One of my Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports has been working intermittently. Could this be software-related?

[datbeme]

The right Thunderbolt 4 port on my 2023 14" M2 Pro MBP stopped working sometime this summer.

Not an immediate concern since I have an OWC Thunderbolt dock, but this is the port I typically use for my single cable connection to the dock and for power and my external display. Same cable works fine in either of the ports on the other side, but it's a bit of a stretch. Other cables and power supplies don't work to charge through that port either.

Immediately after upgrading from Ventura to Sequoia, I tried it again, and the port worked as it should, and it kept working until sometime in the last few weeks. I updated to 15.2 today, and of course, the first thing I tried was the problematic port. Works fine again for charging, display and other connections.

Could this be software-related, or is this just a coincidence that it started working both times right after I updated the OS?

[Tiangou]

Thunderbolt ports fail. They are replaceable.

I blew a couple on a MacBook Pro two years ago.

Is your Mac under AppleCare warranty?

[datbeme]

Yes, I have about 13 months left on my AppleCare. I will definitely bring it in to get it tested, but I was just curious about the timing. Then again, the fact that it stopped working the 2nd time should be enough to convince me.

[RAMd®d]

I've had USB ports go dormant on older Macs.

Often a reboot brought them back.

That made me thing it software related.

When that didn't, unplugging the Macs for a spell, brought them back to life.

That could be software, because a Restart isn't the same as a Shutdown.

Or it could be hardware bits cooling enough during a Shutdown to let electrons collect and sort themselves.

I don't know if Tbolt ports are any different.

Ports do fail, but I'd consider considering that as a last resort.