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wslwang Author

Level 1

4 points

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

Top-ranking reply

ninjadude9

Level 1

52 points

Posted on Nov 29, 2013 8:54 AM

Congrats on finding a solution to your problem, but I doubt this will work for most of those here. I've reset NVRAM (PRAM is for older, PowerPC Macs) a few times for other issues since I first noticed my Thunderbolt port losing connectivity if jiggled, and that problem has remained consistent.

Just yesterday I reset NVRAM to help diagnose an issue with my screen, and can verify that the port that has been a problem still loses connectivity with my Apple Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, Apple DVI Adapter, and Apple Dual-link DVI Adapter.

Therefore, for myself and most here, this is not a software issue. Anyways, a software problem wouldn't explain something that occurrs when a cord is jiggled. Unless there's some sensor that is reporting to the machine that the signal should be cut even though a connection could be maintained, which wouldn't make any sense.

Good to know that some, however, might find some level of solution by resetting NVRAM

View in context

82 replies

Dec 12, 2013 7:12 AM in response to wslwang

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gnbg23s1Oc

hflorez

Level 1

8 points

Dec 13, 2013 4:34 AM in response to Seychellian

Thank you for sharing this.

I see your frustration. Understandable.

Although an idea that works, one must be careful with possible damage to the receptacle caused by glue or debris buildup. The connector's temperature can be high enough to melt the tape.

I have preferred the external solution using masking tape, elastic bands or velcro.

Dec 13, 2013 4:49 AM in response to hflorez

I have preferred the external solution using masking tape, elastic bands or velcro.

How does this work?

hflorez

Level 1

8 points

Dec 15, 2013 8:10 AM in response to Seychellian

I just glued a piece of velcro (soft half) at the bottom of the MacBookPro - near the edge - and attached a velcro strip to the cable, close to the connector. When I plug the Thunderbolt cable, I attach the two pieces of velco, giving some tension to the strip coming from the cable. This gives ridgidity to the connection. It is cumbersome and inconvenient but it works.

I ended up gluing another piece of velcro at the other end of the computer to keep it leveled.

The two solutions appear effective. Both are equally embarrassing, especially given the price of these units.

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...

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.

hflorez

Level 1

8 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.

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

kevinthr

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…

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.

racb

Level 1

15 points

Feb 10, 2014 7:43 AM in response to hflorez

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

arbory

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.

kevinthr

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.

wslwang Author

Level 1

4 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.

kevinthr

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

MBP retina 15" 2012 model Thunderbolt connector loose