HP Spectre X360 13 won’t charge

So this crappy machine has a crappy charging port (usbc thunderbolt). It’s been going on for a while and now it won’t charge at all. It’s not that old (maybe 2 or 3 years). I’m aware it’s an issue with the spectre x360’s and as far as I can see from googling, the only solution is to replace the motherboard. Until a few days ago I could keep the charging light on by holding the charger cable at a weird angle until it was charged up but the battery went down and now it won’t charge at all. Had this before and after a few days it suddenly started charging again. But not this time. I don’t think it’s the battery or the cable. We have another older hp spectre (not usbc) and it has the same charging issue/ intermittent depending on where you wiggle the cable).

Just wondered if anyone has managed to resolve this without getting a new motherboard. Tried a reset (that worked once) but it hasn’t helped.

With the older one I replaced the charging socket which did the trick for a while. With this newer one I think the usbc charger is part of the motherboard.

Sounds to me the port may be damaged or dirty. Do you use the device in your lap while connected/charging?

Yes

After spending an hour wiggling it around I’ve managed to get it to start charging again but only if I keep holding the cable at a 45 degree angle and pulling. If I let go it stops charging again. I believe the connector is part of the motherboard

This is the issue - just deciding if it’s worth replacing the motherboard or not.

Someone with enough expertise can replace the connector. Not worth replacing the whole motherboard unless you get it almost free. They tend to cost a lot though.

First step, I'd do is to clean both the cable part and then the laptop part of the connector using electrical cleaning spray. Just to make sure it's not just some dirt or oxidation causing these issues.

Then I'd also, just in case, try another laptop charging brick that is known to work.

If that does not help, then I'd go look around for a repair shop that is capable of replacing USBC-C charging connectors. They are fairly simple to replace, but it requires them to remove the whole motherboard from the laptop.

Thanks. I think it will need replacing and if you look at that video, the odd chip might need replacing too. Not sure I want to buy another charger to test it - I’m pretty sure it’s the socket.

I’m more peed off than anything so just venting. If it was a standard charger socket I could replace it myself.

Hazel123 said:

Thanks. I think it will need replacing and if you look at that video, the odd chip might need replacing too. Not sure I want to buy another charger to test it - I’m pretty sure it’s the socket.

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At this point the chip is fine, but if you keep WIGGLE WIGGLE like the dude in the video said, the chip might fry.

Hazel123 said:

I’m more peed off than anything so just venting. If it was a standard charger socket I could replace it myself.

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Awesome! ...but yeah, those usb-c sockets are a pain.

I occasional experience charging issues with my 5-year old X360-13 when using the USCB-C port near the corner but not with the other one. Hope to get another 2 years life out of this laptop. What I will miss the most is the row of keys on the left for Home, PgUp, PgDn, and End. Have not seen any new laptops with this keyboard configuration.

The other usbc stopped working altogether for charging. We have a much older x360 spectre (about 8 years old I think) and that had to have the charger socket replaced and worked fine but it’s going again. I’ve been ultra careful with this one too. I’m never getting one with a usbc charging socket again. Trouble is I like HP keyboards.

SlicEnDicE said:

At this point the chip is fine, but if you keep WIGGLE WIGGLE like the dude in the video said, the chip might fry.

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Yeah that’ll be the next thing. I think one chip is gone as the other usbc doesn’t charge it any more although will work for accessories. I found the-3” screen gave me neck ache anyway and would prefer a 14”. I’ve only had it a year though!

Quandary said:

I occasional experience charging issues with my 5-year old X360-13 when using the USCB-C port near the corner but not with the other one. Hope to get another 2 years life out of this laptop. What I will miss the most is the row of keys on the left for Home, PgUp, PgDn, and End. Have not seen any new laptops with this keyboard configuration.

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Yes it’s a good keyboard - good screen and a core i7 processor but it just won’t charge!

So do you reckon trying to get the usb socket changed before wiggling blows a chip might be an option? Everything I’ve read says the socket can’t be replaced - just the motherboard

Sorry you're caught between a rock and a hard place, Hazel. If you manage to get it fixed I recommend you purchase one of those right angled charging cables. They take the pressure off the connector to keep it from both wallowing out or coming loose from the board. I sometimes charge my ipad Pro while using it, usually with it propped on my knees. One day I noticed the pressure of my leg had bent the charging cord at an odd angle. I had one of these cords or order from Amazon the next day for both my ipad as well as a right angled lightening cable for my iphone. Worth every penny.

Hazel123 said:

So do you reckon trying to get the usb socket changed before wiggling blows a chip might be an option? Everything I’ve read says the socket can’t be replaced - just the Motherboard

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Anything can be replaced...it's just a matter of money.

Try cleaning the thing first. Use proper electric cleaning spray. And canned air after that to speed up the drying process. Do it on both the charging cable and the port on your laptop.