Is your laptop refusing to charge? It could be a faulty DC jack—a repair that might seem daunting but is often simpler and more affordable than you’d think and can be resolved quickly by an expert.

Replacing a power jack can be a complicated task depending on your model. It needs to be done carefully and correctly by a professional technician.  They need to be proficient in disassembly, de-soldering and soldering, and re-assembly and testing.  You might be thinking, how much should I expect to pay for that?

How much does it cost for charge port replacement?

Different repair shops will offer a flat rate or hourly repair costs.  They also need to factor in the cost of parts.  Typically, a power jack repair will be a flat rate cost.

A power jack repair typically costs between $99 and $200, depending on your laptop model and the complexity of the repair. For example, an Acer Predator Helios 300 might cost more due to its $30 charge port, while an Acer Aspire 5 could be repaired for just $99 (low-cost port). These costs reflect not only the price of parts but also the specialized skills required to disassemble, de-solder, re-solder, and reassemble your device some companies specialize in niche laptop repairs like Pomeroy Computing where you can ship your laptop to get it repaired by an expert.  Getting it done locally versus shipping it in both have pros and cons.

Pros of shipping the laptop in for repair

– Access to specialized technicians ensures a higher-quality repair.

– Potentially lower costs due to the technician’s efficiency.

– Faster turnaround if parts are in stock.

Cons of shipping the laptop in for repair

– Possible delays due to shipping times.

– Minimal risk of damage during shipping, though extremely rare.

Pros of getting it done locally

– No shipping costs.

– Potentially faster turnaround time but not necessarily

Cons of getting it done locally

– Local technicians may lack specialization in power jack repairs.

– Higher costs if the repair is uncommon for local shops.

Many companies won’t repair it at all and tell you that the motherboard needs to be replaced.  This isn’t true unless there is actual damage to the motherboard.  Again, having a bad charge port doesn’t require a new motherboard. When you contact the manufacturer after your warranty is up, they will tell you the port can’t be fixed, and it will cost hundreds of dollars to fix.  This is why a niche repair company like Pomeroy Computing can help.

Conclusion

Don’t let a faulty DC jack keep you disconnected. Whether you choose to ship your laptop to a specialist or have it repaired locally, understanding your options can save you time, money, and frustration. For the best results, trust Pomeroy Computing to get your laptop charging like new again.

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Soldering a new DC jack onto the motherboard is a complicated process but essential for power jack replacement. It takes skills in not just soldering but also de-soldering and properly removing the broken charge port. The soldering techniques for power jack replacement are listed below in a step-by-step order from start to finish. By the end of this guide, you should have successfully restored power to a laptop that’s not charging.

Check out our article on diagnosing a laptop with a bad charge port to make sure you have this issue before you try and fix it.

See also: Diagnosing a laptop with a broken charge port

What tools are needed for power jack repair?

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-Soldering iron (Hakko fx-888D) or an equivalent iron (with chisel tip)

-60/40 solder Kester

-De-soldering braid or pump

-Flux (Syringe, pen, etc.)

-99% alcohol

Tools you might need/recommend:

-Air soldering station

-Thermal tape

Steps for Removal and Replacement

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Step 1: Prep

The first thing to do is prep the broken power jack for de-soldering/removal. If the motherboard is dirty where the port is located, use compressed air or 99% alcohol to clean it.

Step 2: Add flux and solder

You want to apply flux and fresh solder to each through hole to break up and get the old existing solder flowing and heated up.  This will aid in the removal process. I set my soldering station to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Removal/De-soldering

After step 2, you can take a solder braid or a desoldering pump to remove the existing solder.  You may need to repeat step 1 because sometimes the flux and new solder don’t get into the through hole well enough, and it can be stubborn.  If you’re using the braid, put it over the fresh solder, and through hole, the solder will suck up into the braid (see picture below).  You will do this until all of the solder is removed from the through hole.

If you’re using the pump, you will put your soldering iron tip over the through hole until the solder is flowing.  Next, you take the pump and put it over the flowing solder, and suck it up into the pump.  I have attached a picture below of the braid and pump in action.

Remember, the de-soldering aspect of the whole jack repair is considered the hardest part, and where many people get stuck and give up or give it to a professional.

Once enough solder is removed, you can remove the jack.  If you have used the pump and/or braid and the port still won’t come out, this is where I will use the hot air station to finish the removal.  Sometimes braid and pump alone won’t get the stubborn solder out of the motherboard completely.

Step 4: Air Soldering station:

The all-important circuitry around the power jack needs to be covered by thermal tape. Without it, you risk ruining vital circuitry around the port, which can ultimately brick the motherboard.

After applying the thermal tape, you can start heating up the jack area.  I set my soldering station to around 400 degrees Celsius with the air pump pushing slightly over half.  Evenly apply heat over the power jack until you see the solder flowing.  It will fall out, or you can hold it with a tweezer and remove it.

Prep for new jack after removal:

All holes need to be cleared and solder removed.

New Jack Installation:

Step 5: Install the new power jack

Once the old charge port is removed, it’s time to solder a new jack into place. You want to make sure the jack is inserted flush into the motherboard and not at an angle. If it’s facing up or down, this can be a problem upon reassembly, and the user might have issues getting their power cord to plug in properly.

Make sure the solder has flowed through both sides of the through hole.