Chosen Solution
When attempting to redo MBA 2015 to factory settings, the SSD became unrecognizable. System boots up from external USB drive, and still does not recognize internal SSD.
OK, I think I have enough clues here. In the process of replacing the SSD, the blade SSD was lifted damaging the logic board connector. I’ve seen this a few times now.
This is a custom connector! So far I haven’t found a source, the best you can do is salvage a connector from a donor board. Even still this does take special tools to remove the bad socket and installing the new one. You’ll need to find someone with the deeper skills and has the proper tools. The only other option is sadly replacing the logic board.
If Dan’s solution didn’t work and the only thing you did was a factory reset without removing the SSD it is indeed strange. · The SSD doesn’t show up in disk utility? · Have you tried internet recovery? · Have you ruled out an AFPS issue after the reset? I would check if it has the proper date, reset the SMC by disconnecting the battery than reconnecting, NVRAM reset and finally try an SMC bypass by disconnecting the battery, holding the power button for 30 seconds plug in the magsafe release the power button and push it again.
