AC plug wiggles, How do I fix it?

I have noticed that my AC plug (where the power cable plugs into the back of the laptop) is loose. Is their a way to fix it? I have searched for a solution with no luck. I downloaded the repair manual from the lenovo sticky and went through it, I still could not figure out if this plug is held in place with a screw or glue. I have not seen any posts from Thinkpad owners with this problem.

Any Ideas?

P.S. It has not caused any problems, yet.

 

My AC plug wiggles a bit as well. Not much but it's noticeable. Doesn't seem to affect anything though.

 

wiggles? hopefully it hasn't cracked the solder to the mb.. or it could be damaged (plastic).. ive had to repair a few laptops with similar problems where people have damaged or even broke the piece off from the mb.. just bought new ones from dealer or last one i did i found it cheaper on ebay... do a search on google for power jack repair.. you will find tons of information..

 

Are the plugs soldered to the mb? I know laptops made years ago were but I figured that by now this would be a known failure point and they would use a ribbon cable from the mb to the plug? Apple knows its a big issue so they came out with their magnetic power plug. I have two big dogs that like to trip on my cord (once or twice).

 

Unfortunately in most cases the power plug receptor is still soldered on to the motherboard even though it's a known problem. Apple is one of the exceptions with their ingenious magnetic power plug. It's not that difficult to get information and instructions on fixing it as the previous poster noted. In any way a little wiggle/flex may be OK but...

 

The new T61 series should have a replaceable DC in port. It’s been a while since I worked with Lenovo's, but its part of the "System miscellaneous parts" Fru 42W3650 called DC in cable. Call tech support and ask them to look it up for you. I know the X series are replaceable.

 

optomos, you rock. I checked my manual for the "dc in cable", my part number was different. After Googling I came up with a good picture showing that the plug is connected to the mb by a cable and the plug does have a screw on it. Im not so worried now. If it gets worse, I'll just open it up and tighten the screw.

the part # i found:
42W2435

 

So is the screw the culprit? It's getting loose overtime?

 

98% sure that is what has happen. Some of the circumstances that my have led to this are:
1. I use this laptop 10 hours a day, plugged and unplugged.
2. The plug is placed so that it rest on my leg while the laptop is in my lap (causing some torque on it).
3. Dogs have tripped on the cord a time or two.

 

You are absolutely right. This is great in fact I looked at a picture I took while having my laptop apart and sure enough there is the the receptor plug attached to the motherboard via another plug.
THANKS!!

 

I have a tiny bit of "wiggle".

 

I have kitchen appliances purchased over 7 years ago that used magnets to connect the electrical cord to the unit. Apple's patent, filed in 2005, should invalidated by prior art and all laptop manufacturers should be allowed to implement the idea.

 

Learn something new every day.

Mine moves just a little bit too. But I still have over 2 years of warranty left on this thing. So I am not too worried.
Tim

 

exactly.. learn something new everyday.. thats why i love computer business... now THAT is awesome.. i haven't worked on a IBM/Thinkpad but tons of hp and dells.. which of course have them soldered to the mb.. but this is sweet.. so more then likely if the plastic isnt damaged its just loose from the screw.. nice.. i wonder since its just one screw that it supposed to have some give..

 

One more way in which Thinkpads are very thoughtfully and well built (other brands might have this too, but I feel like congratulating myself --and all of us-- for buying Thinkpads... hehe)

 

You are so right. After looking at the inside of my laptop I am truly impressed with how well they are designed and built.

 

A few years ago I had a Compaq lap top with this problem. Eventually it ended up killing my notebook. Good thing Compaq fixed it in about a week, under warranty.

 

speak of the devil.. i had a customer come in with an older compaq.. broken power adapter plug... i already ordered the replacement.. should be here in a few days.. just another day at work im glad i got a thinkpad