kristenfromfl

Q: Left-click not working on trackpad or mouse

My trackpad began malfunctioning suddenly. Instead of clicking, it would click + hold (selecting all text). Very soon after, left-click stopped working. I'm able to navigate with the trackpad, but the click doesn't register (the trackpad does physically click). Sporadically, I have some left-click function with the trackpad and mouse when the computer is awakened from sleep, but not always and never for very long.

 

When the mouse is plugged in, left-click doesn't register. I disabled the trackpad when the mouse is plugged in under Universal Access, but I still am unable to get the left-click to register with the mouse. I'm able to navigate, scroll and right+click with the mouse. I'm able to left-click when using the mouse keys.

 

My battery is in good condition (diagnostics were fine and it was replaced last year) and isn't swollen, which I know can be an issue that leads to trackpad problems. A technician saw no problems with the logic board. I am running OS X Lion.

 

Does this sound like an issue with the trackpad that will be corrected if the trackpad is replaced? Or is it another issue? If the trackpad is disabled when the mouse is plugged in, why is the mouse also having a left-click issue?                    

MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2009), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Sep 13, 2013 5:39 PM

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Q: Left-click not working on trackpad or mouse

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  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Sep 13, 2013 5:52 PM in response to kristenfromfl
    Level 9 (57,623 points)
    Sep 13, 2013 5:52 PM in response to kristenfromfl

    diagnostics were fine

    What type of diagnostics did you do to check a battery?  What does System Profile say about the health of your battery?

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1248 Intel-based Apple Portables: Troubleshooting unresponsive trackpad issues

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    2ue5vgy.gif

  • by kristenfromfl,

    kristenfromfl kristenfromfl Sep 17, 2013 11:34 AM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 17, 2013 11:34 AM in response to Baby Boomer (USofA)

    I had a service person run diagnostics on the battery. Battery is healthy.

     

    Resetting SMC restored USB mouse function, but not trackpad.

     

    The bigger problem now is a hard drive failure that occurred yesterday. Service person says they are unrelated - that the timing is a coincidence,  I'm not convinced.

     

    Any guesses?

  • by tmjeff,

    tmjeff tmjeff Nov 13, 2013 7:47 AM in response to kristenfromfl
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 13, 2013 7:47 AM in response to kristenfromfl

    I am having the exact same problems and it happened in the exact same way. It started highlighting everything and then shortly after my left clicking stopped working. I have worked all day trying to restore it with no luck, it just keeps getting worse and worse.

     

    Here is everthing I've tried:

     

    1. Resetting NVRAM (just shuts down after long load)

    2. Target disk mode (unable to open it as removable harddrive, but ran disk utility, it says unable to repair. but does recognize there is a problem)

    2. Resetting SMC (just shuts down after long load)

    3. Command + R (starts up, but without the mouse left click function I am unable to start the installation process. Tabbing to highlight and then pressing enter to start the install does not work. Even when you tab to highlight continue and press enter.)

     

    I think there maybe a problem with my harddrive now

     

    I am fresh out of ideas "any help" anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

     

    Thanks,

    -Stevie

  • by kristenfromfl,

    kristenfromfl kristenfromfl Nov 13, 2013 10:45 AM in response to tmjeff
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 13, 2013 10:45 AM in response to tmjeff

    The solution in my case was having the trackpad and harddrive replaced.

     

    What problems are you seeing your harddrive?

  • by tmjeff,

    tmjeff tmjeff Nov 13, 2013 11:20 AM in response to kristenfromfl
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 13, 2013 11:20 AM in response to kristenfromfl

    Well it gets worse I have a total of four mac. Now a second mac less then one month old is doing the same thing now.

     

    The hard drive problems that I'm having is

    In target mode I tried to run disk utility from another computer it says there is a problem and disk utility was unable to fix it.

  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Nov 13, 2013 1:03 PM in response to tmjeff
    Level 9 (57,623 points)
    Nov 13, 2013 1:03 PM in response to tmjeff

    Now a second mac less then one month old is doing the same thing now.

     

    Please read the warranty paperwork that came w/your computer.

     

    You have 14 days to return the computer w/no questions asked.  Plus you have 90 days of FREE phone tech support on top of your standard 1 year warranty unless you also purchased AppleCare which gives you an additional 2 years of coverage plus FREE phone support.

