Help! Laptop power problem.

dtaylorl · 11-17-2010, 03:41 PM

I'm having a problem where if I plug my laptop in it doesn't get any power. The computer runs fine on battery power, but that isn't going to last me much longer. This is really bad timing for me as I am in the middle of writing final papers for college... As far as I can tell there are three possible culprits:
1. The input jack on the computer
2. The tip on the power adapter (it is a universal adapter where you can buy different tips and put them in)
3. The chord coming from the power adapter. The light on the main part of the adapter turns on when it is plugged in.

Any ideas how to test where the problem is? I'm going to look to see if I can find another compatible adapter to see if it works, but its an older computer (Panasonic Toughbook CF-51) so it may be difficult.

Bushman · 11-17-2010, 05:34 PM

90% sure the culprit is the jack. Try this bandaid fix, and this is only temporary.
when you put the A/C adapter chord into the laptop, push in very firmly and release smoothly.
This will work temporarily until the jack is completely gone, at which time yopu will have to pay a computer tech to take the motherboard out of the laptop and solder a new jack on it.
My daughter ruined hers by having the laptop in bed on her covers and generally abusing the plug-in. (not to mention overheating the darn thing) The forementioned method worked for a while but now has to have the A/C adapter in all the time.
There is a 10% chance that the battery is shot, but it is not as likely.

DropKick74 · 11-17-2010, 06:36 PM

If the light on the main part is on then the culprit is either the wire from there to the computer or the jack its self. (just to narrow it down a bit) Have you thought about charging your current battery in another laptop. Basically burn your paper to something b/c you won't beable to fix this quick enough... find another computer. Emailing it to yourself is a great way to save it somewhere as well and you can access it anywhere. Goodluck.

dtaylorl · 11-18-2010, 08:05 PM

Fortunately everything is on dropbox so I am able to access it from other computers, but its still extremely inconvenient. I tried your trick Bushman, but it didn't work. If it is the jack its possible I'm already past that point. I still am wondering if there is any chance it is the tip on the adapter, or if it is where the tip attaches. Not sure how to test this though as I can't seem to be able to track down another compatible adapter...

DropKick74 · 11-18-2010, 08:44 PM

what's the make and model of laptop

dtaylorl · 11-18-2010, 09:27 PM

Panasonic Toughbook CF-51

**redbaron** · 11-19-2010, 07:19 PM

if you have a multimeter, set it to dc and see if you're getting power at the end of the cable. If you are, it's the connection at the motherboard/input on the computer. That's expensive to fix. If you're not getting voltage at the end of the cable, replace the cable/adapter assembly and see if that helps.

dtaylorl · 11-20-2010, 10:42 PM

Ok, I don't have a multimeter but there was a car headlight tester lying around so I used that. Without the tip on it lit up just fine. When I put the tip on I could not get it to light up. Looks like it might be a problem with the tip. It doesn't seem like its possible to buy just the tip though... seems a little silly to replace the whole adapter when only the interchangeable tip at the end is broken...

DropKick74 · 11-21-2010, 10:49 AM

I know those multi tip things are real expensive it probably isn't worth it. If you can't find a new tip for it (which I would check radioshack. The one close to me has different tips for stuff maybe your's might) I found a new adapter for 20 bucks here computerlogin :: Panasonic Toughbook CF-50 CF-51 CF-18 laptop Power Supply

Good luck.

DropKick74 · 11-21-2010, 10:53 AM

by the way... I've bought a laptop supply from here and didn't have a problem. I ran into the same issue you did with my dell except it was because my dog ate through it. I spent the 60 dollars on a multi tip one at best buy and kicked myself when I looked them up on the net.

dtaylorl · 11-26-2010, 05:53 PM

So I took it to Memory Express and they confirmed that it was a problem with the adapter tip, but they didn't carry any sort of replacement. I ended up having to order a universal adapter online, but they shipped it fast and it arrived the next day. My only other option was ordering a Panasonic one on ebay. Would have been cheaper, but I also would have had to wait several weeks for shipping. In any case, the computer works now! Thanks everyone for your help!