will.lebouef
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: My macbook pro's trackpad is not working.

I have had my macbook for 2 years. I have had no problems and no complaints till this point. However, my trackpad stopped working, now I can't do anything without a mouse. When just using a trackpad it moves without me touching it and opens random apps. I really would like to know how to fix it, or how much it will cost to fix it. (no my warrenties are gone.)

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Jul 14, 2013 7:54 PM

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will.lebouef

Q: My macbook pro's trackpad is not working.

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Topher Kessler,

    Topher Kessler Topher Kessler Jul 14, 2013 7:56 PM in response to will.lebouef
    Level 6 (9,866 points)
    Jul 14, 2013 7:56 PM in response to will.lebouef

    The trackpad itself may be busted, or the battery in the system may be swelling and pushing against the trackpad, causing it to malfunction. While you can try the repairs yourself using a site such as iFixIt's guides (http://www.ifixit.com), but otherwise will have to take it in for servicing.

  • by gail from maine,

    gail from maine gail from maine Jul 14, 2013 7:58 PM in response to will.lebouef
    Level 7 (26,725 points)
    iCloud
    Jul 14, 2013 7:58 PM in response to will.lebouef

    Hi will,

     

    Although the article linked below is rather old, the general troubleshooting pointers are valuable. Take a look and see if any are helpful for your situation:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1449

     

    Cheers,

     

    GB

  • by gail from maine,

    gail from maine gail from maine Jul 14, 2013 8:03 PM in response to will.lebouef
    Level 7 (26,725 points)
    iCloud
    Jul 14, 2013 8:03 PM in response to will.lebouef

    Hi again,

     

    Here are some additional recommendations from an earlier post by Linc Davis:

     

    1. Follow the instructions in this support article.

    2. Reset the System Management Controller.

    3. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.

    4. A swollen battery in a MacBook Pro or Air can impinge on the trackpad from below and cause erratic behavior. If you have trouble clicking the trackpad, this is likely the reason. The battery must be replaced.

    5. There's a report that a (possibly defective) Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter can cause the built in trackpad of a MacBook to  behave erratically. If you're using such an adapter, disconnect it and test.

    6. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.

    7. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think your computer is being remotely controlled, remove it from the network by turning off Wi-Fi (or your Wi-Fi access point), disconnecting from a Bluetooth network link, and unplugging the Ethernet cable or USB modem, whichever is applicable. If the cursor movements stop at once, you should suspect an intrusion.

     

    Cheers,

     

    GB

  • by AviatorEGHH,

    AviatorEGHH AviatorEGHH Aug 8, 2015 4:28 AM in response to gail from maine
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 8, 2015 4:28 AM in response to gail from maine

    I had the same problem and tried all of the above and several more posted 'fixes'. None of which solved the problem.

     

    What did eventually solve the problem was tapping the trackpad all over the place quite hard with the computer shut down. Presumably there was something creating mechanical resistance from below although I don't think it's battery swell. Hopefully this will be a long term fix.