     

    Strongly suggest that you take FULL advantage of the above before it runs out.  Let Apple deal w/the problems.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • by JoeHave,Helpful

    JoeHave JoeHave Nov 14, 2013 7:06 AM in response to kristenfromfl
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Nov 14, 2013 7:06 AM in response to kristenfromfl

    I had a very similar problem today and it was a real silly mistake.

    I have an external trackpad that I use occationally. I had taken that trackpad and put it underneath another item, in cleaning the clutter from my desk. As I had not turned it off, at some point the object on top must have pressed it enough to "click".  This caused left clicks not to register (but right clicks worked), as well as some odd problems not being able to navigate completely via keyboard.

    I hope this helps someone who has this problem, because it's really simple and not obvious. I never really looked beyond what was connected and it is wireless. Note: if you need to do something with a Magic Trackpad which may cause it to play games like this, you can hold the power button for 3-4 seconds and it will power down. Then, just hit the power button again to power up.

    So if you have a wireless mouse or trackpad somewhere in the house, go find it. Alternately, take your laptop away from your house and see if the symptoms change.

  • by Aaron in Takarazuka,

    Aaron in Takarazuka Aaron in Takarazuka Dec 2, 2013 11:52 AM in response to JoeHave
    Level 1 (50 points)
    Dec 2, 2013 11:52 AM in response to JoeHave

    Thank you! I had done the same thing.

  • by nborders,

    nborders nborders Dec 9, 2013 9:50 AM in response to kristenfromfl
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 9, 2013 9:50 AM in response to kristenfromfl

    For the record this is happening to my MacBook Air as well.  ("13-inch, Mid 2012")

     

    Restarting has fixed the problem.  However, this is **** anoying...

     

    ~n

  • by AnnaScript,

    AnnaScript AnnaScript Dec 10, 2013 5:59 AM in response to kristenfromfl
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 10, 2013 5:59 AM in response to kristenfromfl

    I have/ had this problem to! I am not sure if I fixed it but it seems to work again.

    I have my magic trackpad in the twelve wand (a piece of matching aluminum that holds the keyboard and trackpad together. But I think that the H-shaped small piece you have to put between the both presses the trackpad and that makes it disfunctional.

     

    Do you use the want? Then remove the h-shape piece and see if it solves the problem!

  • by GsunLA,

    GsunLA GsunLA Dec 27, 2013 9:26 AM in response to JoeHave
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 27, 2013 9:26 AM in response to JoeHave

    That's what happened to me this morning! I was in a panic! So glad I read this discussion, thanks for mentioning this Joe.

  • by Ed Cr.,

    Ed Cr. Ed Cr. Jan 7, 2014 5:56 AM in response to JoeHave
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 7, 2014 5:56 AM in response to JoeHave

    Thanks JoeHave! 

     

    Same problem here. 

     

    I had an external trackpad and placed something on it.

     

    Whew!!  Glad it was a simple soluiton.

     

     

  • by tysonhummel,

    tysonhummel tysonhummel Jan 22, 2014 10:30 AM in response to kristenfromfl
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 22, 2014 10:30 AM in response to kristenfromfl

    I had this same problem until I figured out it was my fault. I got to work and opened my laptop but the trackpad wouldn't left click. I used the keyboard to restart and the trackpad worked for 30 minutes or so, then the left click stopped working again.

     

    After cursing for a bit I realized the magic mouse in my backpack was on and the left click was being depressed.

     

    If you're having this issue check to make sure you don't have a mouse on somewhere.

  • by sharonbaron,Helpful

    sharonbaron sharonbaron Apr 7, 2014 7:43 PM in response to kristenfromfl
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Apr 7, 2014 7:43 PM in response to kristenfromfl

    I just fixed the problem with the left click.  I read briefly a recommendation that worked for me.  Here is my experience.

     

    Both my Apple magic mouse and my Microsoft mouse stopped working. Both are wifi.  The left click was totally unresponsive on both mice.  The right click was inconsistant, but I was able to somewhat maneuver it around, but not enough to work with.  I noticed the track pad did work......strange.

     

    The recommendation worked for me.   It stated to turn off the unit.  When it comes back on press the shift key until the rotating round circle will come up (not the beach ball).  Eventually,  under the rotating circle a strip will appear that starts to fill.  Upon completion of the fill the computer will go black and come back on with a note that asks if you want to close or open the unit.  Click open.  Then, my desktop came back normally.  Both my mouses work now.  Everything seems to work like it should.

    I am assuming that it is the upgrades.  I hate those upgrades. 

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