Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71-93TF) charging jack issues- getting very hot and connection unreliable

nexx69

I am having trouble with my Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71-93TF)

The laptop is less than 6 months old but the charging jack is getting very hot and the connection seems unreliable, causing stuttering in games that doesn't resolve until i reconnect and even reposition the whole computer. Is this a common issue and what are the quickest repair steps?

[Edited the thread to add issue detail]

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/698036/predator-helios-18-ph18-71-93tf-charging-jack-issues-getting-very-hot-and-connection-unreliable

Send/bring the laptop and Power adapter back to the retailer and demand a new unit. It sounds like an incompatible adapter plug, there is some confusion with Acer adapters about the barrel pin size convention and color code even having the same Acer part numbers: I have two adapters recommended by Acer for my a515-54G that have slightly different size pins. One clicks when fully inserted in the DC port the other does not and fits a bit loose.

nexx69

Thanks for the response. Looking around, I have already seen that there are two power adapters listed for this model, with differing pin sizes (1.7 vs 2.5mm) and all other specifications identical. I've gone ahead and ordered the "opposing" one already, I can still use the computer as long as I don't move it too much, and after 6 months I'm too reliant on it to be without it for the time it would take to send it back to the retailer. Should this not solve the issue and it turns out that the internal jack has become worn, I will bring it to a trusted electronics repair technician on expedited service for a jack replacement (I have already found the replacement part, and Acer do not even have a repair center in my country)

nexx69

I have just received my replacement power brick, straight from Shenzhen. This one is a Liteon, as opposed to the Chicony one that came with the Helios. The jack fits much better and more securely in the socket, so let's see if the problem is solved, time will tell. I sure hope so because this cost more than the powersupply in my desktop!

edit: i feel it's worth mentioning that while all the specs are the same, the cable on the Liteon power brick is MUCH lighter and more flexible than the Chicony, which may have been why that one wore out in the first place.

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1251375#Comment_1251375

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1252696#Comment_1252696

I hope it fixed the connection issue 😀

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1251475#Comment_1251475

There is NO 2.5mm barrel connector for this laptop, this laptop only uses the 1.7x5.5x11 like the adapters listed below from its SG, this laptop DC-in jack must be faulty as both the Chicory and Lite On adapters should connect 100%. Send the laptop back to Acer Tech Support as this should not be happening and get them to change DC-in jack.

DC-in jack, get Acer to change this port

If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful👍

nexx69

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1252702#Comment_1252702

I've replaced my Chicony KP.3300H.001 with the Lite-On alternative, and this is connecting perfectly. As I said in my last post, I simply believe the jack became worn on the Chicony, I do move the laptop a lot and connect/disconnect the AC adapter often. The Chicony has a much heavier cable which I believe contributed to the wear, since it only lasted 6 months. There is no problem at all now, with the new Lite-On power brick, so the DC port on the computer was never the problem. As for my "2,5 vs 1,7" comment, I simply believe that to be a listing error, as both have the same size barrel jack. I'm also not in a position to return the computer to Acer, they do not have a repair center in my country and I'm too dependent on the computer to be without it for the time it would take to send it to Germany.