Broken Intel MBP's top left USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port?

antdude wrote:

HWTech wrote:

You most likely have a damaged I/O Board which will need to be replaced. The good news is the I/O Board is inexpensive, but the repair is labor intensive.

How much do those usually cost? Maybe he can live like this since he still has three working ports. If it gets worse, then we will do it.

The I/O Board really only costs about $25 US, but I don't know how much Apple charges for the complete repair.

As long as there are no issues with the other USB-C ports, especially on the same side, then you can just stop using the bad port.

antdude Said:

"Broken Intel MBP's top left USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port?: Um, I still have this problem without these old KOSS speakers (from the 90s) connected.”

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Create a New Administrator:

When you boot into Safe Mode, items load by default, with all settings and caches set aside. So, I would assume it is a preference on this current user you are logged into on the Mac.

So, see if creating and logging in as a new administrator does the trick. There may be something misconfigured in your current user - something that is getting in the way. Go to: System Preferences > Users & Groups > Unlock > Click: "+" > Create the new administrator. If the new administrator works, then transfer everything over from this current user, and then use that new user from here on out.

Also, try the following...

• Restart the Mac:

Perhaps you've unknowingly installed an update, and all needs to rest. For, restart the Mac. See if it then works.

• Reset the SMC and your NVRAM:

Sometimes when changes are made to the system(i.e. updates), system configurations (i.e. for Sound) become manipulated, technically. So, reset the SMC and NVRAM.

• Check Force Quit:

See if something is listed as "(Not Responding)". Go to: Apple Menu > Force Quit...> Select anything ending with "(Not Responding)". Also, which in Force Quit... be sure to select Finder, and Click "Relaunch"

antdude Said:

"Broken Intel MBP's top left USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port?: No headphones, but do use external old school 3.5 mm speakers (macOS desktop's top menu bar does show a headphone icon to show it is connected and does work). I don't see any USB errors except the top right notification that I saw earlier. I even get that with a USB2 mouse with Apple's white USB-C to USB-A dongle adapter.“

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Thank you for the screenshot.

Thank you for the follow reply.

Potentially Too Much Wattage for the Port:

Look up the wattage of these speakers. Your potentially not hold this much wattage for the speakers. So, use speakers that plug into the wall may be more ideal, and safe, to use. Learn about the 3.5mm Port here: Identify the Ports on your Mac - Apple Support

Visit this link: If a Mac Accessory Needs More Power or is Using Too Much Power - Apple Support. If this link does not help,…

Contact Apple Support:

Go Here: Contact - Official Apple Support

Proceed from there as necessary.

antdude Said:

"Broken Intel MBP's top left USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port?: [...]My client said that port stopped working during his out of country week hot and humid trip. Thank you for reading and hopefully answering soon. :)"

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Determining Hardware Error:

Verify the Connection:

First off, see if the headphones are is even seen: 

1. Hold Down: the Option key
2. Click: the Apple menu
3. Choose: System Information or System Report
4. Select: USB
5. Look For: any errors

antdude Said:

"Broken Intel MBP's top left USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port?: None of those fixed the issue. I think this is now a hardware issue. :("

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Get this Serviced:

I agree. So, have your client (or yourself) take this to Apple, to see how much it may be for a fix. Set up a Genius Bar Appointment at your local Apple Store. There, it will be evaluated at and you'll be provided with your options from there

FYI, you cannot always see physical damage to the USB-C ports since the opening is so narrow. I've gotten pretty good at examining the USB-C ports, but I still encounter damaged USB-C ports where I was unable to detect the damage until I removed the I/O Board from the laptop.

You most likely have a damaged I/O Board which will need to be replaced. The good news is the I/O Board is inexpensive, but the repair is labor intensive.