of solder will do the trick most of the time. Succes!