indychris
Level 1 (4 points)
Notebooks

Q: Odd usb behavior on MBA

So I picked up a used MBA from a local school corporation to use in our children's home in Central America. The computer looks and works great, with one exception. Once booted an logged in, the USB port on the left side won't work. Nothing is recognized, and no power seems to be getting to the port.

 

Now here is the WEIRD part:

 

It's not just this laptop, but I've talked to three others who have the exact same issue. What's even more strange is that if I plug in a thumb drive to the port, start the computer and then hit option to select a boot drive, the USB port recognizes and mounts the thumb drive. As soon as I choose it and it starts to finish the boot cycle, though, the port shuts down totally. The light on the thumb drive goes off and then it's dead. So the port works initially, but it's only when it starts to finish the boot cycle that it shuts down.

 

I've reset the SMC and the PRAM, both to no avail. I've launched the MBA in target mode and reformatted the drive and performed a fresh install of ElCap. Nothing changes.

 

Any thoughts? I've got to assume that the school corporation did something to these laptops in the firmware, but they've been no help whatsoever, simply saying, "We said they are sold 'as is'".

 

I can use it with only the one port, but I'd love to get this second port working if possible.

Posted on Aug 15, 2016 11:03 AM

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indychris

Q: Odd usb behavior on MBA

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Johann.B,

    Johann.B Johann.B Aug 16, 2016 12:28 PM in response to indychris
    Community Specialists
    Aug 16, 2016 12:28 PM in response to indychris

    Hi indychris,

     

    Thanks for checking out the Apple Support Communities! I understand you're having trouble with your second USB port not working as soon as the MacBook completes it's start up sequence. I use both USB ports on my MacBook simultaneously so I understand wanting to make sure both of yours are working.

     

    You've already gone through some great steps to try and resolve this issue. One step that I recommend to try is running a hardware test. This will help narrow down any hardware issues that could be causing the port to fail. You can find the steps for running that test here:

    Using Apple Hardware Test

     

    Cheers! 

  • by indychris,

    indychris indychris Aug 19, 2016 6:58 AM in response to Johann.B
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Notebooks
    Aug 19, 2016 6:58 AM in response to Johann.B

    Thanks, Johann-

     

    I've run the extensive hardware test and everything tests out just fine. Is there anything this could be other than firmware? Knowing that there are multiple computers with this same problem of the same port not responding makes me think it must be, especially since it remains powered when initially booting, but then goes off once login starts.

     

    If you or anyone else has any ideas, I'm all ears! Thanks!

  • by Johann.B,

    Johann.B Johann.B Aug 21, 2016 9:19 AM in response to indychris
    Community Specialists
    Aug 21, 2016 9:19 AM in response to indychris

    Hey indychris,

     

    Thanks for the update on your hardware test. Based on what's happening with your USB drive, it appears your MacBook needs to be serviced. The following link should help you get started with the process and has links with additional information on topics such as warranty and service pricing, battery replacement, and express replacement service.

    Mac notebooks Service Answer Center

     

    Take care!