Laptop not charging

p_bateman

Laptop has stopped charging over the weekend. Brought it to Techfixers in D.I.D. on Saturday and it began charging when the guy plugged it in using my own power lead but has since stopped charging again.

Must be either the jack or the power lead itself. Does anybody know of a decent repair place on the northside of Dublin (city centre or around Coolock/Fairview/Clontarf) that won't try to charge a bomb? Any help appreciated!

von Smallhausen

Hiya,

When you put the charger into the DC jack does it feel "loose" and wiggles easily? If it does that it could be a sign that the jack itself isn't sitting right or the holdings may be worn down from continuous use..that is unless its built into the motherboard.

If you remove the battery and stick the charger in, does it turn on (power up)

When you have it plugged in, when you hold the "brick" can you hear a slight buzzing noise? (No buzzing noise = dead charger)

tony300+

i'm having the same problem. i think the its the cable connection thats loose as when i jiggle it, it works and i have tried a friends charger and it is fine. can i fix this or do i have to get a new one

It's easy to check whether the charger is the problem (or a loose connection). If the laptop works fine when the battery has been removed while it's still plugged in it may indicate the battery has become old and simply needs replacing, this can happen any time after 12 months and sometimes within that period. Different laptop manufacturers give different warranty on the battery, HP give 12 months while Packard Bell/Acer give only 6. Sony AFAIK only give 3.

So what brand is it and how old is it?

duckysauce

Sacramento wrote: »

It's easy to check whether the charger is the problem (or a loose connection). If the laptop works fine when the battery has been removed while it's still plugged in it may indicate the battery has become old and simply needs replacing, this can happen any time after 12 months and sometimes within that period. Different laptop manufacturers give different warranty on the battery, HP give 12 months while Packard Bell/Acer give only 6. Sony AFAIK only give 3.

So what brand is it and how old is it?

?
could be the charger /board or battery . Check the bios and see if the charger is seen as the right wattage

duckysauce

duckysauce wrote: »

?
could be the charger /board or battery . Check the bios and see if the charger is seen as the right wattage

If the laptop works with the charger without the battery in it then it's unlikely to be the charger. In rare cases it can be the board but it's very unlikely in my experience. That's why I was wondering how old it is, most of the time it's the battery's age that causes it not to charge anymore, or more specifically it has reached it's charge cycle limit.

johneire31

Well if it worked on a different power lead and and power block in the shop and stopped charging on your own lead and block, it seems the power lead and block is the problem. Going on that information.

First check where the connector connects to the power block, make sure it is firmly pushed in. Check the fuse in the plug socket. Check around connect part that goes into the laptop for kinks, breaks or signs of distress. These blocks do stop working and certain models are more prone to it.

Ok, if all is well above....

Just do an ebay search for a replacement cord and block, use your exact laptop model number, look at the ratings on the power block for specs. They are not all the same, don't think you would pay anything above €20 for one.

You could do the rounds of the shops in your area and they might just have a secondhand one (this is a good chance), they will be very happy to part with it. make sure you bring your one with you, saves a lot of time.

or

Or even, you could buy a universal charger in most good tech shops like Maplins or check Argos or similar.

Just make sure its the problem first before you invest. Try getting it plugged in again to confirm that it is. Make sure the female connector on your laptop is tight and the fit is firm, be gentle when checking they break easily.

j