Uge
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Problem with ethernet port

So I have a wierd problem.

 

Sometimes the ethernet port is working, sometimes not.

 

I've tested the ethernet cable and it works perfect with other computerS.

 

I've tested my macbook pro with other ethernet cables and the problem still occurs.

 

I've tested the ethernet plug (in the wall) and it works pefect with other computerS.

 

So only last potential problem : the ethernet plug / card IN my macbook pro.

 

It is a 2.8 Ghz Intel Core i7 with 8 Gb of 1067 Mhz DDR3 RAM, and OS X 10.7.4.

 

The problem is just random... sometime it works, sometime it doesn't... sometimes it works, and stop working... sometimes it works for days without problems... sometimes it doesn't work for days, with nothing to do.

 

Can anyone help? I don't think I'm on the warranty anymore... so before I go drop my MBP at an Apple Store, I want to make sure I've tryed everything.

 

Especially for the price I paid for this MBP, can't believe I'm hustling with such a basic feature......

 

 

THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Jul 13, 2012 2:19 PM

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Uge

Q: Problem with ethernet port

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  • Helpful answers

  • by idaveb,

    idaveb idaveb Jul 13, 2012 2:28 PM in response to Uge
    Level 2 (265 points)
    Jul 13, 2012 2:28 PM in response to Uge

    Look in the port and see if there is any dust or debrit. Are the tines bent? Take a cotton swab with some rubbing alchohol or contact cleaner and gently clean the tines (the gold strands of metal). If the problem persists it may be the network card or it is possible you have a broken or cold soilder on the port.

     

    You can see the card activity under Utilities >> Network Utility. Select the Ethernet card (en0) and the Info button. You should see the activity of the network card. If there are a large number of errors you may need to replace the card.

     

    DB

  • by nigelomahony74,

    nigelomahony74 nigelomahony74 Jul 13, 2012 2:40 PM in response to Uge
    Level 1 (25 points)
    Jul 13, 2012 2:40 PM in response to Uge

    I would definitely recommend doing the two standard resets

     

    SMC>http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

     

    PRAM>http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

     

    SMC in particular can sort out port problems!

  • by Uge,

    Uge Uge Jul 13, 2012 3:26 PM in response to idaveb
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 13, 2012 3:26 PM in response to idaveb

    Hey idaveb, I tryed looking in the NETWORK UTILITY like you proposed and I don't even see the card??

     

    Is that normal????

     

    See for yourself :

     

    http://cl.ly/3c1L0a3B443p110m2Z2b

     

    (sorry it's in French)

  • by idaveb,

    idaveb idaveb Jul 13, 2012 3:32 PM in response to Uge
    Level 2 (265 points)
    Jul 13, 2012 3:32 PM in response to Uge

    No, it should be listed. Look under Preferences >> Network and see if it there. If so, click on Assist Me and let the diagnostic check out the port.

  • by Uge,

    Uge Uge Jul 16, 2012 3:07 PM in response to idaveb
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 16, 2012 3:07 PM in response to idaveb

    Hi Idaveb,

     

    I see it in the NETWORK with a red dot and it says "a network cable is disconnected" (which obviously is not right).

     

    Then if I click assist me, then I can't select anything else that WIFI and OTHER.

     

    I see the option to ETHERNET but it's in gray.

     

    At this point, I feel that my ETHERNET CARD is not even WORKING anymore !

  • by idaveb,

    idaveb idaveb Jul 16, 2012 3:13 PM in response to Uge
    Level 2 (265 points)
    Jul 16, 2012 3:13 PM in response to Uge

    I would have it looked at. If you plug in a known good cable and still it does not recognize it, then the port or the card may be bad.

  • by Car4los,

    Car4los Car4los Sep 2, 2012 6:14 PM in response to Uge
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 2, 2012 6:14 PM in response to Uge

    I've used the reset chache solution with mixed success. I finally tripped over something that actually works every time.  The "secret" seems to be getting the apply button active when you are on the "location" where the ethernet connection is configured.  Here is what I did.

     

    1. move the ethernet connection configuration to another "location" within network preferences.  I called mine Home Wired.
    2. When the cable disconnected situation occurs, switch to the location that has wireless and enable wireless. Now turn it back off.
    3. Switch to the wired location and highlight the wired configuration and click apply.  It goes through the steps of acquiring an IP and then you are connected.

    Easy peezy

  • by soulspice,

    soulspice soulspice Feb 5, 2014 8:28 PM in response to Car4los
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 5, 2014 8:28 PM in response to Car4los

    Thanks a ton Car4los! Worked like a breeze for me.

  • by un momento,

    un momento un momento Jul 10, 2014 10:21 AM in response to idaveb
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 10, 2014 10:21 AM in response to idaveb

    Your suggestion of cleaning the contact was spot on for me. Been trouble shooting this ethernet issue for half a day. Once I cleaned the contacts, it worked right away. Thanks.

  • by tobystarr,

    tobystarr tobystarr Jan 8, 2016 3:02 AM in response to Car4los
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 8, 2016 3:02 AM in response to Car4los

    the locations trick worked for me to.

    thanks

  • by mml8,

    mml8 mml8 May 4, 2016 5:35 PM in response to Uge
    Level 1 (4 points)
    May 4, 2016 5:35 PM in response to Uge

    Thanks Car4los, this one works for me.