sound output keeps changing

Question

SebernC Author

Level 1

8 points

sound output keeps changing

Basic info:

Not using any external speakers or headphones.

Using an ancient but up to date Mac.

Issue:

My speakers are cutting in and out for no apparent reason. After researching the issue here, I discovered that the computer is switching back and forth from internal speakers to headphones for the sound output.

What I've done so far:

I tried what I was comfortable doing - plugging in headphones, then unplugging them. blowing air into the ports. using a q-tip on the ports gently. That works for a while, then it does it again. I can't just take it to an Apple store, because I live in a remote part of Mexico. I don't know doodly about how computers work, so if your suggestion involves writing code or something equally technical, I'm gonna be confused & lookin' for links to detailed instructions.

Thank you in advance!

Cindy

Posted on Aug 23, 2017 8:58 PM

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Answer 1

SebernC Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 24, 2017 6:52 AM in response to DonH49

I'm not technically inclined. Just an ordinary human that uses computers. So I don't understand most of what you just told me.

What is a pram? Where is the battery for it, and what kind of battery does it take? If that doesn't work, how do I zap it? If that fails, how do i do an SMC reset?

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Answer 2

DonH49

Level 6

16,716 points

Aug 24, 2017 6:27 AM in response to SebernC

One of these will correct the problem: change pram battery if you can, most likely the root cause. Secondly zap the pram and thirdly do an SMC reset. If pram battery needs changed then the last two will not do much to solve the problem.

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Answer 3

Johnb-one

Level 6

9,180 points

Aug 27, 2017 1:19 PM in response to SebernC

Okay, SebernC, maybe I can help out ( a bit). pram is just one of those thing. The battery for it is one of those flat button batteries and it should be on the logic board (the main or motherboard) somewhere. zapping the pram is EZ:

just restart your computer, and hold down these keys in order : Apple (or command) key, Option key, "P" key and "R" key, hold them down all together until the Mac restarts 3 times (3 bongs) then let 'em go and let the machine start up as per usual. If you want to reset the SMC, at least on a desktop mac, depending on the vintage... just remove the power cord from the back. I usually hold down the power button, but that may not do much....or it may, I dunno.... anyways, after about a minute, plug the power cord back into the back of the Mac, and restart it. I'd suggest messing around with Audio MIDI to change the output to Line out for good, or checking on system preferences, then Sound, but one thing at a time, right??

John B

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Answer 4

SebernC Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 27, 2017 1:29 PM in response to Johnb-one

OK, I will try zapping it first. Not quite ready to go opening up the machine yet. Then I'll try unplugging the power cord from the back. Thank you so much!

Side note: I'm noticing that it's not a frequent occurrence. Hasn't happened today (yet) at all, and now that I'm thinking back, I think it only happened once or twice yesterday. I don't know what that might signify, but I figured it was worth mentioning.

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