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Late 2011 model, A1278 / 2.4 GHz i5 or 2.8 GHz i7 processor.

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USB port connects upon pressure applied, disconnect upon release

The MBP has two USB2.0 ports on the side, I used to plug in a Wireless Mouse Receiver dongle in it while I use Windows 7 with BootCamp.

There've been times where I use only Windows 7 so I leave the dongle plugged it on the same port - like forever.

Until like a year ago, the wireless mouse started to disconnect, occasionally. When that happens I just unplug the dongle and re-plug, then it will work again. The frequency increased over time, until one day the port stopped working.

I don't feel any physical difference compared to its neighbour USB2.0 port. The port is not loosy/sloopy at all, and those pins look absolutely fine, identical with its neighbour.

Now, the port will still work, only if I apply pressure on top of whatever usb connector I'm plugging in, for example, my iPhone 5s.

When I press on the usb cord's connector, the phone will get charged and iTunes detects it. Once I release, it disappears in iTunes, and my iPhone constantly vibrating switching between charging and not charging. Slightly lift the connector upward will get the iPhone disconnect. Again, pressing it down, same things happens.

So what's the problem here? Any chance I can fix it by myself?

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mmm.... Sounds like the USB port or the connector is dirty or worn. With the system completely shut down you could try cleaning the contacts just be careful here! You don't want to get things too wet or damage the contacts.

I would try getting some loose cotton and wrap it around a small wood stick lightly dampened with Isopropyl alcohol. See if that fixes things.

If not then the job is much bigger than a DIY job as the full logic board will need to be removed and either tagging the solder joints or you'll need a new USB port which is quite hard to replace. Here's the IFIXIT guide: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Logic Board Replacement. If you jump to Step 25 you can see the connectors. We often just replace the logic board at this point.

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I had this exact same problem and I would apply pressure until my arm was sore, in a desperate attempt to stay connected. Finally, after searching and searching, I decided to buy a new logic board. Works perfectly. I hope this helps someone.

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I encountered the same problem with my 2011 MacBook Pro 13" a couple years ago. I tried cleaning the ports, but to no avail, as the port closer to the screen does not work at all, and the other port is virtually useless unless I put pounds of weight on the connector. I believe this is a logic board issue and is extremely difficult to repair DIY, and expensive regardless the method of repair.

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Justin Moh will be eternally grateful.
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