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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?

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[–] 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.

[–] 1 pt

It sounds like your plug is a 5.5mm/2.5mm (OD / ID) whereas the wife's is a 5.5/2.1 - those are pretty common sizes. That's just an educated guess without seeing them, but chances are that's what you have.

You can try a new power brick, but there's a chance something you can't see is broken in the jack on the laptop - it's something you're going to need to check with substitution. If you get the same result with another power brick then your problem is in the laptop itself.