The Patient: Fujitsu S-Series LaptopThe power connector of my S-Series Fujitsu laptop failed (a Lifebook S6110), just like so many others out there. I called up Fujitsu for repair; their local service center wanted about $80 just to look at the laptop (which obviously only needed a new connector). I concluded that it was silly for me to throw $80 at an estimate for repairing the power connector, so instead I went after repairing it myself.
Researching the problem.
At first I looked on the web for the right connector. After searching high and low, I found that the Getwell Development Company that appears to produce a very similar part, the DS-208. But sadly, it looks like the part is not available - I contacted the vendor via email, with zero reponse. Oh well.
I also saw a part for sale by a laptop power jack "repair" web site, but it didn't look like it would be mountable on my laptop's motherboard - the pins are in a different location, and I think it'd be very difficult to properly mount this part inside of my laptop.
Going at it.
Pigtails off of the boardI decided to start by adding a few pigtails to the motherboard. I opened the laptop, with the helpful instructions found here. Then I soldered in a short length of wire.
From there, I added a simple connector on the end of the pigtail.
Phase 1 complete, Lifebook operational!At least my laptop is now, um, laptop-able once again. It does look a bit silly with the pigtail, but is is fully functional. I hope to acquire the correct DC Jack for the laptop. Please contact me if you have any leads or advice.
Beyond the Fujitsu
To be honest, my Fujitsu is getting a little old, so I might end up buying a new Dell or other inexpensive laptop. There are a lot of low-cost laptops out there... and that's why I didn't initially go for the "Fujitsu service center" repair.
3 comments:
How did you get from those instructions further to the motherboard of the fujitsu? I like your fix!
I didn't have to remove the motherboard.
The power jack is normally soldered on a small board mounted along the top back side of the laptop (by the speakers).
After removing the keyboard and the plastic "plate" that covers the speakers, the solder-side of this board is exposed.
Once this board was exposed I could use a small soldering iron to remove the broken jack's pins.
Then I slid three wires into the now-empty solder holes that were formerly used by the jack.
Finally, I simply soldered the three wires in place. Again, this was easy since I had free access to the solder-side of the board.
Hope that helps! Next time I'm in there, I'll take more pictures and publish them here.
Did you ever locate the correct connector? I have an S6210 with the same issue. They wanted $250 to replace. All I need is the connector. If you or any of the readers have found this, please email me at calfunguy_99@yahoo.com
Thanks.
JC
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