USB-C Connector From AC Adapter on Spectre x360 15-BL012DX Keeps Coming Loose

[HannesS]

I have a new Spectre x360 15-BL012DX. The AC adapter connects to the computer with a USB-C type connector. When sitting perfectly motionless on a desk all is well. However, if the computer is used on my lap, every slight movement causes the power connector to jiggle out which in turn stops the laptop from charging. I've found that the connector only has to work it's way out less than the width of a .5mm pencil lead before charging stops. The worst thing is that this happens CONSTANTLY. I can't go more than a minute or two before I have to reseat the connector.

The issue happens on both USB-C ports of the laptop.

Note that I have a couple of really cheap 6 inch long USB-C to USB-A adapter dongles. With both of these there is a noticable "click" when the USB-C connector is connected and with these the connectors do not work their way loose. The USB-C connector from the AC adapter does NOT click into place.

So here is my question: Is everyone else noticing the same problem? If so, then I would tend to suspect that the USB-C connector on the AC adapter is simply a poor quality connector. On the other hand, if others are finding that they do not have this problem then I wonder if I simply have a faulty connector on my particular AC Adapter.

If a few people could comment on their experience I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

[CherylG]

I am using the HP Spectre x360 13-ac0XX as my loaner this year. I do not see the behavior you describe. Of course I rarely use it on my lap and when I do it is not with power cord attached. I did pick it up after reading your post and moved the laptop around to see what happened-even tugged a little and wiggled the cord. Mine fits pretty snug.

[CherylG]

Another member is using the Spectre X360 15 BL0xx. We'll see what she has to say.

 @Dragon-Fur can you test your power cord?

[Dragon-Fur]

@CherylG

Product Number: X5P15AV

Power Cord / AC Adapter (from PartSurfer):

Power Cord
			213349-013	POWER CORD, AC LINE,C5-NEMA,1.0m				COMPLY_2.07
Power Module
	-N/A-		904144-850	GNRC-90W ADPTR PFC USB-C 3PIN				COMPLY_2.07

Both ends of the power cord / AC Adapter are "rock solid" -- connection(s) tight.

Run Tests

Reference:

HP Notebook PCs - Testing for Hardware Failures (Windows 10, 😎

Shut down system > Click Power (switch on) > Immediately click / repeat F2 >

Enter Language ...

Component > Power > AC Adapter

Test PASSED

Back to Main Menu > Component > Power > Battery Check (2 minute check)

Primary battery tests "OK"

Message (to the effect):

Battery check needs to have the battery drained a bit for calibration tests...

Drain your battery and come back to complete the test...

It will take a bit to drain the battery -- I can report battery calibration results later...

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP devices and technology.

[HannesS]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. At least now I know that what I am experiencing is not normal for this model laptop. I've opened a support case and HP is sending a replacement power adapter to me. Hopefully that will resolve the issue.

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

Good to hear HP is taking prompt  action and replacing the cord.

[HannesS]

Cheryl, I've received the replacement adapter from HP and unfortunately I still have the same problem.

Before I go so far as returning this laptop to where I purchased it I'm wondering if I could just ask you to view a one minute video clip I created that may illustrate the issue better than my previous explanation. If you really don't have the same problem I'll return this laptop for repair, otherwise, I'm going to take it back to the place of purchase for a refund if this is an inherent problem.

Here is the clip:

https://1drv.ms/v/s!Aj2rWOv4OufY_UuuZLLHK_wSEyf6

To summarize what the clip shows: Jiggling the power cord forward and backward a few times (similar to the movement that would happen over time when using the computer on your lap) the connector walks out and charging stops. A little more movement and the connector comes out altogether.

Contrast that to a cheap $4 dongle that I have and no matter how long I jiggle it that connector will never come out.

[CherylG]

@HannesS 

I can not get mine to do that. I jiggled the cord for 30- 45 seconds-even resorted to a tiny bit of tugging while jiggling it. Mine fits quite snug. I would "guess" it may actually be the port since two cords have the same behavior.

 Does  your model have 2 usc-c ports? If so have you tried both to compare? Either way-even if you have 2 and both have the same behavior I do not think it is as designed.

[HannesS]

Thanks again. What's interesting is that it happens with both USB-C ports on my laptop. The difference is that with connectors that stay in place there is a noticable "click" when the connector is inserted, whereas the problem connectors on the AC adapter do not click into place.

I guess it's time to arrange service.

Thanks for the confirmation that this is not happening to you.

[CherylG]

My cord makes a barely audible click when plugged in. Odd that the other dongle you have does and the power cord does not.