For anyone who owns an HP ZV5000 laptop, you have had this problem. This article details the simple process of modifying the DC power jack to correct the problem.
This is a very simple fix. If your ZV5000 laptop is experiencing random shutdowns and power interruptions, it can drive you insane. So you tear apart the ZV5000 to replace the jack, which works temporarily, only to start having the same problem after a few weeks. Don’t give away the laptop and don’t spend your hard earned money on a new power adapter, a new internal power jack, or a serial port power adapter. Don’t get rid of your laptop either. This is a common problem with the ZV5000 and it is easy to fix this problem yourself for FREE. Here is how.
First, turn off the ZV5000 and unplug the power cable from the computer. Then look into the port on the back of the computer where the power cord plugs into. You will see the metal strips that contact the tip of the power cord all around the outer ring of the power jack. These metal contacts are not connecting well with your ZV5000 power cord, causing all of your power problems. This jack is just badly designed but we can improve the design a lot in about 5 seconds.
Get a thin, pointed metal tool such as an awl, or a small precision screwdriver with a flat tip will work just as well.
Insert the edge of your tool under the edge of one of the metal connectors, about halfway down inside the power jack on your ZV5000. Gently bend the connector outwards, away form the walls of the port.
You will notice, as you bend the connector, that it is actually in 2 parts. One strip comes up from the bottom of the port, and a second, shorter metal strip extends down from the top. You will see the shorter top one also bend outwards as you are bending the bottom connector.
Eventually, the more you bend, the top strip will snap behind the one you are bending. You can then use your tool to gently bend the longer strip away from the center post in the jack, to allow more room for the power cord connector to slide in.
Now the small metal strip that is behind the connector you bent acts as a shim, pushing against the longer strip and helping to ensure a snug fit on your power cord.
Insert the cord and fire up you ZV5000. I have not had a power related issue since this little modification, except the cord will still work it’s way out of the jack over time. It helps to occasionally give the cord a little push before you start using the computer to make sure it’s fully seated in the jack.
HP ZV5000 power problems solved!
Hey thanks for the tip. I did a little bending on each little metal connector and it works but not perfect because I haven’t gone as far as to bend the top tab behind the bottom ones because I’m afraid of wrecking it. I think I will practice first on one of them I have removed from the old board. Thanks for that you have saved the day for me.