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User profile for user: elleaux61
elleaux61 Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Yellowing MacPro charger cable:

I have a progressively Yellowing MacBook Pro charger cable (transformer sides and the magnetic end), and it gets untouchably hot, easily, especially if I am doing certain activities: playing simple games, streaming a movie, watching YouTube. I have tried using different outlets with no difference.

FYI: My laptop is ventilated underneath when in use, and the entire cable is always in open air.


Why is this happening? (Something not right with the load on the cable?)

Does it indicate a problem?


Is this immediately dangerous? (I will guess at some point yes)


Is my MacBook Pro incurring any harm with this situation?


How can this be prevented?


I would like to understand what's going on.


As a precaution, I am purchasing a second cable.


Thank you for the insights and answers.

Posted on Jan 24, 2019 1:57 PM

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User profile for user: Tesserax
Tesserax
User level: Level 10
153,168 points

Posted on Jan 24, 2019 3:07 PM

The yellowing cable may not be an issue. However, the cable or the charger should never get "too hot to touch." They can get considerably warm, especially when the battery level is below 10% while initially charging.


Since you state that the cable is getting too hot to touch, there may be an issue with any of the following:

  • Bad cable
  • Bad charger
  • Bad battery
  • Bad logic board


I suggest starting by doing the following:


If the issue still persists, I would suggest replacing both the charger and cable with new ones directly from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. Do not get third-party equivalents for either of these.


Next would be to replace the battery. Your notebook is still support by Apple. I would suggest that you make a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider and have them provide you with what options are available to you.

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User profile for user: Tesserax
Tesserax
User level: Level 10
153,168 points

Jan 24, 2019 3:07 PM in response to elleaux61

The yellowing cable may not be an issue. However, the cable or the charger should never get "too hot to touch." They can get considerably warm, especially when the battery level is below 10% while initially charging.


Since you state that the cable is getting too hot to touch, there may be an issue with any of the following:

  • Bad cable
  • Bad charger
  • Bad battery
  • Bad logic board


I suggest starting by doing the following:


If the issue still persists, I would suggest replacing both the charger and cable with new ones directly from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. Do not get third-party equivalents for either of these.


Next would be to replace the battery. Your notebook is still support by Apple. I would suggest that you make a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider and have them provide you with what options are available to you.

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User profile for user: Tesserax
Tesserax
User level: Level 10
153,168 points

Jan 24, 2019 3:32 PM in response to elleaux61

One tiny query: the magnet came unglued from my original charger cable "L" end. I have been leery of internet ideas for reattaching it. That is the reason I had purchased a second cable. Any advice?

You're very welcome and thanks for hanging in there with me.


I think your concern is warranted. My guess is that using too much glue or the wrong type of glue may act as an additional form of insulation that won't let any heat transfer through and just cause more issues. Getting the second cable is always a good idea, even if it just for a spare.

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User profile for user: elleaux61
elleaux61 Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Jan 24, 2019 2:46 PM in response to Tesserax

I have a mid 2012 15" MacBook Pro

The cable is not the original charger cable, but it is an Apple brand, though not purchased directly through Apple. About 2.5 years ago the battery and hard drive were replaced by Apple. The replacement drive increased my memory. Here are my machines spec:

Running Mojave, updated

Processor: 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7

Memory: 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M 512 MB, Intel HD Graphics 4000 1536 MB


Most of my 1 TB memory is free.

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User profile for user: elleaux61
elleaux61 Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Jan 24, 2019 3:16 PM in response to Tesserax

Thank you so much , Tesserax, for taking the time to help me out so quickly and with very helpful answers and guidance! I will be following your advice this evening.


One tiny query: the magnet came unglued from my original charger cable "L" end. I have been leery of internet ideas for reattaching it. That is the reason I had purchased a second cable. Any advice?

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Yellowing MacPro charger cable:

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