wslwang

Q: MBP retina 15" 2012 model Thunderbolt connector loose

I am not sure if anyone noticed. My MBP 15" retina 2012 model thunderbolt connector is kind of loose. It's hard to describe the feeling but if I connect ethernet connector while my computer on my lap, connector will be unplugged if I move a little. Not only this, I am unable to move my MBP a little if I have my 27" apple display connect to it. I never have this kind of problem with my old 17" MBP.

 

I took it back to apple store and had the connector board replaced. It plays just a little better but still having the same issue. I kind of tested 2 MBP in the store all happen the same. I was told there is nothing they can do about it in apple store. I wonder if anyone has the same problem.

 

thanks

 

 

Wesley

Posted on Jan 1, 2013 8:50 PM

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Q: MBP retina 15" 2012 model Thunderbolt connector loose

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  • by ninjadude9,

    ninjadude9 ninjadude9 Dec 15, 2013 8:47 AM in response to hflorez
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Dec 15, 2013 8:47 AM in response to hflorez

    Based on this and other homebrew solutions, sounds like the problem's solved!

     

    Silly us for expecting to not have to resort to velcro, electrical tape, and two-part epoxy to use our $3000 computers... Pretty sure I saw vecro holding everything together in that new Mac Pro production video Apple released anyways...

     

    "The lightest and most desireable computer in the world... for the next three weeks: The Mapple Void" – The Simpsons

     

    I have that computer, but I bought it well over 3 weeks ago...

  • by KayZeeSolutions,

    KayZeeSolutions KayZeeSolutions Dec 17, 2013 10:04 AM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 17, 2013 10:04 AM in response to wslwang

    I'm experiencing the same problem.  Seems like a loose Thunderbolt connector.  Both my external monitor and my retina laptop screen flicker black for a second, then they come back.  I can reproduce it (albeit not very consistently) by moving the laptop or cable slightly.

  • by hflorez,

    hflorez hflorez Dec 17, 2013 4:15 PM in response to KayZeeSolutions
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 17, 2013 4:15 PM in response to KayZeeSolutions

    My recommendation is to take your MacBookPro to the nearest Apple Store and open a case. Make sure you show the technician a copy of this thread and that she or he reports the issue in detail. They will not be able to fix your computer but at least you will have a record of the failure.

  • by Benoit Valin,

    Benoit Valin Benoit Valin Jan 7, 2014 4:12 PM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Jan 7, 2014 4:12 PM in response to wslwang

    Hi, I had the same problem. Soo loose that I was incapable of using an external monitor or disk.

     

    So I designed a gadget to secure both the Thunderbolt and MagSafe 2 connectors together, effectively providing the strength of the MagSafe magnet to the Thunderbolt connector

     

    If you have a 3D printer you can download the CAD file here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:221478

    If you want to purchase it directly, you can do it here: http://tinyurl.com/o57jrke

     

    IMG_1027s.JPG

  • by kevinthr,

    kevinthr kevinthr Jan 7, 2014 4:10 PM in response to Benoit Valin
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 7, 2014 4:10 PM in response to Benoit Valin

    You are a god. Would be nice if there were a version to accommodate the magsafe 2 adapter, since that is what I use with my Thunderbolt Display. but I could make this work, I guess…

  • by Benoit Valin,

    Benoit Valin Benoit Valin Jan 7, 2014 4:20 PM in response to kevinthr
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Jan 7, 2014 4:20 PM in response to kevinthr

    Hi,

      Not a god, just an engineer

     

      Yes, this is for the MagSafe 2, I should have specified.

     

      I've updated my first post accordingly.

     

    Thanks.

  • by racb,

    racb racb Feb 10, 2014 7:43 AM in response to hflorez
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 10, 2014 7:43 AM in response to hflorez

    Hi

    just a update on my side. I finally got my machine inot Apple to get my screen fixed and the changed the top case as well (was wondering why) until I got home and connected my Thunderbold cables and guess what they fit so snug and solid now no wiggling arround I even had hard time inserting them so I  guess they were ware of it and fixed so guys not to sure if it is worth it to bring your computer in and ask them to look into it

  • by arbory,

    arbory arbory Feb 25, 2014 10:06 AM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Feb 25, 2014 10:06 AM in response to wslwang

    I have the same issue with a new 2013 rMBP 15 inch.

    The thundernolt connector (with a dvi adpter) seems very loose, but i have no issues loosing the connection, unless i move the MBP.

    This is so apple unlike, feels kind of cheap!

    On the other hand, the USB connector is rock solid, like a connector should be.

     

    my workaround: Put some scotch tape around the connector at the backside. 2 layers on each short side, and 2 layers all around. width only about 3-4 mm, just to thicken the part where the connector touches the aluminium part of the MBP. IMO this way there should be also no complications.

    It feels much more solid this way.

     

    IMG_1577.JPG

    IMG_1580.JPG

  • by kevinthr,

    kevinthr kevinthr Feb 25, 2014 4:42 PM in response to racb
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 25, 2014 4:42 PM in response to racb

    Can anyone else verify this? If this is the case, I am going to go have this done, as I am still within warranty.

  • by wslwang,

    wslwang wslwang Feb 25, 2014 4:45 PM in response to kevinthr
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Feb 25, 2014 4:45 PM in response to kevinthr

    Yes it runs pretty well. I had mine doing this way and I don't see any issue at all. However, tape quality matters. You want to avoid those cheap tapes that easily come off.

  • by kevinthr,

    kevinthr kevinthr Feb 25, 2014 4:47 PM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 25, 2014 4:47 PM in response to wslwang

    Oh sorry, I meant to quote racb. He said:

     

     

    racb wrote:

     

    just a update on my side. I finally got my machine inot Apple to get my screen fixed and the changed the top case as well (was wondering why) until I got home and connected my Thunderbold cables and guess what they fit so snug and solid now no wiggling arround I even had hard time inserting them so I  guess they were ware of it and fixed so guys not to sure if it is worth it to bring your computer in and ask them to look into it

  • by Chad Gooch,

    Chad Gooch Chad Gooch Mar 3, 2014 5:37 PM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 3, 2014 5:37 PM in response to wslwang

    I was having this same problem with the Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter. Super frustrating, since Firewire devices don't like to be plugged back in while the computer is still turned on.

    The solution that worked for me involves reenforcing the connection by using both plugs. If you have any other Thunderbolt/MiniDisplayPort adapters/devices lying around, try tightly taping two connectors together, with some folded paper forming a spacer in between.

    It's not very pretty, but it works well and I havn't had any more problems with loose connections ever since, even when moving the laptop around on the desk.

     

    IMG_0110.JPG

  • by Seychellian,

    Seychellian Seychellian Mar 21, 2014 12:41 AM in response to Chad Gooch
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Mar 21, 2014 12:41 AM in response to Chad Gooch

    Its a bit annoying that i have to do this to a $3000 machine. After having such a great experience with my last MBP (5yrs of solid use and no problems) the Retina Display has been a really disappoint experience. It seems to just be one problem after the next.

     

    photo.JPG

  • by old_salt,

    old_salt old_salt Jun 19, 2014 11:16 AM in response to Benoit Valin
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 19, 2014 11:16 AM in response to Benoit Valin

    Just ordered your product. Hoping it works for a brand new 13" MacBook Pro Retina.

  • by Healz4u,

    Healz4u Healz4u Jul 4, 2014 9:01 PM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Jul 4, 2014 9:01 PM in response to wslwang

    How absolutely annoying that we even have to waste time making up for Apple's oversight! I'm taking my $4,000 Macbook Pro Retina in to the Apple Store. We'll see how far I get.

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