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 AJH205,

    AJH205 AJH205 Nov 30, 2013 3:38 AM in response to ninjadude9
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Nov 30, 2013 3:38 AM in response to ninjadude9

    I second your comment ninjadude9 - resetting the NVRAM does NOT resolve this issue for me (I just tried it again for the **** of it).  The scorched burn marks around my faulty thunderbolt connector are proof that this is a hardware issue and that something has definitely fried on the socket or logic board to make this connector inoperable.  So the original complaint still stands that the thunderbolt connectors are poorly designed, loose and prone to poor connections, short circuiting and eventual failure.

     

    I still haven't got around to putting mine in for service, but will report back the Apple service results when I have.

  • by hflorez,

    hflorez hflorez Nov 30, 2013 3:17 PM in response to AJH205
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 30, 2013 3:17 PM in response to AJH205

    This issue has a mechanical component. The design of both Thunderbolt ports as well as both USB ports in this MacBookPro model is poor. The receptacles of these four ports do not offer sufficient grip to keep the connectors in place, when cables are subject to minor tension or slight motion, normally tolerated by other notebooks, including all other MacBookPro models I have tested.

     

    The consequences of this defect can vary from simple data losses caused by disrupted communication between the computer and devices connected through any of these ports, to electric short caused by poor contact in the powered terminals. The risk of fire, although limited by the low voltage of the terminals, should not be ignored.

     

    I have had numerous iterations with Apple about this issue. The technical group recognizes that the MacBookPro of this model are not working properly. However, they have no resources to fix the problem. They have replaced parts in one of my machines twice with no success. Even after replacing the MacBookPro with a brand new one, the issue remains unresolved.

     

    Apple Customer Support has escalated the issue to Engineering. After several weeks of discussions with the Technical group and reviews of this thread and other customer complaints, they responded verbally (they have refused to respond in writing) indicating that the ports of the MacBookPro Retina display model are within specifications. Disappointedly, they have offered no proper alternative.

     

    In my opinion, the issue is evident and Apple must address it. Because it affects more users of Thunderbolt devices and this connectivity technology is not widely used, the number of complaints may still be insufficient to grant a serious effort from Apple to address the issue. Obviously this situation is likely to change as Thunderbolt becomes more popular.

     

    My recommendation to every MacBookPro owner experiencing this issue is to report it to Apple through the nearest Genius bench, bringing a copy of this thread and demanding a permanent fix.

     

    In the meantime, have some electric or masking tape handy to keep your cables safely attached to your computer. Despite the Flintstonic look and the inconvenience, this solution is less painful than trying to convince Apple engineers that their product has a design defect.

     

    Hopefully the next MacBookPro generation will have this issue addressed.

     

    Good luck!

  • by wslwang,

    wslwang wslwang Nov 30, 2013 9:54 PM in response to hflorez
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Nov 30, 2013 9:54 PM in response to hflorez

    hflorez is right. Everyone needs to speak up and bring their MBP to Apple store to address this issue. I don't think Apple has ability to fix this issue, it's the vendor that makes those plugs.

     

    My MBP is out of warranty so I open up the back cover, adjust the logic board. Making some position adjustment to let enclosure hold my connector. It's been working fine that way but I am pretty surprise the laptop I paid 3000 dollars quality is no difference between those laptops under 500 dollars. More than that, Apple store has "NO IDEA" how to fix it, just like those 500 dollars computers I can buy in Walmart.

     

    Unless they fix this problem, otherwise I will not buy or suggest anyone Apple products again.

  • by ThinkingQuest,

    ThinkingQuest ThinkingQuest Dec 1, 2013 3:33 AM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 1, 2013 3:33 AM in response to wslwang

    ninjadude9,

     

    My macbook is early 2013 rmbp 15.   I don't what PRAM and NVRAM means.   I reset PRAM by power off and then press and hold the command, option, P and R keys. 

     

    I thought it didn't work at first.   Then I power off and went to sleep.   The 2nd day I found the problem is gone.   It doesn't disconnect any more.

     

    That what I did and seen.  for you guys reference.

  • by wslwang,

    wslwang wslwang Dec 2, 2013 6:16 PM in response to ThinkingQuest
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Dec 2, 2013 6:16 PM in response to ThinkingQuest

    I don't know resetting PRAM and NVRAM can fix "connector loose" mechanical issue. If you read the discussion title, we are talking about a "mechanical issue" that cables cannot connect to ports securely. There is nothing to do with resetting PRAM and NVRAM firmware level. Your opinion is useless.

