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Is replacing a switch on a laptop hard to do?

  • 20-12-2005 3:23pm
    #1
    deadfingers
    Closed Accounts Posts: 181 ✭✭


    The problem I am having is that when I push the power button on my laptop(Dell inspiron 5100) nothing happens bar the the three lights(power, hard drive, battery light) all blink when I release the power button.

    I rang Dell tech support and the guy told me that he fells that the reed switch is broke. I serached peats and found a reed switch for cheap but I am not sure of how to replace it? Is it a hard job? Has anyone had this problem before? Maybe it is a larger problem?


Comments

  • #2
    elmer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 732 ✭✭✭elmer


    it usually means there's a hardware fault - such as a component being loose

    it could be messy to replace the switch but i'd try reseating the ram etc first

    you could also just solder a toggle switch to the switch contacts as getting the switch off the board without damaging the board could be tricky


  • #3
    kdouglas
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,414 ✭✭✭kdouglas


    i love the way the guy was able to tell you the power switch was broken over the phone without looking at the laptop, it could be one of a list of things, it could be the power switch, it could be the battery/psu, the power board in the laptop, the bios.........etc...etc... the list goes on.

    anyway....changing the switch itself is difficult enough, the best solution is if the switch is just loose you will be able to solder it back on, recently had a problem with my own laptop (compaq) where the power connector was damaged, had to open it up and solder it back onto the main board.

    if your confident enough to take your laptop apart and have a look then go ahead, if you can get your hands on a service manual that has exploded diagrams etc.. too, they come in very handy. You'll need a reasonably low power soldering iron with a 1mm tip (smallest i could find, but if anyone knows where to get smaller, please advise) and youll want to use something as a heat sink to ensure the other components nearby dont heat up.


  • #4
    Karoma
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,396 ✭✭✭✭Karoma


    ..is the unit still in warranty?


  • #5
    deadfingers
    Closed Accounts Posts: 181 ✭✭deadfingers


    No its not under warranty. I think I will try a few more things before I try to go ahead and solder it. Thanks for all the info guys.


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