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Steve Eugene Author

Level 1

11 points

Unresponsive Keyboard and Trackpad problem FIXED/RESOLVED

I've been dealing with this issue since early December myself.
I purchased the MBP in November and had nearly a month with out any issues.

I spent nearly two hours on the phone with Apple Care via a specialist trying to diagnose the problem yesterday.
He did mention that they believe neither the 10.5.1 update or the MBP 1.1 update were to blame for occurrence of this issue. (I remain slightly skeptical)

Let me give you a short rundown of my problems and what I've done to help resolve the issue. Hopefully it'll help some of you.. or help me (with some of everyone else insight) if it happens again.

The symptoms:
keyboard and trackpad become unresponsive.
The problem is intermittent but often is completely unresponsive at start up.
USB mouse and keyboards have full functionality.

Kernel panics often occur as well. Usually this occurs just after the keyboard and track pad experience extreme intermittent "on and off" periods.
The only option is to do a hard-restart which my or may not resolve the unresponsiveness.

Things I've addressed in my particular case:

1. The battery recall issue - my battery (6N745288YFTA) is OK.
2. Resetting the PMU - no change.
3. Re-installing both the 10.5.1 and MBP 1.1 updates - no effect.
4. pressing the Function + S key at start up and running /sbin/fsck -fy The HD is said to be OK
5. I just finished an Archive and reinstall of Leopard = this seems to have fixed the issue for the moment. I have not run the Updater to bring the OS back to it's fully updated form yet.

The Archive and Re-install DID NOT WORK.
Even upon downloading and installing the 10.5.1 and 1.1 update, I'm still back at square one.

I've also been experiencing these phantom keystrokes to the eject key and backlight myself lately.

I've resolved to wait for the 10.5.2 official release to see of that helps... If not then I'll break down and send my machine in for service.

_____________________________________
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro3,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 800 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP31.0070.B05
SMC Version: 1.16f10
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled

THE SOLUTION:

This is a HARDWARE problem!

After playing around with removing the battery and noticing that this often returned functionality to the keyboard I surmised that this had some sort of physical aspect.
Sure enough, there is a section of copper colored tape/wiring exposed in the batter slot that is slightly bowed where it's smallest.
When I depressed this with my finger tip on this portion to basically flatten it out flush against the housing; I found that all functionality was restored!

You can see the portion in the picture below.

I haven’t had any problems AT ALL since I took a piece of napkin and taped it down to sustain pressure on this portion of bowed tape/wiring.

I have yet to call AppleCare to see what they suggest I do.
I will post a reply here when I hear their suggestion.

Mac Book Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.1), 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB 667 MHz SDRAM

Posted on Jan 27, 2008 3:18 PM

Top-ranking reply

metaweb

Level 1

40 points

Posted on Apr 14, 2017 8:01 AM

Same problem here. It's a design issue. My keyboard and trackpad also stopped responding, couldn't get past login ... The problem is that Apple ran the trackpad cable over the top of the battery. And as Macbooks get thinner and thinner, component are snugger and snugger. So, when the battery heats up, and it will when watching YouTube videos or running video editing programs as many of us do, the trackpad cable gets unseated from the connected to the trackpad board. I have an Early 2015 Macbook Pro, and this problem surfaced just after the 1-year warranty period expired. If I turn my Macbook Pro over and firmly press in an up and down motion over the bottom case (under where the trackpad, trackpad cable and battery are all 3 aligned, then turn on my laptop, I once again have a working keyboard and trackpad and can login as normal. This is not what one would expect from such an expensive laptop. As these things get thinner and thinner ... problems will crop up more and more.

Apple Support will tell you to reset your NVRAM and SMC ... but that is the canned reply. Resetting those do fix other problems: keyboard backlights and other wonky issues ... but it will not reconnect an unseated trackpad ribbon. And if you are out of warranty ... just purchase a replacement ribbon on ebay and install it yourself. Taking it to an authorized Apple Repair Center will cost you an arm and a leg, especially outside of the USA where there's no price regulation.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/821-00184-A-Touchpad-Trackpad-Cable-for-Apple-MacBook-Pr o-Retina-13-A1502-2015-/111975916834?hash=item1a1248e522

The link above is only for the Early 2015 (March) MacBook Pro ... you will need to research your models ribbon for replacement.