  • by DarrenR26,

    DarrenR26 DarrenR26 Dec 2, 2013 9:12 PM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 2, 2013 9:12 PM in response to wslwang

    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!

  • by kevinthr,

    kevinthr kevinthr Dec 3, 2013 4:36 AM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 3, 2013 4:36 AM in response to wslwang

    Finally, more people are at least talking about/acknowledging this issue…I literally bought a brand new late 2013 rMBP solely because I was hoping that this design flaw had been fixed. Nope—Still the exact same. I use a Thunderbolt Display, and I basically just repeatedly have my I/O board (a board on the left side of the rMBP which has all of the left-side ports, including Thunderbolt, on it) replaced by the Apple Store. I just have to wait until the issue becomes severe enough that I can be certain that it can be easily recreated in front of a genius bar employee.

     

    I believe the issue is due to a combination of poor/loose port design, and heat expansion, where over time, heat and movement combine to loosen up something in the port. Every time, the issue just get worse, and worse, and worse, increasing in severity.

     

    I just want to be able to use my Thunderbolt Display without feeling anxious. My setup would be so perfect if Thunderbolt actually worked. I've been dealing with this issue ever since the first retina Macbook Pro came out. When I end up bringing this one to the Apple Store to get fixed, I'll be sure to make it very clear how severe and consistent of an issue that this is. I may even show them this thread. I encourage anyone else to do the same.

  • by ThinkingQuest,

    ThinkingQuest ThinkingQuest Dec 4, 2013 3:30 AM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 4, 2013 3:30 AM in response to wslwang

    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.

  • by wslwang,

    wslwang wslwang Dec 4, 2013 9:25 PM in response to ThinkingQuest
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Dec 4, 2013 9:25 PM in response to ThinkingQuest

    I am not going to reply any of the resetting NVRAM comment in the future, it’s just jumping to conclusion for this issue. Fix the Physical issue first then move on to Data-Link. No data will be transferred correctly without a solid physical connection. I have several co-workers need to setup fiber switches and SAN devices that mount on the top of racks. Having a hand holding laptop computer and the other hand typing configuration command leaves no extra hand to hold a cable that is connecting to a thunderbolt or USB port. I have seen one of the guy’s cable drops during FOS upgrade for fiber switch. The grip of thunderbolt port simply cannot hold the weight of single cable. I also have seen thunderbolt cable pops out just because a guy try to move his monitor a little. If we can get the physical issue corrected, that’s when NVRAM reset comes in play.

     

    I have helped some people in my team to do some improvement of this issue. Check the steps down below and give me some comments or the problem you have during this fix. If you like to reset NVRAM all day long to fix this issue you are feel free to do so. If anyone has other way to improve this issue please also share with us. I would love to see people stop getting frustrated because cable keeps popping out. If you find this fix doesn’t work for you please let me know. I can figure something out for you.

     

     

    Here is the link for picture I took. It’s not perfect so let me know if you have any question.

    https://plus.google.com/104812454158430873914/posts?banner=pwa

     

    Background:

    So the reason why I am seeing cable loose because the connector is unable to provide sufficient grip. If you turn the female connector to you and look straight into it, you will see there are 2 little “metal plates” that hold your cable which is located on the top and bottom of connector. What I am trying to do is to create some grip on the male connector side.

     

    1. 1. Getting following items: (see picture 1). A tape, ruler, office knife, paint brush (you can get it in Walmart or hobby store), Epoxy glue and a connector that belongs to you. The reason why I use Epoxy glue because it’s hard enough to hold some weight and also soft enough not to break your female connector. DO NOT USE SUPER GLUE! Remember to pick Epoxy glue that works for metal.

     

    1. 2. Cut the tape into a strip around 5mm wide.

     

    1. 3. Tape it on your male connector. You want to leave 1mm from the tip of male connector. There may be a hole on the connector. The hole is 1mm from the top so it’s a very good reference for you to put your tape. (Picture 3)

     

    1. 4. See picture 4. This is the front side of male connector. I leave

    1mm space for Epoxy glue.

