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Mac Pro Side Panel Won't Lock
- Thread starter TSparger
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That shouldn't happen. It sounds like you are missing the tabs that lock the panel into place.
That shouldn't happen. It sounds like you are missing the tabs that lock the panel into place.
All four tabs above the HDD bays should be straight when looked at from above, and when you lock the lever back into the closed state with the lid off, you should see them slide to the left in a definite 'hook' arrangement with an orange indication coming into view.
In addition you should be aware that there is an additional push that is required beyond just putting the lid on, until it clicks into place.
Defect Refurb? If you don't find the above probably, who knows. I wouldn't have believed at first that refurb QC is even worse than new given how crap that is, but it seems to be the case in terms of the refurb replacements that we've received.
In addition you should be aware that there is an additional push that is required beyond just putting the lid on, until it clicks into place.
Defect Refurb? If you don't find the above probably, who knows. I wouldn't have believed at first that refurb QC is even worse than new given how crap that is, but it seems to be the case in terms of the refurb replacements that we've received.
Do the hooks move the entire distance of their opening when you "close" the lever?
If so, make sure the top of the panel if flush against the rest of the computer before you close. It does require a little push to get in line.
If not, and it bothers you, you could always take it in if you have an accessible Apple Store.
If so, make sure the top of the panel if flush against the rest of the computer before you close. It does require a little push to get in line.
If not, and it bothers you, you could always take it in if you have an accessible Apple Store.
Perhaps if you can post pictures of the tabs and possibly more importantly, the raised 'strip' inside of the lid where the tabs go into - we can help a little more.
Try This to Fix Mac Pro Side Panel not locking
I have had the same problem for years. I finally solved it. While this may be way too late for you, I'm adding the reply to help others, this is the first thread I found in a search on how to solve this.
I had replaced my DVD drives many years ago. Turns out that you have to give a really hard shove to the sled to seat it properly. If it's not in all the way, the locking mechanism can't slide all the way forward to lock the side panel. Once I got it in right, the side panel locks perfectly.
I have had the same problem for years. I finally solved it. While this may be way too late for you, I'm adding the reply to help others, this is the first thread I found in a search on how to solve this.
I had replaced my DVD drives many years ago. Turns out that you have to give a really hard shove to the sled to seat it properly. If it's not in all the way, the locking mechanism can't slide all the way forward to lock the side panel. Once I got it in right, the side panel locks perfectly.
I know this is an ancient thread but it happened that I got a Mac Pro with a broken side panel lock mechanism.
Searched the web and the only thing I found was this thread.
Had a hard time taking it apart.
Hardest part was getting the tabs off to get the lever out of the case.
Its rather easy if one sees the mechanism behind those tabs and how to get off the springs, so here some pics for reference:
Searched the web and the only thing I found was this thread.
Had a hard time taking it apart.
Hardest part was getting the tabs off to get the lever out of the case.
Its rather easy if one sees the mechanism behind those tabs and how to get off the springs, so here some pics for reference:
Most of this post is a little off topic but if the OP has to get a new side cover he could perhaps do the mods outlined below. 
Tsparger
It might be a 2,1 side cover. . it will fit but won't lock. I use one on my 2009 4,1>5,1 as I drilled a hole in it to insert a ' drive activity LED " from my Samsung 970's PCIe adaptor. I also cut a 5 mm slot towards the rear & at the bottom to allow USB fan cables access for cooling the Northbridge.
This is the cMP 2,1 side cover. I keep it secured with some tape along the top edge.
( I still have the original 2009 side cover )
The pic says Samsung 960 but now there is a 970 EVO installed for Mojave 10.14.6
Behind the external USB 3.0 Dock there is a 5 mm wide slot for Northbridge USB fans cables.
Here in Japan now, outside in my garden, it is 38°C
Tsparger
It might be a 2,1 side cover. . it will fit but won't lock. I use one on my 2009 4,1>5,1 as I drilled a hole in it to insert a ' drive activity LED " from my Samsung 970's PCIe adaptor. I also cut a 5 mm slot towards the rear & at the bottom to allow USB fan cables access for cooling the Northbridge.
This is the cMP 2,1 side cover. I keep it secured with some tape along the top edge.
( I still have the original 2009 side cover )
The pic says Samsung 960 but now there is a 970 EVO installed for Mojave 10.14.6
Behind the external USB 3.0 Dock there is a 5 mm wide slot for Northbridge USB fans cables.
Here in Japan now, outside in my garden, it is 38°C
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I had a 5,1 delivered with a door that would not lock, it turns out it was the door from a G5, the slots are in a different position and wont engage. I swapped the door with a spare one from a 3,1 and it locked fine.
I had a loose panels for years and didn't know until I moved the computer one day. I couldn't figure it out. Your situation above was exactly the problem I had. Fixed it in 2 seconds. I know your post is years old, but I wanted to say thanks anyway just in case you might see this reply.