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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 réponses

Réponse 1 / 11
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
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
Llabubuche
 
The Bic worked perfectly !!!!!!!
PHEW I just need to find a jack for my speakers now :'(
0
delgado
 
Same here & thanks for the help!!!! Very useful
0
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
Kikoulol
 
Hooray, thanks for the tip!
0
Réponse 2 / 11
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
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
Réponse 3 / 11
Twolovers Posted messages 1 Registration date   Status Membre 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
Mat
 
What is a "chignole"? I've had the same problem for 20 minutes, I could almost cry......... HELP!
0
Réponse 4 / 11
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
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
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
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
Ansophiee
 
Thank you 1000 x
0
Réponse 5 / 11
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
Réponse 6 / 11
mot2304
 
Thank you guys!!!
Incredible! I was at the bottom of the pit!!!
A true Mike Giver! It worked!!!
Thanks
0
Réponse 7 / 11
Franzouille Posted messages 47 Status Membre 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
Réponse 8 / 11
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
mamouth
 
same - - ' FML
0
Pierre
 
It also works with some fixative putty!
0
gardengnome
 
yeah well, right now, the plastic is as hard as iron :/
0
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
charli
 
thank youuuuu
0
Réponse 9 / 11
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
tom23
 
Hi! I don't understand which part of the pen I need to take..
0
Réponse 10 / 11
Antiqu€ Posted messages 311 Registration date   Status Membre 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
mamouth
 
Overall, it could risk damaging the internal hard drive!
0
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
Réponse 11 / 11
slim92
 
I'm so happy, thank you so much for the advice, I SUCCEEDED!!!!

THANK YOU to you Mozar :)
-1