dnrbum
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: my power cord will charge the computer only when i hold it tightly to the computer

Macbook Pro 2009 model - I have gone thru 3 power cords now just in the last months - now it can charge the unit only if I twist the end a small amount and keep pressure on it...

MacBook Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Feb 5, 2016 10:51 AM

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dnrbum

Q: my power cord will charge the computer only when i hold it tightly to the computer

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  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Feb 5, 2016 10:56 AM in response to dnrbum
    Level 10 (188,848 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 5, 2016 10:56 AM in response to dnrbum

    This is the Mac Pro desktop forum. I requested your post be moved to the MacBook Pro laptop forum.

  • by KimUserName,Helpful

    KimUserName KimUserName Feb 5, 2016 12:51 PM in response to dnrbum
    Level 4 (1,400 points)
    Notebooks
    Feb 5, 2016 12:51 PM in response to dnrbum

    Did you find out what was wrong with those power cords?

    Did the problem disappear when you changed power cords?

     

    I came across this video on youtube about someone having problems with his power cord. See what he found. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giGrblbmqZQ

  • by my ginger,

    my ginger my ginger Feb 5, 2016 11:40 AM in response to dnrbum
    Level 4 (2,472 points)
    Feb 5, 2016 11:40 AM in response to dnrbum

    Sorry to hear your having problems with your magsafe adapter. Here is a trouble shooting guide.  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203207

  • by dnrbum,

    dnrbum dnrbum Feb 5, 2016 12:57 PM in response to KimUserName
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 5, 2016 12:57 PM in response to KimUserName

    No the problem did not go away - well it seemed that for both of the new cords they worked for a while - maybe a month, and then started causing problems. I thought perhaps I got the wrong wattage, so I figured that out and got the 60W one. It worked for a while and now is problematic again. I liked the video - it seems like it has a staple in it because when I tilt the connector a bit to one side or press on the back part of it, it will start charging. The light may be on at times, but no charge. Or the light may switch from green to red. Or off. I wonder if the cord I bought - that looks like new - off Amazon - does not have the factory made connector - because it wobbles a bit inside the receptical. But it looks like the normal L style connector. But when I borrowed someone elses cord today it worked perfectly!

  • by KimUserName,

    KimUserName KimUserName Feb 5, 2016 1:47 PM in response to dnrbum
    Level 4 (1,400 points)
    Notebooks
    Feb 5, 2016 1:47 PM in response to dnrbum

    Hi Dnrbum:

     

    Sounds like you have identified the problem to be your power adapter.

    I think it is best to buy an official apple power supply, especially with all the problems you have been having. The magsafe connector has some moveable pins inside and if they stick it can also cause problems.

    Here is a link for the power supplies. Find the right power adapter and cord for your Mac notebook - Apple Support

  • by Rick's Escaping NJ,

    Rick's Escaping NJ Rick's Escaping NJ Feb 5, 2016 2:10 PM in response to dnrbum
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Apple TV
    Feb 5, 2016 2:10 PM in response to dnrbum

    Sometimes it is the simplest things that escape us.  You have probably already done this.  I had some problems with my powering and found that using some compressed gas to clean out the socket helped.  For me, a bit of fuzz prevented a good connection.

     

    It can't hurt, and just may help.