macbook pro a1706 problem with touchbar and apple id

[maccc233]

Hey everyone,
I'm facing a major issue with my 2016 MacBook Pro A1706 and I'm hoping you can help, as I've hit a dead end.
What happened: I was experimenting with installing Windows and Linux alongside macOS. After these operations, the system started acting up and eventually failed. It seems like the firmware on the T1 chip got wiped in the process.
The symptoms:

• The Touch Bar is completely dead (black screen, no light).
• When the system was still somewhat functional, I couldn't log in to my Apple ID.
• Hardware diagnostics indicate the T1 chip itself is fine, but it appears to be missing its software/firmware.
• Trying to reinstall macOS (from Recovery Mode) fails with the error message: "A critical software update is required for your Mac, but an error was encountered while installing this update." I can't get past this step.

What I've already tried:

• Standard SMC and NVRAM/PRAM resets – no effect.
• Attempting to install various macOS versions from a bootable USB drive – I get the same error.

My question: Is there any at-home method to restore the firmware on the T1 chip? From what I've read, the official solution involves a second Mac running Apple Configurator 2 and putting the problematic MacBook into DFU mode. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a second Mac.
Does anyone know of any alternative methods, tricks, or software that could help in this situation without needing a trip to a repair shop or requiring a second Mac?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[kitKAC]

From what I've read, the official solution involves a second Mac running Apple Configurator 2 and putting the problematic MacBook into DFU mode

Sorry, I think that's the only way to securely update the firmware on the T1/T2. Maybe buy a 2nd Mac from Apple, restore your machine and return for a refund.

 

[Bigwaff]

My question: Is there any at-home method to restore the firmware on the T1 chip? From what I've read, the official solution involves a second Mac running Apple Configurator 2 and putting the problematic MacBook into DFU mode. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a second Mac.

DFU restore is for Apple Silicon and T2 based Macs. To restore T1 based Mac, you need to completely erase the disk and reinstall macOS. Boot USB installer or Internet Recovery. Recommend you use a wired Ethernet connection. In Disk Utility, make sure to select Show All Devices and erase top most level disk. macOS Installer will update T1 embedded OS.