Fixing ethernet port on Acer Nitro AN515-53 laptop

The cable going into the Ethernet port on my Acer Nitro AN515-53 V1.22 was bumped several times as the cable stuck out from the laptop body. It now has in inconsistent connections, even when using new and trusted cables. The door latch holds the connector though the cable plug may be loose.

If I fiddle with pressures and angle while using a rubber band around the laptop just right it connects until the cable moves too much. I’m now using a 90degree cable to reduce further strikes, but that’s a bit like closing the barn door after the horses escaped.

The “right fix” seems to be replacing the failing port, but as a non-professional handyman with some electronic surgery experience I would like to read a write up or watch a video but have yet to find either. Seeking guidance from those with more experience here before I solo.

Serial (first 10): NHQ3ZAA001

Accepted answers

JackE

Unfortunately, the ethernet port is soldered to the top of the mainboard as the nic is integrated with it. From your description, it sounds either like a solder joint has broken loose or the port itself would have to be de-soldered and replaced with a new one from DigiKey, Mouser or other mainboard component distributors. Either way it's unlikely the repair can be made without removing the mainboard. Not a trivial job.

JackE

The jack's connectors seem thru-hole. So might be difficult to replace it without a small heat gun directed at the bottom. Hopefully it'll only be cracked solder. Use Kryonaut or ArcticMX-4 on the heat sinks. I've also had good results with thin kneaded slices of electrician's gray moisture sealing putty squeezed against the processors --- also resists drying out pretty well. For gummy/sticky tape, I either re-use or use friction tape.

All comments

JackE

Unfortunately, the ethernet port is soldered to the top of the mainboard as the nic is integrated with it. From your description, it sounds either like a solder joint has broken loose or the port itself would have to be de-soldered and replaced with a new one from DigiKey, Mouser or other mainboard component distributors. Either way it's unlikely the repair can be made without removing the mainboard. Not a trivial job.

GilbertGuy

@JackE : thanks for the answer. I have found several videos of Nitro mother board removal (and I have pulled a few MBs out of Androids as well as a few laptops). If the soldering is not beyond a small pencil soldering iron with lots of miles on it I may be game. I'll buy a fresh tube of thermal paste before starting. Any recommendations on tape type if I need to replace some of the tapes I see?

JackE

The jack's connectors seem thru-hole. So might be difficult to replace it without a small heat gun directed at the bottom. Hopefully it'll only be cracked solder. Use Kryonaut or ArcticMX-4 on the heat sinks. I've also had good results with thin kneaded slices of electrician's gray moisture sealing putty squeezed against the processors --- also resists drying out pretty well. For gummy/sticky tape, I either re-use or use friction tape.

GilbertGuy

After opening up the lap-top to find all solder joints solid.Visual inspection showed that the major problem was that one of the jack's contacts was notably bent. After cleaning and bending back as best I could the connections started working again.

JackE

Then reporting back on your success!!!

StevenGen

GilbertGuy said:

The cable going into the Ethernet port on my Acer Nitro AN515-53 V1.22 was bumped several times as the cable stuck out from the laptop body. It now has in inconsistent connections, even when using new and trusted cables. The door latch holds the connector though the cable plug may be loose.

If I fiddle with pressures and angle while using a rubber band around the laptop just right it connects until the cable moves too much. I’m now using a 90degree cable to reduce further strikes, but that’s a bit like closing the barn door after the horses escaped.

The “right fix” seems to be replacing the failing port, but as a non-professional handyman with some electronic surgery experience I would like to read a write up or watch a video but have yet to find either. Seeking guidance from those with more experience here before I solo.

Serial (first 10): NHQ3ZAA001

GilbertGuy unfortunately the RJ 45 plugs are specific and could be different to allot of different laptops, you have to have specialist micro soldering equipment and tools to do these intricate soldering jobs. The RJ45 LAN side laptop plug is fixed and has two main soldered pinning points into the mainboard (or it should) and those pins might have come loose when you bumped the cable? You could use an ordinary very fine soldering iron to resolder them to the mainboard and secure the RJ45 side plug to be secure like the OEM was. If this plugs the RJ45 main fine connections have been dislodged from the mainboard then, you need good flux like AMTECH flux and specialist equipment to solder this RJ45 plug onto the mainboard properly as using just ordinary soldering equipment could damage the mainboard and you could do more damage than fix anything.

My suggestion to you and if the RJ45 plug is damaged then and seeing that you are "a non-professional handyman with some electronic surgery experience" have a look at the NothRidgeFix site at shop/micro soldering section, as they have a huge and extensive specialist equipment section to purchase this equipment to do these delicate soldering jobs and could also have the appropriate replacement RJ45 LAN plug that you can use and replace the OEM with, also have a look at their YouTube site and what Alex the owner does as he is amazing and is one of the best in the business in fixing all sorts of computer faults and chipset problems and in doing micro soldering, so have a look and learn how its all done. Good luck and hope this helps you out and others.

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