a/c power plug broke off inside machine--how to repair

my daughter's ibook g4 power supply plug broke off, it is inside the socket in the machine--what is the practical way to get this fixed, please?

thanks--

macbook pro, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Mar 22, 2007 9:21 PM

Reply
5 replies

Mar 23, 2007 1:07 AM in response to silverwood express

Hi there and welcome to Apple Discussions!

Your question is not unique, as unfortunately some users have experienced
some mishaps with their DC line-in plug (and socket) and so if you can
get the broken piece out of the computer's DC-in socket, that would be a
good thing. Sometimes a visit to a full service Apple Store (official) where
a Genius bar exists, and you've called ahead for a specified time, a skilled
person there may be able to figure out how to remove the broken end.

Of course, a replacement power supply is generally needed, to restore
the illuminated original plug with an identical part is almost impossible;
though I have read about people getting a generic plug and managing
to get the DC polarity correct (so as to not damage the computer.) But
the best fix would be to get a new replacement Apple power adapter.

Getting the broken "pin" section of the AC Adapter's DC plug out of
the computer is the larger concern; since the socket itself may be
damaged if this isn't done properly. Or it may have been damaged
by the action that caused the plug to be broken in the first place.

There are several posts in these Discussion forums, the iBook G4
and G3 (white) and PowerBook G4 models use a similar power setup;
so finding replies already posted is not hard.

In fact, I replied to one such post and so searched back and found
the URL to a question and replies. Note mine is near the end of this:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3126597
And the quoted text in that post is from one of the links in the post.
(It is not mine; to clarify what appears to be an edited four letter word.)

The blue letters in the post are links to outside web sites; I am not
sure of the total validity of their content and they only serve to show
someone has tried some ideas and they may have had adequate
results from them; and that's about as far as I'd go. They're worth a look.

[Another set of posts (by user name) regarding this question
and out-of-warranty repair options, etc with the DC-in board
and power plug damage, among others, would be those by
an experienced iBook user in these boards, Rhonda.]

Best of luck to you and happy computing! 🙂

Mar 26, 2007 9:40 PM in response to silverwood express

In the reposted link to an earlier reply, above, there are some good ideas
on how (and how not to) try and do an at-home removal of the broken tip.

The basic constructs outlined in the links inside the actual earlier post,
which the above referral link redirects one to, are good for other future
reader's reference. (Unless a computer has a warranty in effect; if it has,
please refer to AppleCare and their expert instructions; usually through
some authorized repair center, who'd be qualified to repair or replace parts.)

Hopefully this has been of some help, if so, please make the appropriate
notation when you reply. And in any case, you are welcome.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

a/c power plug broke off inside machine--how to repair

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