Hi,

2012 MBP, using Catalina.

This old warhorse has had no serious issues, until now.

I put it to sleep, opened it up and the two USB ports are no longer working. I've done what the forums have suggested, but it still does not mount or read any USB drive.

The local repair shop (no Apple store anywhere close) will charge about $100 minimum (per hour fee) for whatever they do, plus the cost of the part. I'm guessing the USB bus or whatever it is will be under $100, so it's likely a $150-200 fix.

I only use this for presentations and for web/email when on the road. Otherwise, it sits as I do everything on my M1 Mini desktop.

It's about $1,200 for the basic M1 Air, when you factor in AppleCare.

Would like to know if anyone has faced this specific issue with failed USB ports, and did something to resurrect them — before I make the decision on going for the fix or the new laptop.

Thanks for any input.

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dmag
The local repair shop (no Apple store anywhere close) will charge about $100 minimum (per hour fee) for whatever they do, plus the cost of the part. I'm guessing the USB bus or whatever it is will be under $100, so it's likely a $150-200 fix.

Not sure what troubleshooting you have done.
If it's a hardware issue with the USB ports then the only fix is to replace the entire logic board. Far more than $150-200 for that part, then add labor.

I recall there being an Out Of Warranty flat rate repair program for laptops, and I think a logic board replacement cost was $400-500. But that was many years ago.

You might be better off looking for a used logic board, and having someone swap it for you, or even do it yourself!

I have the same model, running Mojoave. Not having this issue.

Still wishing Apple would make a 15" MBA. I'd buy it in a heartbeat!

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San Antonio, TX (in the old city)


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Wow, didn't know it would entail replacing the logic board. If that's the case, it's an easy decision.

Thanks

PM hal, he posted a For Sale 2012 MBP over in the For Sale & Free Items forum ...

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=TC

I see plenty of 2012 MBP on eBay.com in the $199+ range that include a warranty

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TheCaber
PM hal, he posted a For Sale 2012 MBP over in the For Sale & Free Items forum ...

pssst: [forums.macresource.com]

Sounds like USB lookin' to buy a new MBP soon.

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It is what it is.

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Rolando
I have the same model, running Mojoave. Not having this issue.

Still wishing Apple would make a 15" MBA. I'd buy it in a heartbeat!

Some reviews I've seen for the 14" M2 MBA say that due to its thinner bezel it pretty much has the same display area of a 15".

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It is what it is.

I have a 2013 that lost just one of its two USB ports several years ago. Definitely not worth repairing. I even had a swollen battery that Apple replaced free of charge (including keyboard and trackpad) several years out of warranty but was told that that it would take a new logic board to fix my inconvenient USB issue.

Did you try resetting the SMC? Non-working USB ports is one of the symptoms of needing a reset.

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mstudio
Did you try resetting the SMC? Non-working USB ports is one of the symptoms of needing a reset.

It was the first thing I did. I found a list of steps to try on one of the forums and followed it. Nothing helped. Thanks.

My 13", 2012 MBP just started flashing ALL the "Battery Charge Level" lights at once instead of their usual behavior. If the power cord is detached, the computer shuts off immediately. "About This Mac" shows there are 1235 battery cycles so, I'm guessing the battery is shot. I picked it up as a "Refurb" several years ago so, it really doesn't owe me anything. I still REGULARLY use the Super Drive and LOVE having an array of ports so I don't have to deal with a box of dongles.

After the variety of keyboard, trackpad, touch bar and screen issues Apple has had in the not so distant past, I really DON'T want to pay the "Apple Tax" hoping I'd get a reliable laptop; especially since I'm no longer within easy driving distance of an Apple Store.

Perhaps you could find an older model Thunderbolt hub/dock that adds USB ports and just ignore the failed onboard USB.

Even if you need to get a new model hub/dock, it would be useful to use also with your newer computers.

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TheTominator
Perhaps you could find an older model Thunderbolt hub/dock that adds USB ports and just ignore the failed onboard USB.

Even if you need to get a new model hub/dock, it would be useful to use also with your newer computers.

Excellent point, I had meant to say the same but forgot! However, backwards compatibility might be a concern.

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mikebw

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TheTominator
Perhaps you could find an older model Thunderbolt hub/dock that adds USB ports and just ignore the failed onboard USB.

Even if you need to get a new model hub/dock, it would be useful to use also with your newer computers.

Excellent point, I had meant to say the same but forgot! However, backwards compatibility might be a concern.

You are right about the compatibility. That 2012 laptop has the older Thunderbolt that is not compatible with the Thunderbolt 3 docks being sold currently.

[discussions.apple.com]

Looks like getting an older hub on the used market (or very old stock) is the way to go.

The only thing I've ever had was a bad usb cord. Also, I think I had one that wasn't making contact due to the port. I think I bent something to make it make contact again, but it was on a peripheral.

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TheTominator

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mikebw

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TheTominator
Perhaps you could find an older model Thunderbolt hub/dock that adds USB ports and just ignore the failed onboard USB.

Even if you need to get a new model hub/dock, it would be useful to use also with your newer computers.

Excellent point, I had meant to say the same but forgot! However, backwards compatibility might be a concern.

You are right about the compatibility. That 2012 laptop has the older Thunderbolt that is not compatible with the Thunderbolt 3 docks being sold currently.

[discussions.apple.com]

Looks like getting an older hub on the used market (or very old stock) is the way to go.

It was a great idea, though. Even though I thought the hub might not be a fit, I still checked. Thanks.

This inexpensive ($60) Thunderbolt 2 dock might work.

I saw that better brands (Elgato, OWC) were still listed on Amazon for hundreds more, but I doubt you would want to invest in a more expensive legacy dock.

Edit:
I just noticed that this dock requires two connections --- one being a USB port. Doh!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/20/2022 05:37AM by TheTominator.