How to Rebuild a Dell Laptop Adapter
- 1). Examine the LED light that is on when your laptop's adapter is plugged in and is in working condition. If the light blinks when you wiggle the power adapter while it's plugged in, it means there is a problem, possibly a short in a wire inside it.
- 2). Turn off your Dell laptop and unplug the adapter as well. Then, open the adapter's clamshell case by using a 7mm flat-headed screwdriver, inserting it between the clamshell and the AC power socket (two- or three-pronged). Keep the blade close to the outer edge of the socket and twist clockwise and counter-clockwise alternately in an attempt to get the clamshell to pop open on either or both sides.
- 3). Use either the screwdriver or a 7-mm thin Swiss army knife to cut a crack along the edge of the clamshell, then utilize the blade to expand the crack by about an inch and a half. Separate the outer layer from the interior and tightly twist it.
- 4). Cut off the large choke, also known as a ferrite, on your adapter if it is too close to the barrel connector. Use a wire stripper to do this so that you can strip the coax rather than having to sheath away with a cheap tool. Strip away about one inch of the outer sheath, then twist the braid shield together.
- 5). Use the knife to remove about 1/4 inch of the insulation from the center electrode and tightly twist it, using a soldering iron to seal the connector. Use electrical tape on it if your soldering is not perfect.
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