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Stuck Jack cable piece in MacBook

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didites2 -  
 tams -
Hello,

I have a problem with the jack socket on my white MacBook running Mac OS 10.5.7.

While vacuuming, I accidentally pulled out the two cables connected to my computer: the power plug (which is fine) and the jack cable connected to my amp. A piece of the jack plug got stuck inside.

Since then, I can still listen to sound from my amp using the same cable as it connects with the piece inside (which isn't great because there are connection issues), but the sound from the computer speakers doesn't work; it tells me that I can't change the volume.

In the system preferences, it shows that I can't change the volume of the device. I’ve looked on forums talking about toothpicks and red diodes, but I have this stuck piece blocking the way.
I've tried to remove it in every possible way, at least the ones I could think of.

What’s strange is that when I turn on the computer, it emits the startup sound.

So I have several questions: how can I tell the computer to ignore the device and make the internal speakers work? I know it’s probably impossible because of the infamous diode.

Next, how can I physically remove the piece? I've tried all sorts of things; Apple doesn’t cover this otherwise it’s a motherboard replacement and all that.

I’m at a dead end. I’ve seen wireless systems that allow sound transmission via USB dongles, but that doesn’t solve the internal speaker issue.

I’m open to any suggestions....

Thank you in advance.
Configuration: Mac OS X Safari 530.19

11 answers

  1. Mozar
     
    I just managed to save $1400 for the motherboard replacement of a MacBook Pro bought a month ago due to the same issue.
    If Apple or the jewelers haven't succeeded, and the solution of putting glue on a matchstick seems more than dubious, the ultimate solution for me was to burn the plastic end of the ink tube of a regular Bic with a lighter, point it by shaping it while still hot, burn the tip again, and firmly attach it while still hot onto the stuck jack, while making sure the plastic doesn't melt into the socket.
    You just have to wait for the plastic to dry and pull on the pen to finally solve this problem!
    39
    1. hermes_14
       
      Me too, I had the same thing happen to me but on my iPhone.
      I didn't need to melt the Bic pen tube, I just pushed it onto the part and removed it all!
      Thanks for the tip and thanks Bic!
      0
    2. Llabubuche
       
      The Bic worked perfectly !!!!!!!
      PHEW I just need to find a jack for my speakers now :'(
      0
    3. delgado
       
      Same here & thanks for the help!!!! Very useful
      0
    4. Floz
       
      Thank you for the tip, the melted pen finally worked after a few attempts and I was at least able to save my iPod! Thank you!
      0
    5. Kikoulol
       
      Hooray, thanks for the tip!
      0
  2. slim92
     
    Is it the pen tip or the ink reservoir?

    I have the same problem with my iPod touch.

    I’m desperate, Apple wouldn’t repair it for me :O

    Please.
    4
    1. ano
       
      I succeeded with a tiny screwdriver whose tip I heated, pushed into my stuck jack. The plastic melted, I let it cool for six seconds and pulled gently at an angle, and the entire stuck jack tip, plastic and metal, came out like magic!
      0
  3. Twolovers Posted messages 1 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
     
    Otherwise, a simpler solution: we screw a mini screwdriver onto the stuck jack and then pull, it comes out on its own!
    4
    1. Mat
       
      What is a "chignole"? I've had the same problem for 20 minutes, I could almost cry......... HELP!
      0
  4. didites2
     
    Sure

    Thank you, so I already had the idea of using a magnet but there are 2 obstacles:

    I’m worried about damaging my motherboard behind, but then again the charger’s connector is magnetic on Mac...

    I’ve never found a magnet small enough to retrieve the tip.

    I will look for a neodymium magnet, but if you could enlighten me, I would be very grateful.

    Thank you.
    2
    1. Lisa
       
      Merci beaucoup pour l'astuce, j'avais le même souci pour mon iPhone 5. J'attendais depuis 3 jours, puis finalement votre astuce a marché. Je n'ai même pas eu le temps de brûler le bout du bic, j'ai juste repris le plastique du bic, je l'ai enfoncé et ça a marché. Je vous remercie énormément.
      0
    2. iyguh
       
      thank you I did the same without burning it a big thank you for this super simple tip thank you thank you thank you!!!!
      0
    3. Eywanira
       
      Hello everyone,
      Same for me: I'm having the same issue with my iPhone. I used the ink tube from a Bic, without heating it, and the stuck piece came out immediately.
      Thank you for this excellent tip.
      1
    4. Ansophiee
       
      Thank you 1000 x
      0
  6. chachalavainqueur
     
    To remove a jack cable piece from your computer, take the end of a shoelace (the small plastic-tipped end), put some "super glue 3" on just the tip, insert it into the hole, hold it for about 3 minutes, then pull it out!!
    Good luck
    1
  7. mot2304
     
    Thank you guys!!!
    Incredible! I was at the bottom of the pit!!!
    A true Mike Giver! It worked!!!
    Thanks
    0
  8. Franzouille Posted messages 47 Status Member 2
     
    Ahahahaha
    "While vacuuming, I pulled out the 2 cables connected to my computer, namely the power plug (so no worries there) and the jack cable connected to my amplifier. A piece of the jack plug got stuck inside."
    You really made me laugh! Good luck anyway :p
    0
  9. gardengnome
     
    Hi everyone, I just executed the trick way too hastily, the plastic overflowed everywhere and the outlet is completely blocked U_U is there a solution to my problem which is even more serious?
    Thank you
    0
    1. mamouth
       
      same - - ' FML
      0
    2. Pierre
       
      It also works with some fixative putty!
      0
    3. gardengnome
       
      yeah well, right now, the plastic is as hard as iron :/
      0
    4. pierre
       
      After trying for quite some time with the pen, I just took a cotton swab (a pen tip should also work) and gently pushed it in by tapping with a small hammer. The cotton swab got lodged in the stuck jack, and I was able to pull it out :)
      Hang in there, if this can help someone, that's great.
      0
    5. charli
       
      thank youuuuu
      0
  10. SO
     
    Great move with the Bic, I didn't even need to melt the plastic!! In two minutes the problem was solved, thank youuuu :D
    0
    1. tom23
       
      Hi! I don't understand which part of the pen I need to take..
      0
  11. Antiqu€ Posted messages 311 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   76
     
    So you mean there's the end of the jack inside??
    You need to turn off your PC, take a neodymium magnet, and pull out the stuck plug.

    A 5 kg pull magnet costs a few euros, it will be cheaper than getting it repaired lol.
    -1
    1. mamouth
       
      Overall, it could risk damaging the internal hard drive!
      0
    2. Spark13
       
      The pen trick isn't great for me because every time a little piece of the grip comes out, but well, I'm used to it; I'm unlucky at heart.
      0
  12. slim92
     
    I'm so happy, thank you so much for the advice, I SUCCEEDED!!!!

    THANK YOU to you Mozar :)
    -1