Internal Speaker Issue on MacBook Pro...

[rimrocka07011]

I recently started re-using some Logitech Z-4i's with my MacBook Pro... I used these speakers earlier in the year, and they worked well. I use them again, and they worked well.

But now, after needing to go mobile for the first time since using my speakers again, I have discovered that I get NO SOUND from the INTERNAL SPEAKERS when I am not connecting out to my Logitech speakers. This is quite frustrating... I'm not even able to control the volume (its greyed out when not connected to the externals). When I unplug my line-out from my headphone jack, the headphone jack is glowing red, indicating that it probably still thinks something is plugged in there. I even try to restart the computer, and it makes the startup sound, and then the headphone jack glows again.

Is there anyway that I can reset my sound card? Anything that I can do to fix this? Is this a common occurrence? HELP!

[iMeowbot]

That kind of thing happens when of the tabs inside a phono jack is bent. They can often be fixed with a small pick, but it would be very easy to break them off too. You will want to bring it into the shop if you haven't done that kind of thing before, and the tabs aren't always accessible anyway, especially on the little jacks.

If you haven't yanked a cable or anything like that, it'll probably be covered under the warranty.

If Apple decide that it's not a warranty item for some reason, and that you need a nice new expensive board, you could you a Griffin iMic or something as a replacement.

[TheMonarch]

Seems your 'book is confusing the phono jack with an optical one. On my PowerBook, If I connect my audio using an optical cable, then my volume is grayed out.


The jack glows red because it has a laser in there to sent audio digitally if you were to use an optical cable. Seems your laptop is having trouble telling the difference. Try using a different cable to see if that helps.

[nosen]

Are your sound settings correct in the System Prefs? Mine looks like this:

BTW, should the headphone jack glow red? I don't think mine does that?

[rimrocka07011]

UPDATE: I tried to plug in another audio-out cord (iPod earbuds) into my headphone jack, and once I pulled them out, I got sound from my internal speakers. However, once I plugged back in my internal speakers, the jack still glowed red after I unplugged those... a pretty weird occurrence. After that, I tried plugging in the earbuds again and unplugging them to get sound, but the jack still would glow red when there was nothing plugged into it. Also, my sound settings doesn't list an "Internal Speakers" when my audio-out is plugged in or when it is not. Should I try to get a new audio-out cord for my speakers?

[Counterfit]

Are these speakers hooked up with an optical or headphone jack?

[macman84]

I had the issue described so well in the forum. It began after using a standard set of headphones. Tried resetting the pram. Didn't work. As a last resort I googled "macbook pro stuck digital out" and found this thread. Used a soft small probe gently within the line out jack and out goes the red light of death, and the sound returns from the internal speakers.

Thanks MacRumors

[elsabella]

I came to this forum looking for a solution to the same problem. I tried "tickling" the hole with a hair pin as suggested, and at the same time, I turned ON the "play user interface sound effects" and the "play feedback when volume is changed" boxes in "Sound Effects" in Sound Preferences, and it WORKED! I don't think it was the pin, although it could have been. If my is like me (we seem to become more similar every day) then it's into a little penetration every now and then

YAY! Good luck...

[RussellinBristo]

I used a cable tie, wiggled it about a bit and sound has returned to my life...

[shaneglass]

I had this same issue today, where I had sound through external means (speakers, headphones) but not through the internal speakers. Then I noticed that my headphone jack would glow red when I tried to play sound or fiddle with the volume controls. I had no internal speaker choice in my sound preferences, so I finally googled the problem, which lead me to here.

I tried fiddling with the trigger (using a paperclip bent straight), which I think is visible on the bottom part of the headphone jack. After a few seconds of fiddling, the light went off and I had sound again. I plugged in some speakers to see if it was a temporary fix, and it seems to be going good for now. If I have any recurring problems, I will definitely try to get it repaired. And no, I haven't been forceful with my jacks. I got my 15" MBP 2.16GHz for about $500 through those advertisements (from a company called Nuitech), and I baby her!!

[frizzonk]

My boss came to me with this problem yesterday on his 15" MacBook Pro, complete with the red light glowing. Good old Google found this thread for me.

I was skeptical about inserting paper clips or other things into his MBP, especially if it was turned on... So I took a pair of headphones and plugged/unplugged them 4 or 5 times and problem solved (at least for now...).

You people on the MacRumors Forums Rock !!

Thanx All !

[Erasmus®]

hi guys, is there a way to turn off the initial sound o my mbp? I noticed it's palyed also if I have loudspeakers plugged in. It isn't played if I had previously muted my machine. But I would like to know if there's a way to avoid that sound without keeping my machine muted. Thx

[tmischuk@myblue]

Hi,

I had a 2 month long problem with the internal speakers not working. Used a bobby pin gently prodding all the way down the audio jack on the left side (note red light on). Tried once, no luck, tried again tapping at the bottom and viola success. In future careful with plugging in external speakers - the bobby pin solved the issue.

