Thanks Chris.
So far, it has not been a problem. But I suspect it will get worse over
time.
I don't think it is the chord.
This Inspiron 2200 (much maligned by many on the newsgroup) has worked
flawlessly for me for about 7 years. When it gets worse, I'll buy a new
laptop.
I also have an Acer netbook which I like a lot.
Mel
"Christopher Muto" wrote in message
news
MZB wrote:
Chris:
Can you elaborate. Lately, my Inspiron does switch from battery to AC
when I jiggle the chord a bit.
What does that indicate?
Is it easy to fix?
Mel
"Christopher Muto" wrote in message
t...
phoenix wrote:
My PA10 works intermittently. Anyone managed to repair it or do I need
to buy a replacement?
are you sure the problem is the adapter and not the computer?
it is a common and unfortunate problem with many model laptops that the
connector in the computer becomes loose and so has poor contact with the
system board. a simple test of this condition is jiggle the plug on the
computer end while it is inserted into the laptop and watch to see if it
switches between battery and ac power. this should be covered under
warranty or there are many shops that will re solder the ac jack back on
the system board for a flat fee. depending on the age of the system it
may not be worth the expense. having said that, genuine dell pa10
adapters can be had from ebay for about $20 delivered. clone "for dell"
adapters can be had on ebay for close to $10 delivered but they are junk
and will not be as durable or long lasting.
to repair a jack problem means entirely removing the system board from the
laptop, removing the old jack, soldering in a new one, and then
reassembling the laptop. not particularly hard but not a job for a
complete novice either. bad soldering skills can ruin the board... but a
board with this problem is pretty much useless anyway. if you can remove
the board (visit support.dell.com and under documentation look for the
service manual for you model for details) then you can send off the board
for repair. look on ebay for some people that do the job for a flat rate,
and that might even include removal of the board (ship them your whole
computer less memory, hard disk, optical drive, etc).
Of course there is also a chance that the problem is less dire than
this... well traveled and roughly handeled ac adapters can have a issue
with the wire where it enters the laptop plug, or the wire could be cut or
frayed, or the removable power cord may simply not be fully inserted into
the adapter... but those conditions are no so common, but worth
considering. in other words, make sure you have a good ac adapter before
you proceed with a motherboard power jack repair.
here is a example of the work involved...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjOVOLOW1Hc