Intermittent SSD problem - question mark - boot issue- macbook pro 2017

murato wrote:

1. My 2017 macbook pro 13inch, A1708, without touch pad, has SSD disk problem. It can't find the SSD disk and fail boot process by popping up with infamous question mark issue. Problem is not permanent, but whenever I charged it more than a couple minutes, the problem occurs.

When problem happens, I dont see disk in recover mode to reinstall firmware. during the problem, when I run Apple diagnose, it shows SSD issue, but when It is operating normal without SSD issue ( boot issue / question mark ), diagnostic check doesn't show and issue at all.

What I tried so far:

Reset NVRSM etc didn't resolve the issue.

2. Erased and reformatted the disk when it was working, and reinstalled fresh firmware, no solution

3. Opened the laptop and cleaned SSD socket and checked the connections, looks all good.

Next :

Considering to replace the SSD, but not sure if it resolves the problem.

Please recommend if you all know any solution for this issue.

See if you qualify here:

13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) Solid-State Drive Service Program - Apple Support

murato wrote:

Thanks for quick reply! I already checked this, but not eligible.

Learn how to get your Mac fixed and how much it will cost. Mac Repair - Official Apple Support

Get your Mac ready for service - Apple Support Get your Mac ready for service - Apple Support

I have found the SSDs on the non-Touchbar 2016 & 2017 MBPros tend to have a higher rate of failure. I have had to replace multiple SSDs on these laptops which did not qualify for the free Apple SSD Repair program.

OWC does provide a third party SSD option for this laptop. However, if you have not yet upgraded to macOS 12.x Monterey while the original Apple SSD was still working, then you will not be able to install macOS 12.x Monterey after installing the third party SSD since the Monterey installer will refuse to update the system firmware while a third party internal SSD is installed in the laptop. You can, however, install macOS 10.13 to 11.x. I did recently stumble across some instructions to trick the firmware updater to run with a third party SSD installed, but it is risky and does require the laptop to have a certain system firmware revision for it to work.

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-pro-13-inch-non-touch-bar/2016-2017

Edit: FYI, your laptop may also qualify for a free Battery Repair program as well, however, only an Apple Store or an AASP will be able to confirm if the laptop qualifies.

13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) Battery Replacement Program - Apple Support

Here is the current list of the publicly acknowledged free repair programs for various Apple products (some products such as your laptop may have multiple programs):

Apple Service Programs - Apple Support

Also, I would be careful about investing too much money into this laptop. The keyboard and display are known to fail due to design flaws. Plus I have found the USB-C ports wear down so that the USB-C cables don't fit snugly which results in intermittent connections. With the non-Touchbar 2016-2017 MBPros, this would require a Logic Board replacement to fix, but if a refurbished Logic Board is used, will it have brand new USB-C ports that have not been worn down yet?

The SSD is usually the weakest link as long as there is no accidental damage to the Logic Board. All things being equal, I will go for the SSD first.