Mac disconnects (and reconnects) external display when moved or pushed on

[hyperipod]

Hello,

I have a 15" 2010 MacBook Pro I'm using with a mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter to connect to an external display.

It's been a while since I connected any display but today it's been acting really oddly because it will disconnect (and reconnect sometimes) the external display when:

-I apply a bit of pressure below or to the left of the keyboard or pretty much anywhere on the Mac
-When I hit my beloved laptop (not too hard though, of cooooouuuuuurse)

I don't suspect the problem is related to the adapter or the VGA cable because I tried it with a 2013 MacBook Air and everything was working perfectly.

Any idea what's wrong and what I can do?

 

[DeltaMac]

Try a different mDP to VGA adapter.

 

[hyperipod]

Try a different mDP to VGA adapter.

Well I don't have a lot of them hanging around.. (only 1, actually)

LOL I FIXED IT!

I put a post it right over the mini displayport adapter over the motherboard and it seems to have fixed it for real... May fix some other problems I had too...

Thanks though!

 

[ecschwarz]

It may still be the adapter, but could also be an issue with your computer's port. I'd do some extensive testing with another machine and/or another adapter before making too many big decisions.

Also, what brand of adapter is it?

 

[DeltaMac]

Well I don't have a lot of them hanging around.. (only 1, actually)
...
I put a post it right over the mini displayport adapter over the motherboard and it seems to have fixed it for real... May fix some other problems I had too…
...

I'm not sure what you mean - although, in my mind, I see a folded up piece of paper (a Post-it note?) jammed in with the adapter plug, to keep it from moving. Do I have the right idea?

Either your adapter is slightly bent, or worn loose, or the internal mDP socket is wearing out. A different adapter may fit better, and that's why I recommended that. The folded paper trick may turn out to be short-lived, so I still think your should consider a new adapter...

 

[hyperipod]

It may still be the adapter, but could also be an issue with your computer's port. I'd do some extensive testing with another machine and/or another adapter before making too many big decisions.

Also, what brand of adapter is it?

The Apple MDP to VGA

----------

I'm not sure what you mean - although, in my mind, I see a folded up piece of paper (a Post-it note?) jammed in with the adapter plug, to keep it from moving. Do I have the right idea?

Either your adapter is slightly bent, or worn loose, or the internal mDP socket is wearing out. A different adapter may fit better, and that's why I recommended that. The folded paper trick may turn out to be short-lived, so I still think your should consider a new adapter...

I actually put the post in in the case between the motherboard and the aluminium cover...