Power Issues

My Gateway 7330gz is having power supply issues. The adapter either isn't making the connection to the power jack on the computer or it may be just the power cord itself has gone faulty. I have to hold everything just right and then not breathe for it to keep connected.

I've noticed that if I'm trying to charge the battery and use the computer at the same time the end of the power cord gets burning ! hot.

I hate to buy a power cord and find out it is the jack on the computer...

looking for any suggestions or someone who has experienced the same problems.

 

try plugging into another outlet. try borrowing a charger from a friend. just the cord. and see if it will work.

 

I have exactly the same problem. Gateway mx6922b. I have had four different power supplies but now two have failed.
I have to pull the cable quite hard to make a contact that charges the battery
any suggestion?

 

I have now taken the back and the top off the laptop to try and see the problem. There are no obvious loose bits inside at all. The centre pin on the power socket on the laptop wobbles a bit. (Its the bit which the power lead plug surrounds when connected to the laptop)
I wonder if this could be the problem?
The cable has to be pulled quite firmly and secured in that position to make the battery charge. However there is often a contact enough to make the screen brighten every few secionds and then immediately dim. The icon on the tool bar also changes from battery power to power supply for a single second as well but does not change to the charging icon.
This has happened with all four power supplies. They are three different makes as well.
I am loathe to try pliers and generally poking around without some real idea as to what i am looking for
Any suggestions Please

 

After reading up through this forum it appears that power connections are the second most common fault on laptops (first is hard drives)
Probably needs soldering back in place or a new socket.
In any event its off to a local laptop specialist to be done

 

I ordered a new AC adapter power supply cord. It is not the problem. Like the above poster I'm now sure it is the jack. Dang. Not the easy fix I was hoping for.

 

If you have a BB or CC in your area, purchase a Targus universal, but check for correct plug adapter. You can use this to test and return if you have to.

If it's the jack..check with Gateway for flat rate repair. There are places on the internet that offer flat rate but have not tried them as I fix my own.

 

I have the same problem with a Gateway M675. My research concludes that it is the DC power jack in the computer and that this is a common failure. Gateway gave me a flat rate of $200. I've found the same service on ebay for $100-$130.

I found a repair tutorial online and will try it myself. The replacement jack costs $10. Warning: you need a fairly good solder iron and some experience to do it yourself.

 

..and it's a nice feeling not having screws left over As you said, practice with a low power iron and have solder wick or vacuum bulb/canned air to clear plugged pads.

good luck!