[vulcanville]

I went through the trouble of making an account just to thank you guys. I used a sewing pin running it along various parts of the wall of the headphone jack. I think the spot was on the lower left of the hole.

I thought I would write down the key words for others to find this forum:
MacBook Pro sound no output internal speakers stuck digital audio red light headphone jack.

Thanks a bunch.
Rob

[mac loud]

Defiantly a phone jack port issue, i got that red laser light people described and wiggled a headphone jack halfway-in the port a few times, the red light inside the jack socket went off and my internal speakers came on again....

..... the wierd thing is, i was in the mac shop a while ago when i was in for something else, and someone was in the queue ahead of me with the same 17'' macbokpro with same problem exactly.....
must be a common screw up.

i vote RECALL & upgrade, the laser nearly blinded me! ;-)

[kismoore]

... am I the only one that feels like a virgin invading the headphone jack with a paper clip??!!
This is my baby. I have the extended coverage plan.
I followed through with the suggestion of penetration anyway, and it worked!
You guys are the best! A little hard to find for newbies searching the internet for help, but never the less...YOU ROCK!

[squattyroo]

To get my light off, I simply took the culprit headphones and ran the tip along the bottom of the input port until the light turned off (the switch is apparently on the bottom). Took two seconds.

[pgould]

This digital output / red light issue happened for me recently, too -- out of the blue -- with my MacBook Pro. In looking around online for information, I saw one post that recommended just blowing into the audio out port. Although doing so might seem weird and "magical" (just like photographers asking kids to "blow out" the light), it worked for me. It took a couple blows, and I'd sure like to know what about the air pressure or moisture make this work.

[chite85]

Upon finding this thread I used the recommended headphone jack to disable the 'red laser light' to regain function of the internal speakers. After gently wiggling the jack around I discovered that the key is to run the jack along the lower left part applying modest pressure.

Problem solved!! Thanks for all the tips above !

[kbt22]

I have been having this persistent red light issue with non-functioning internal speakers for about a month now. I took my Macbook in to a repair store today and was told that the issue IS under warranty (within the first year), and that they would replace the logic board, a repair that would normally cost $800 if it weren't covered. However, the repair would take a week. Unfortunately my use of this computer for work makes a week without it impossible. The technician also said something very interesting; "there is no switch; the logic board needs to be replaced."

I have a Macbook (circa June 2007), and I found that the "switch" was located in a different spot than most were reporting. I used my headphone jack to gently massage the inside "roof" of the port. I found an indentation, that appeared it could be a switch, roughly a centimeter or less inside the port on the top (meaning the side closest to the keyboard). After a few tries, the red light blinked a bit and turned back on. Tried again... After 6 or 7 attempts the blinking subsided and the light turned off! My speakers again worked, but I have noticed that the red light still blinks in a pattern of 3 short, faint blinks every once and a while. After a few minutes, the red light was back!!!! OH NO! I "fixed" it again. It is still functioning for now, but it seems that this "switch" idea may just be a mechanical result of jiggling the port around and causing a loose connection to work on a temporary basis. I would recommend taking it to a certified Mac repair shop and having it fixed under warranty, but for those who are left to jiggle, good luck!!!

I hope this is of some help to others.

Cheers,

[Kiko Deutsch]

Hi,

I already jiggled, danced and prayed, but nothing. I'm taking it to the authorized "repair show" to see if they can fix it without having to change the whole logic board... I'm probably going to be disappointed again. It is ridiculous that such a simple thing has a such drastic solution. It's like using a tank to kill an ant. Better luck for everybody.

[webdoyenne]

I, too, went through the trouble of setting up an account just to say thanks. The Apple website was useless for this problem. I did a web search, and this thread was the first thing to pop up. (Maybe Apple should use the Google search engine.)

Stuck a soft cable tie into the scary red glowing output jack and...the light went away and...the internal speakers came back on.

You guys rock!

[Virginia.Simmon]

I just swiped the bottom of the jack with my headphones plug and the light went off in a few seconds. It was incredibly easy and this chain was really helpful. I registered on macrumors just so I could thank you.

Happy Mac-ing!
Ginny

[honorroller]

like the person who posted before me, i too would like to say thanks for this thread!

i was in a coffee shop and left in a hurry during closing hours and must've swiped out my headphones from the jack a little too fast. upon coming home i noticed the red light and the painful sound of silence coming from my macbook pro.

i immediately found the thread and stuck my headphone jack back in jostled the plug towards the screen, and instantly sound came pouring thru my interal speakers. thank you so much! i was sooo worried!

i was just wondering, when you have to bring it in to get this issue fixed at the mac store and replacing parts is involved, do you need to back up your hd before you send it in?

*i know it is a always a good idea to back up your hd... but i love the way i have all my programs and things set up... it would be a real pain!

just curious, in the event that i may have to go in one day

*** BE CAREFUL UNPLUGGING YOUR SPEAKERS! ***

[floetzinger]

thanks to all of you guys. I had this digital-output and no internal speakers but redlight problem.
I cleaned (or touched) the inside of headphone jack. et voila.

thanks.