Ac Adapter Connector overheating?

Zaeyde · 04-15-2007, 02:44 PM

Hi.
I have a Compaq Presario M2000. I nearly always use it on AC power. Recently, my AC adapter's connector (The part that plugs into the computer) frayed. The computer started to lose connection or have shaky connection, and I had to jiggle the cable and tape it down to keep it from switching from battery to charge at the slightest movement.
I noticed a little bit of singing on the yellow plastic part.

This was last night

I went out today and purchased a Targus 70 Watt notebook adapter.
Again, I am having to jiggle it to get a proper connection, and I currently have it taped down.
The laptop is charging, and I am getting a connection, but I notice that the metal bit, when pulled out of the computer, is very hot.

Should it be heating lke this? Surely I should not have to tape down my power cord to get a proper connection...

What's going on?

**hwm54112** · 04-15-2007, 08:43 PM

Welcome to TSF,

The solder joints between the DC jack and the powerboard or motherboard are broken and causing an electrical arc, hence the heat buildup. Common problem on laptops. It looks like the M2000 uses a powerboard, giving you two options. Replace the power board ($ 60.00 used) or buy just the jack ($ 6.00) and have the new jack soldered onto the board. Going rate for the new jack being soldered is about $ 120.00 plus shipping or you can disassemble the lap yourself and have a TV shop solder the new jack on for you. You may be able to re-solder the old jack on but I would not reccommend it - the heat has very likely stressed the jack itself (the plastic will blow apart eventually) and the boards are layered, the connectors actually connect to metal rings inside the board. If those contacts aren't complete, the arcing may continue. powerboard

Zaeyde · 04-15-2007, 09:21 PM

Ugh.
I appreciate the help.
120 dollars, eh?
Where exactly do I have to go in order to get this fixed? Is this something Geek Squad can do? Or do you have a better solution?

(This has probably happened due to my letting the laptop overheat two or three times, eh? >.<)

04-15-2007, 02:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
Zaeyde Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Ac Adapter Connector overheating? Hi. I have a Compaq Presario M2000. I nearly always use it on AC power. Recently, my AC adapter's connector (The part that plugs into the computer) frayed. The computer started to lose connection or have shaky connection, and I had to jiggle the cable and tape it down to keep it from switching from battery to charge at the slightest movement. I noticed a little bit of singing on the yellow plastic part. This was last night I went out today and purchased a Targus 70 Watt notebook adapter. Again, I am having to jiggle it to get a proper connection, and I currently have it taped down. The laptop is charging, and I am getting a connection, but I notice that the metal bit, when pulled out of the computer, is very hot. Should it be heating lke this? Surely I should not have to tape down my power cord to get a proper connection... What's going on?

04-15-2007, 08:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
hwm54112 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2,233 OS: WINXP	Re: Ac Adapter Connector overheating? Welcome to TSF, The solder joints between the DC jack and the powerboard or motherboard are broken and causing an electrical arc, hence the heat buildup. Common problem on laptops. It looks like the M2000 uses a powerboard, giving you two options. Replace the power board ($ 60.00 used) or buy just the jack ($ 6.00) and have the new jack soldered onto the board. Going rate for the new jack being soldered is about $ 120.00 plus shipping or you can disassemble the lap yourself and have a TV shop solder the new jack on for you. You may be able to re-solder the old jack on but I would not reccommend it - the heat has very likely stressed the jack itself (the plastic will blow apart eventually) and the boards are layered, the connectors actually connect to metal rings inside the board. If those contacts aren't complete, the arcing may continue. powerboard

04-15-2007, 09:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
Zaeyde Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Re: Ac Adapter Connector overheating? Ugh. I appreciate the help. 120 dollars, eh? Where exactly do I have to go in order to get this fixed? Is this something Geek Squad can do? Or do you have a better solution? (This has probably happened due to my letting the laptop overheat two or three times, eh? >.<)