To solder or not to solder?

stuartguerin · 12-12-2006, 07:56 AM

Hi

I think I have a problem with the power jack in my IBM Thinkpad R40. When I plug the power cable into it I have to fiddle it in and out or it doesn't charge. It always powers the laptop but the battery won't charge (and its a brand new battery, connectors all cleaned etc). I really think it is a problem with the power jack and was thinking about replacing it but have no idea where to start.

Does anybody know if the power jack in an R40 needs to be soldered in or not? If so is this a complex operation or should it be moderately straightforward?

All and any help is very much appreciated.

Stu

**carsey** · 12-12-2006, 10:26 AM

is the laptop still under warranty??

stuartguerin · 12-13-2006, 02:32 AM

Nope - bought it two months ago as an ex-rental unit with 30 days warranty.

Anyone know if replacing the power jack will involve soldering?

Stu

**hwm54112** · 12-13-2006, 07:11 PM

It solders to the mobo power jackIf it's a strictly a charging problem, it's mostly the jack needs to be soldered. You might be better off replacing the jack - only you can judge your soldering skills. The toughest part is disassembling as it requires removal of the mobo to get to the underside. If your soldering skills aren't up to the challange, you can probably get a tv shop to solder it for you

**JamesO** · 12-18-2006, 10:07 AM

http://www.laptopjacks.com/service.php

These guys will do it, but it is not cheap.

I have purchased parts from them, but not used their services.

JamesO

12-12-2006, 07:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
stuartguerin Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5 OS: xp	To solder or not to solder? Hi I think I have a problem with the power jack in my IBM Thinkpad R40. When I plug the power cable into it I have to fiddle it in and out or it doesn't charge. It always powers the laptop but the battery won't charge (and its a brand new battery, connectors all cleaned etc). I really think it is a problem with the power jack and was thinking about replacing it but have no idea where to start. Does anybody know if the power jack in an R40 needs to be soldered in or not? If so is this a complex operation or should it be moderately straightforward? All and any help is very much appreciated. Stu

12-12-2006, 10:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
carsey Moderator, TSF Articles Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hunwick, Co. Durham England Posts: 10,693 OS: XP Pro SP3 My System	is the laptop still under warranty??

12-13-2006, 02:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
stuartguerin Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5 OS: xp	Nope - bought it two months ago as an ex-rental unit with 30 days warranty. Anyone know if replacing the power jack will involve soldering? Stu

12-13-2006, 07:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
hwm54112 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2,233 OS: WINXP	It solders to the mobo power jackIf it's a strictly a charging problem, it's mostly the jack needs to be soldered. You might be better off replacing the jack - only you can judge your soldering skills. The toughest part is disassembling as it requires removal of the mobo to get to the underside. If your soldering skills aren't up to the challange, you can probably get a tv shop to solder it for you

12-18-2006, 10:07 AM	#5 (permalink)
JamesO Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairfax, VA USA Posts: 2,289 OS: 98SE, W2k Pro, XP Pro	http://www.laptopjacks.com/service.php These guys will do it, but it is not cheap. I have purchased parts from them, but not used their services. JamesO