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So I'm starting to have some issues with my laptop charger. It is not charging my computer without constantly fidgeting around with the plug. The problem is getting worse and I have to pull the charging cord off to the side to get it to charge now. So the question is how do I determine if it is the plug on the end of the cord or if it is the port on the computer that is not working correctly?

So I'm starting to have some issues with my laptop charger. It is not charging my computer without constantly fidgeting around with the plug. The problem is getting worse and I have to pull the charging cord off to the side to get it to charge now. So the question is how do I determine if it is the plug on the end of the cord or if it is the port on the computer that is not working correctly?

(post is archived)

[–] • 4 pts (edited )

Test the power cord with a multimeter. That will tell you if the cord is good or not. Somewhere on the power supply it should say the output voltage and amps.

Check the pin/post on the inside of the female connection (laptop port), assumimg it's a typical IEC or EIAJ connector, if it is loose and wobly it could be the laptop port. You can also check the resistance of the laptop port. Try to wiggle the pin while you are testing. If the resistance varies wildly theres a good chance it's the laptop port.

[–] • 2 pts

It's definitely something physical. If I pull it sideways to put tension on it then it works. I'll lookup how to do that testing with my meter. Thanks.

[–] • 3 pts

Sometimes you can find an OEM charger on eBay for cheap - I've always found it good to have a second charger regardless, because they do go bad.

You're getting power, so the brick you have seems to be good - that leaves the cable itself, the plug on the cable, or the charge jack. I've seen all three go bad. Best way to verify the cable and plug is to try a different charger, unless you notice sometime - deformed cable where there could be a break, a damaged plug (look inside the center hole with a magnifying glass for any deformities, etc.)

If you can get a different charger brick (must be the same voltage, can be a higher current output) then try it. If that fixes it, you've found the problem and can order a couple of spare chargers. If that's not it, then your problem probably lies in the laptop itself. This can be anything from soldered on connectors to ones that are on their own little island with a connector going back to the motherboard. No way to know unless the unit is opened and examined, unless you can find an assembly guide online somewhere.

[–] • 1 pt

I just checked to plug on the cable, looked in there with a flashlight and magnifying glass. Everything looks clean and unbroken. Cable looks good. I also examined the port in the laptop with the FL and MG, it also looks fine. I used a toothpick to push around on the pin in the middle and it is solid. If I push real hard it moves just a little bit but it seems like it should.

The wifes cord has about the same plug in on it but the pin hole in the middle is smaller than mine so it will not plug in. Her brick is like a third of the size of mine anyway so I'm betting the power level is significantly different. The writing is so damn small that I didn't bother looking to much.

It's to the point now that I have to keep constant pressure on it to keep it charging. It's a bit irritating. I get my low battery warning when it hits zero percent and then I have like 10 seconds till it shuts down. There's no way to adjust that either. Asshole design on that one.

[–] • 4 pts

Turn off the laptop and use the power of your own imagination!

[–] • 3 pts

Okay, tried that, no Poal connection. Any other ideas?

[–] • 2 pts

Adopt a cat, want to see my old haggard pussy?

[–] • 0 pt

whoa, that took a strange turn. I'll pass, but I want you to know that I really appreciate the offer.

[–] • 2 pts

Do you have a charger like it that you can borrow? I had the same issue on a laptop of mine. I plugged in my wife's charger and it worked fine. We plugged mine into her laptop and saw the same issue. I the bought a new charger and things have been fine.

[–] • 2 pts

I think hers has a different plug type, I'll check. Good idea.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

A very common problem is that one of the internal conductor wires of the power cord may fail due to metal fatigue. This happens because of repeated flexing/bending of the cable right at its end, where the power plug is attached. Sideways tension on the cord then makes the internal wires touch each other, and then the cord will work again (temporarily). You can replace or repair the cord with a new plug, but most people just get a whole new power supply. It is also possible but less probable that it is the power socket in the computer: if this is the case, the plug will usually be fitting loosely or wobbly in the socket.

[–] • 0 pt

That is interesting. I'm looking for a new plug end. Sounds like a cheap place to start.

[–] • 1 pt

I have repaired them before by carefully cutting into the molded plastic on the body of the connector to expose where the wires are attached, then cutting back the wire and resoldering it. It's a bit tricky and looks ugly, but it works.

[–] • 0 pt

Maybe the connector piece on the computer is getting wobbly. You might have to replace that. It's probably cheaper just to buy a secondhand laptop off of Amazon. Maybe you can pick up a power cord on Amazon for the computer you have, you can get them pretty cheap.

[–] • 1 pt

I can't do cheap computers. Whenever I need a new one I buy the highest spec gaming laptop I can get. Then I use it for year and years. lol By the time I need a new one the cheap ones are almost up to the specs of the one I have been using forever.

[–] • 1 pt

I bought a refurb off of Amazon. It was an old business computer. I bought it back in November and so far so good. It's part of the Lenovo family and I use Linux on it so it works pretty good. No gaming anymore. Used to be fun but when I was battling 12-year-old Russian kids at 1:00 a.m. on a Friday night on Battlefield whatever iteration I was like I have to do something else.

[–] • 0 pt

That port piece is often easily replaceable. Laptops are surprisingly easy to repair (not including soldering).

[–] • 1 pt

I'd imagine that part it gonna require some soldering. Might have to take it to a shop/

[–] • 1 pt

Try to find a tear down video first. I did that and refurbed an old HP laptop. The vid might be in russian or something but they're easy to follow.

[–] • 1 pt

lol, right on