     

     

    1. 5. Mix your glue and get some on your paint brush (picture 5,6)

     

    1. 6. Apply the glue on the tip of connector. You want to do both side.

     

    1. 7. Leave it for 1 hour then remove the tape. Be careful the glue is still wet so don’t touch it. Then leave for 24 hours.

     

    1. 8. Picture 8 - Do not proceed this step if your laptop still in warranty or you don’t feel comfortable doing it.

    This is the little “plate” that holds the connector if you see the picture. I bend it a little to increase the grip. Some people in my company don’t own adapters and this will help them a lot. You may want to do other side as well.

     

    1. 9. After 24 hours, the glue is dry and ready to do the work for you (Picture 9 and 10).

     

     

     

    I also wrote an instruction to replace thunderbolt connector which will involved heat gun and some SMT component soldering technique. I don’t think it’s worth people’s time to read it since there is no easy way to get a replacement thunderbolt connector unless someone has friend work for the connector manufacture (Foxconn I guess).  But if anyone interested I would consider to share as well.

  • by racb,

    racb racb Dec 5, 2013 5:27 AM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 5, 2013 5:27 AM in response to wslwang

    I agree with your post that it is not a software issue when you have a loose connection. Tried it so many times to reset the things mentioned and it just does not work for me, The fact is the cables have a loose fitting and are able to be easily pulled out. I lost a hard drive due that as it always disconeted. just shifting the macbook a bit drops the connection. I lost 2 live broadcasts as the enthernet adaptor cam out slightly. If you all have a chance try to use an older mac my co worker has a 17 inch Early 2011 version and the same cables are sitting in snug and solid.  on my live broadcasts i have to tape the connector with electrical tape so they do not move, now that looks nice and is a good advertisng for Mac all my Windows friend laugh about that that a US$3000 computer needs electrical tape to secure a cable.  Apple really should look into that .

     

    it is sad to say but my mac book has been a disapointment from the start ( I think i mentioned it already in an earlier post) from dead pixels on the screen to not working SD Card reader, mousepad is acting up and just a few days  ago a black spot looking like dust appeard behind the screen and on the lower left i have another screen issue. and my mac is not even one year old , and it is sad to see that even with the newer models the same connecction issue is still there. I know some might say bring it in for repair, trust me if I could i would but my next Apple store is a few thousand miles away and if I would ship my mac book to them i would be out of a computer for more then 4 weeks which i can not afford.

     

    anyway i am gettin sidetracked here. I think the main reason we are not getting more posts on that issue is that most users proable do not even use the connectros as thunderbold drives are not that cheap and most proable use the USB connectros which seem to work ok or say better then the thunderbold connection.

     

    lets hope one of the apple guys see those posts and they can address that issue but is probabl to expensive to fix as the molds are proably done and would take a lot of money to change it.

  • by akpakbar,

    akpakbar akpakbar Dec 5, 2013 6:19 PM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 5, 2013 6:19 PM in response to wslwang

    Just tried this idea when I saw WSLWANG's post last night and I must say it resolved the issue I have for  months! I did go to Genius bar for this problem but they wanted me to leave my MBP for 7 days which was impossible to me. Resetting PRAM doesn't work for me at all. People at Genius Bar looked at me weird when I brought this resetting PRAM idea up. They did explain to me the purpose of resetting PRAM but I am not a computer guy. It's like another forgien language to me.

     

    I now understand the reason why  "let it sit for 24 hours". The glue actually fall off when I was impatient

     

    I don't mean to start a fight or something, but I don't feel any of his replay is bad-mannered. Just have to accept people tell you "dude, you are wrong". In fact, the idea that WSLWANG provide shows he is a real expert. That's my opinion.

     

    Thanks again for the idea.

     

    Akbar

  • by Seychellian,

    Seychellian Seychellian Dec 12, 2013 7:12 AM in response to wslwang
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Dec 12, 2013 7:12 AM in response to wslwang
  • by hflorez,

    hflorez hflorez Dec 13, 2013 4:34 AM in response to Seychellian
    Level 1 (0 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.

  • by Seychellian,

    Seychellian Seychellian Dec 13, 2013 4:49 AM in response to hflorez
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    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?

  • by hflorez,

    hflorez hflorez Dec 15, 2013 8:10 AM in response to Seychellian
    Level 1 (0 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.

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