MBP retina 15" 2012 model Thunderbolt connector loose

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

That's right you don't know, and their opinion is not useless. As I detailed above I had exactly this "mechanical problem" also and the NVRAM reset did fix it (much to my surprise). My Thunderbolt connectors are still quite loose as nothing HW-wise has changed but wiggling them no longer causes the issue on my Early 2013 Retina 15-inch MBP. I'm sorry this does not fix the issue for all!

Ok, as I said, I am just telling what I did and what happen for me, for everyone reference.

Are you really a hardware/software expert? Yes the ports seems loose, but can you really sure this disconnecion is a hardware issue, not a software issue?

You gived me a bad-mannered replay. Ok, Then I suggest you never try resetting PRAM.

To others, you guys should try reset PRAM and power off/ power on.

I've the late 2013 15" MBP, and frequently use an external monitor via an HDMI adapter. I've tried piles of the **** things and they're all loose sufficient that typing disturbs the connection and causes the monitor to re-sync/re-connect or not achieve sync at all on either socket. The monitor was recognised which suggests some pins were simply not achieving full contact.

I haven't tried the tape around the male connector but I'm doubtful it'd work so well as even trying to hold the connector in place doesn't help.

What has solved it is a bit fiddly and unnecessarily hardcore: using a thin sharp pointy object (a thread unpicker) you can poke off a bit of the plastic at the front of the male plug (top and bottom between the pins and sheath), leave just enough to seperate the metal sprong pins whilst leaving their ends visible, then poke each of the sprung metal strips so they stand up a little more (carefully but with a bit of force so they're bent just enough to remember).

Problem solved, doesn't matter how loose the plug or socket is as each of the plugs sprung metal connectors now has better contact with the corresponding non-sprung metal contact strips of the MBP's female socket.

I did this on a non-Apple plug, it's possible the Apple ones might use a tougher plastic. If you wanted to do a better job you could then finish off with some epoxy or super glue over the metal ends to keep them in place better but if you get this wrong the connect may be too tight or too loose, and they're a bit tiny to glue one by one. Can't speak for how long it'll last or when it'll need readjusting without the glue. And obviously if you leave two pins touching each other you may short something.

Hi All

I also have a MBPr (mid 2015 15") with loose thunderbolt sockets.

I am a IT support person, and use my machine most days with second display and always with Apple connectors.

i dont think i could do without my laptop as its pivotal from my work.

on my machine, NVRAM rest dose nothing.

i have purchased new adapters and they have not made any difference.

after a bit of reading i have used small bit of tape (masking tape) and this has resolved the lowness and disconnection of the thunderbolt connector

I have also downloaded the 3d model for the misgave connector / thunderbolt connector and will be printing this out soon.

i honestly don't think trying to modify the connector internals is the way to go. to much risk of physical damage that they will charge you for.

I honestly worry about the USB C / thunderbolt3 connectors as i would feel they would be subject to even more damage that existing thunder bolt 1/2 connectors.

just my 2 cents

HI

sorry for the typo

I have a 2012 MBPr 15 inch

any TB connector was dodgy at the best of times...

yesterday i put a small bit of masking tape and this tightened the connector significantly. although i was unhappy as i have seen tape get stuck in connectors before.

i downloaded and adapted a 3d model from thingyverse and now have reliable connection for the first time in years.

http://mmthompson.net/mac/thunderbolt.jpg

Regards Monty

Hey Monty -

That's quite the contraption you got there!!! Glad it works for you.

I just took my rMPB 15" (2015 version) in to Apple for them to hopefully fix / repair it. This laptop is actually a new replacement for my rMBP 15" (2012 version) ... that had the same TB ports issues, along with the ghosting screen issue and a sticky keyboard. I think I got a real lemon with that one!!!

The reason they gave me a new replacement was because they tried twice to fix the TB issue (once by replacing the entire laptop frame cover and the second time replacing the mother / logic board) ... all with no success obviously.

Funny thing is ... my 13" MBA (2012 version) has a TB port and connects just fine. In fact, I can literally pull the MBA across the table with the TB cable connected (that's how snug the fit is) ... though I definitely wouldn't recommend to make a practice doing that!!!

So, to me, it appears to be basically a body / frame design flaw in the 15" MBP.

We'll see if they can fix this properly ... I hope.

I also had a problem with all of my MBP Retina Display ports being loose (thunderbolt, usb, SD). I tried gently poking inside the ports with a toothpick and realized I had a ton of dust and lint clogged inside all the ports. It is difficult to see because it is the same gray color as the laptop. You can use a flashlight to see it better. I kept gently lodging the dust loose and pulling it out. Even when I thought I got all the lint there was still more. I pulled out several clumps and after getting most of it, all the ports respond as they did when the laptop was new, and the connections feel tight again. Not sure if that would help everyone, but it sure seemed to be the issue for me.

I have the same problem. My Thunderbolt Ethernet is useless.. it rarely stays connected. If I bump my desk the screen flickers from the loose fitting Thunderbolt DVI adapter. I am going to send my MacBook Pro Retina back to Apple and see if they have a solution as it's just not acceptable. Total design fail - maybe time for a recall of the whole range?

I'm having the same issue - ethernet adapter is impossible to use and connection to any external hard drives is unreliable enough as to render a backup impossibe. Please let us know if you find a solution.

Same issues here I actually justed posted a post about it, it is very anoying as not only the ethernet keeps disconecting but alos my drives and i do quiet a few live broadcast the video feed coming into the computer keeps disconecting. on the last video broadcast I had to use electrical tape and taped the connectros on the computer and that helps a little. But sometimes just a little wiggle on the connector whithout even removing it disconects the hard drive, video or other device on that port. I have to say sorry for that money we paid that should not be a problem at all , looks like someone got the messurment wrong.

For example on my Gdrive the same cable fits nice and snug and you have to tug for it to come out and it does not wiggle left to right at all. Maybe apple should get their messurments

on another note my SD card reader stopped working as well plus my screann has about 15 dead pixles which means I have to mail it in for repair and have not computer for about 2 weeks or so

Same problem here. Happens mostly with a dual-link DVI to mini-display port adapter, but also with other adapters as well, including the ethernet adapter (all genuine apple products, not 3rd party).

yep, same problem here....it makes it absolutely useless for using at gigs with my firewire sound card (connected via thunderbolt -> firewire adaptor), the **** thing wont stay in place with even the slightest movement....total fail apple, all in all this mbp retina has been the worst quality mac ive owned yet (other problems like slow scrolling, screen burn in, dead pixels &trackpad issues have also popped up from time to time) 😟

I have the very same problem with a new work MBPr. Tried several TB connectors for Video and Ethernet all wobble and intermittently drop connection if the cable is moved slightly or if you move the machine. The network bouncing is causing white screens. On a colleagues Air the same connecters do wobble but don't cause the problem. This says to me it's an issue with the machine. Using USB network in the meantime, the IT dept here are sending it back to Apple for a look. Very poor build quality!