Chosen Solution
As there is a Apple Service Program regarding the SSD Firmware in the A1708 Non-TouchBar-MacBook Pros 13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) Solid-State Drive Service Program, I was wondering, if there is any way to do this Firmware upgrade yourself.Since this Apple Service Program is only valid 3 years after purchase, most machines will probably not be eligible for it anymore. When I read the text from Apple correctly, it is just an issue with the firmware on the SSD - it reads: “A technician will run a utility to update your drive firmware which will take approximately one hour or less.” So it should be possible to do it yourself, even if you might lose all you data in the process.But since I could not find anything so far, I would like to ask you guys, if you know how or where to get the firmware upgrade for these SSDs.
While the text implies this is a slam dunk easy as pie firmware update it is not! You need a second system which is running the special tool code connected to your Mac via an internal JTAG connector which needs to be soldered on!
Unless your system has been in a drawer it’s likely it would have failed by now. After checking the systems S/N if it was in need I would still make an appointment with the nearest Apple Store or ship it to Apple for repair.
@NebukadV Based on your situation, I would recommend installing a new SSD yourself. As for a new SSDs, you have two options: A Fledgling Feather SSD from iFixit or an OWC SSD.
This firmware update is just to the SSD. And as an AASP technician I can honestly say, it’s extremely easy. I have done it many times. The firmware itself does not take long to update, but then an OS needs to be installed since it wipes the SSD clean, which is probably where the “hour or less” comes from. I could swear I saw that they made this tool available to consumers since it’s very similar to making a bootable USB installer for macOS and anyone who is remotely tech savvy should be able to do it themselves if they have a spare USB drive and some common sense. I will see if I can hunt it down somewhere. It sounds like in your case you may need a different SSD regardless, but just for anyone else who may stumble into this. EDIT: The link in my internal resources is public facing, but I cannot find anywhere where it’s actually linked to the public. I will dig a little deeper.
