Lenovo 3000 N100 Power Issue (can't get power from ac adapter)

[monkeys37]

I apologize in advance if this is something that has been dealt with here before; I searched and couldn't find anything. 

My laptop was working fine up until this morning when I woke up.  The power indicator light that is normally solid green was orange.  I turned on the computer and it worked as normal except that it was using battery power despite being plugged in.  I was able to use the laptop until the battery died. Now the power light flashes orange when the ac adapter is plugged in, and is off when the laptop is not plugged in. 

I'm pretty sure it's not a battery issue, and the ac adapter itself is brand new ( I bought it just two weeks ago) and appears completely undamaged.  I know it isn't an issue with my surge protector, which is working fine for other devices. My completely un-expert, non-technical opinion is that there is an internal issue where the ac adapter connects to the laptop. 

Any thoughts?

[yigit]

try to remove the battery, unplug the ac power, press 30-40 seconds power button, plug the ac adapter then check if it works.

if it doesn't work, could be power connector issue.

[Duck3]

Did the New ac adapter work properly before?
Is it Lenovo, or generic?
Test output with volt/ohm meter.

Is the DC in port at all loose?
Can you get it to charge by moving/wiggling the
plug where it enters laptop? (Carefully)

Tried without the surge protector?

[monkeys37]

Thanks for the responses. 

try to remove the battery, unplug the ac power, press 30-40 seconds power button, plug the ac adapter then check if it works.  

I tried this, no change. 

Did the New ac adapter work properly before? 

Yes, I had it for about two weeks before this most recent issue and didn't have any problems.  It's Lenovo brand. I also tried it plugged into a wall outlet without any change. 

Unfortunately I don't have a volt meter and don't know where I would find one. 

So far I haven't had any luck with the wiggling strategy. 

I believe the DC port is loose. 

[Duck3 · Accepted solution]

If you feel able to disassemble laptop yourself,
it is possible to check it out.
If not, find a competent computer repair person.
The jack has a cable, so is not a major problem to replace,
unlike some that are soldered to motherboard.

Here are videos of disassembly:
http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/ion/N100/index.html

[monkeys37]

The part itself is only nine bucks, but the standard rate to replace a DC Jack at a computer repair shop is $100-150, probably because they generally require soldering.  I'm going to try and do it myself with the help of those instructional videos you linked. 

Thanks again for the responses. 

[monkeys37]

I wanted to come back here to say thanks, particularly to Duck3.  You correctly diagnosed my problem.   And by informing me that the DC jack on my laptop doesn't require soldering and by pointing me to those instructional videos, I was able to replace the part myself.  Everything is working great now.  You saved me $100+ with your information and advice. 

Thanks Duck!

[Duck3]

Glad it worked out and glad to help you save money!

Hopefully you can help someone else in the future,

that's the whole idea of a user forum.