Macbook Air Retina 2018. When I insert a usb cable, it won't go in but springs back out. It's the same in both ports. The ports and cable are clean, everything was fine yesterday.
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@tjed - Review this guide to tighten the mount assembly screws MacBook Air 13” Retina Display Late 2018 USB-C Board Replacement
You may need to replace the part and don’t leave the screw floating inside if it’s missing.
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Opening the back, I found the board was indeed held down by no screws, and one screw was floating around loose. I could not find the other screw. I replaced the one screw and now the ports work again. When I can obtain a second screw I'll repair it properly.
This leaves two possible explanations - there is a second screw inside, but wedged in some place I can't shake it loose from without further dismantling; or, when I had the usb board replaced by Apple four months ago they only replaced one screw. If that is the case it's not surprising that the one screw worked loose over time.
I don't know which of these two possibilities is worse.
Thanks again for the help.
@tjed - mmm… That’s troubling! If the person forgot the screw or it’s still wedged inside becoming your systems Damocles Sword! As some point it will become free which could short out your logic board.
So, if forgotten here’s the needed part from TheBookYard in the UK: MacBook Air 13" Screw Set - I/O Board (x2)
You may want to email them to be sure, as the description doesn’t match up, these are the port screws pictured, there is a second set which holds the cable via a bracket. I could see the kiting the four screws and bracket but that’s not what is described in the details!
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That sounds like either the ports themselves or the cable that's being inserted is damaged or clogged with debris. These ports can be hard to clean properly without fully removing them. Inspect the ports and the cable thoroughly in good lighting to see if there is anything jammed into the back. Inspect the cable for signs of damage or bending. Good luck!
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The ports and cable are clean, and I've tried multiple cables. On further inspection, when I try to insert a cable, the connector in the other port moves back in the casing, so, assuming the two ports' connectors are joined inside, the most likely explanation is that the whole structure has come loose inside. Does that sound likely? Can it be fixed?
Yes! That is possible if the two screws that hold it in place have become loose. You'll need to follow the guide posted by Dan below to check and adjust the position of the USB-C board. Good luck!
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