Sony Vaio Power Problems

[cas146]

Today I plugged my laptop and notice that something weird was happening. I notice that the brightness of my screen was fluctuating a lot. I then notice that my computer was jumping from AC power to Battery power back and fort. I had the computer plugged in so I though it might be the outlet. However, when I switch to a different outlet the problem still persisted.

I'm pretty sure that there is something wrong with the plug where I hook up my notebook. I though that it might be the AC adapter but the light that shows it has power is on. When I connect the AC adapter to my computer it always feels kind of loose.

Should I try to get it fixed? Will it be too expensive? Can I change the part myself? I haven't really worked on notebooks mostly desktops. Or could there be some other problem?

 

[The_Other_One]

I'd grab a voltage meter and check what output your getting from the power adaptor. Assuming you weren't moving the laptop or power cable around, it's probably a failing power box. If the voltage seems pretty stable, check the plug in the laptop. Make sure it's not loose. Of course don't wiggle it too much to BREAK it loose

Now, if it is simply the power adaptor, those can be found for fairly cheap. You don't have to get an identical one as long as the ratings are the same. If it's a 16v 4A power adaptor, as long as you get one that puts out the same volts and as many or more amps, you're fine. Oh, and of course the polarity(+/-) and plug size/shape need to match.