Power jacks and power supplies are among those that fail the most. Between the strain of taking electricity from the outlet and distributing it evenly and consistently and the constant stress of pulling on the power cords, power jacks tend to have all manner of issues. Computer repair experts suggest that there are two common types of DC jacks. You have ones that need to be soldered on, as well as cable jacks.
Cable jacks are the easiest to replace because you just unplug the old one from the motherboard and plug in the new one. As for solder jacks, you have to desolder and resolder the new jack, which takes more time and costs more.
Common Causes and Repair
DC Power Jacks are very fragile. Inserting the cord wrong or putting too much force on the AC adapter while it’s plugged in can cause you to break the AC adapter and the DC jack itself. Most often, the problem is that your power jack has come loose from the cord above pulling.
DC power jacks can only take so much physical stress before they become detached from the board. Another common problem is something inside the physical connector breaking off or getting stuck.
Most often, it’s the thin pin in the very center of your power jack. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be fixed and requires a new power jack, which you will need to replace your old one.
Lots of people damage their DC power Jacks and AC Adapters simply by not paying attention, having the AC adapter against the arm of the couch, causing the jack to become under stress in a weird position, leaving the cord in the laptop when it’s in their backpack or carrying case, or simply dropping it. Top-rated computer technicians said a broken power supply is more difficult to detect.
Generally, we don’t see the same physical damage on power supply repairs that you do on power jacks, rarely because you unplug or play with the cord plugged into your computer. So this makes you think that the power supply itself is failing.
This can be caused by heat from multiple components.
A power supply can go wrong in many ways, from a short in your house to an electric storm.
General Steps to Repair Your Power Supply
Step 1: Disassemble your PC
- Shut down your PC and unplug the power cord.
- Remove the side panel screws (usually located at the rear of the PC) using a screwdriver.
- Gently pull the side panel off so as not to damage any cables or components.
- Locate the DC Jack and power supply unit (PSU) inside the PC.
Step 2: Identify the issue
- Inspect the DC Jack and PSU for signs of damage or wear, such as:
- Burnt or melted components
- Cracked or broken wires
- Loose connections
- Corrosion or rust
- Check the DC Jack for any blockages or debris.
Step 3: Remove the DC Jack
- Gently pull the DC Jack away from the motherboard.
- Use a desoldering wick to remove excess solder from the connections.
- Use needle-nose pliers to remove the DC Jack from the motherboard carefully.
Step 4: Replace the DC Jack (if necessary)
- If the DC Jack is damaged, replace it with a new one.
- Solder the new DC Jack to the motherboard, ensuring secure connections.
- Use a soldering iron to apply a small amount of solder to the connections.
Step 5: Repair or replace the power supply
- If the PSU is damaged, replace it with a new one.
- If the issue is with a specific component (e.g., a capacitor), replace it with a new one.
- Solder the new component in place, ensuring secure connections.
Step 6: Reassemble your PC
- Reattach the DC Jack and PSU to the motherboard.
- Reconnect any cables or wires.
- Replace the side panel and reattach the screws.
Step 7: Test your PC
- Plug in the power cord and turn on your PC.
- Ensure the DC Jack and PSU are functioning correctly.
- Test your PC to ensure it’s working as expected.
⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️Remember to handle electronic components with care, and always unplug the power cord when working on your PC’s internal components. If you’re not comfortable with soldering and electronics repair, consider consulting a professional.⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
