Questionable Aftermarket Part.

[potassu2]

I just got a replacement power harness for my w105dx, the old one shorted and started sparking out, when the new one came the charger plugged in but not happily. I had to force it in a bit, it’s the right model and the wiring on the pins look fine, my old harness plugged in smoothly, this new one, not so much. In addition the cable is thinner and slightly too long despite being for my model. Is it fine to use? it seems to charge safely and fine for the most part.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @potassu2,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It's concerning that the replacement power harness for your HP Pavilion 15-w105dx isn't fitting smoothly and has noticeable differences from the original, such as thinner cables and incorrect dimensions. While it seems to work, here are a few considerations to assess its safety and reliability:

1. Fit and Compatibility Issues

• Forcing a plug into place can damage the port on your laptop, which may lead to more costly repairs.
• Even if the wiring on the pins looks fine, slight misalignment or differences in materials can cause connection issues over time.

2. Thinner Cable Concerns

• A thinner cable may indicate lower quality materials or insufficient capacity to handle the power requirements of your laptop.
• This could result in overheating, degraded charging performance, or even a fire hazard if the cable is unable to handle the current properly.

3. Potential for Long-Term Damage

• If the connector or wiring isn't up to spec, it might work for now but could degrade over time, potentially damaging your laptop's motherboard or battery.

4. Aftermarket Part Reliability

• Not all aftermarket parts meet the same quality standards as OEM parts. Check if the part is from a reputable manufacturer or if there are reviews/testimonials about it online.

Steps to Take:

Inspect for Overheating:

• After using the replacement harness for some time, check if the cable or the connector gets unusually warm. This can be a sign of electrical inefficiency or resistance.

Monitor Laptop Behavior:

• Watch for unusual behavior, such as inconsistent charging, laptop shutdowns, or power warnings.

Consider an OEM Replacement:

• If possible, purchase an OEM power harness from HP or a trusted supplier. While OEM parts can be more expensive, they’re guaranteed to meet the specifications of your device.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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