View in context

382 replies

Feb 14, 2008 10:09 AM in response to Steve Eugene

was it just like funning form point a to point b there were some bumps in it (i have 2 in mine IIRC one near the larger square and then one near where it enters the machine)

i have had the elp problem a little bit then it mostly has disappeared so just trying to track stuff

-matt

Feb 17, 2008 8:23 PM in response to Steve Eugene

I had this same issue. I had just upgraded to 10.5.2 when it happened, so I was convinced it was a software issue.

Spent 2 hours on the phone with applecare and we could not solve the problem, so I need to send the computer in.

I even did a clean install of Leopard.

I just "lightly" pressed on the orange wiring, and it works (for how long, who can say?). I hope that Apple sees this issue and knows how to handle it for future problems.

RamzaMik

Level 1

10 points

Feb 25, 2008 2:22 PM in response to Steve Eugene

Well, i dont want you to have bad dreams about it,but here's my story.
Bought a MBP from apple.store in January. Received it the 23rd of January 2008 and for 1 long and happy weeks every thing was great, untill neither my keyboard and my trackpad works. I took the phone and apple says me to go to a store location , what i did on december first. At the AppleStore in Canada,Quebec,laval(carrefour) the guy told me he couldnt change it with a new one because i bought it on apple.store, but after a little discussion he put me on the AppleProCare 48 hours repair wich i appreciate pretty much cauz i had my MBP back on the December 2nd(1day repair that is great).

The part replaced are the following :
KeyBOARD ASSY-USA 922-8035
TOP CASE ASSY 922-8036

This has solve my problem till...to day :febuary 25 (23 days after repair)
My k-board and trackpad are gone..again.

It is the exact same problem because when i take out the battery and place it back some times it works, some times not.

I also tried the trick : push the tape-connector under the battery and **** it works and not only once, if i let my finger there i am able to type...but between me and you i expect some thing more from a 2300$ laptop and i think it is absolutely normal that im actually... ******-off, because this is wasting my time and today i was doing important programming at the University wich now are not done.

I got a rendez-vous too day when i discover that the problem was back and i hope the guy in front of me will propose a replacement of the machine (2 repairs in the first month is not acceptable) or in the last case, i will again accept a repair under 48hours (apple Pro Care).

I hope this will be read by most of the user out there having problem with their MBP, try the trick with the tape-connector and let Apple know that there is a problem of conception with your machine.

I will give you more informations when i get back to the apple store tonight or tomorrow.

Message was edited by: RamzaMik

Feb 25, 2008 2:37 PM in response to RamzaMik

ya the piece being exposed is weird, the power books never had this so im not sure why its there now

-matt

Twiddr

Level 1

0 points

Mar 4, 2008 6:55 AM in response to RamzaMik

Hi,

Had the same problem and they changed my TOP CASE ASSY, but now - only a week later the problem have returned.

Seems like the replacement haven't worked, so I really would like to hear what they did to your machine the second time you sent it to repair before I send my own in once again.

/ Kenneth

RamzaMik

Level 1

10 points

Mar 4, 2008 9:09 AM in response to Twiddr

THe guy at the Apple.store checked up the tape-connector and he also judge that this was causing the trouble, because when he pressed it the keyboard and trackpad works fine. He automatically autorized a machine swap ,because mine was a month old...and 2 repair on a month old machine is unacceptable by the apple policy, but also because it is a unknown problem that dont have a <<repair procedure>>. Notice that when they change the top case and keyboard, this tape connector is supposed to be replace aslo, so if apple tech do their job right, it means that no mather how much cable you will throw-in to repair the trouble, it will always be back. At this point i think that anyone at Apple.store will authorize the machine swap, if not start to complaints and talk to the macgenuis manager and show him this thread on the forum. If no one want to hear what your telling then let them repair it again, it will not works and go see them after the repair and now they will be obligued to do the machine swap...apple dont do much repair over a machine, after 2 time if it dont works they give you a brand new one.

Oh and juste to give you a little hope, i had the confirmation this morning that the machine they are sending me vback is the brand new one with all the update from the past wekk....so sweet.

Hope it helps.

Mar 4, 2008 4:08 PM in response to Fletch045

Worked like a charm!! Thanks soooo much.

Mar 6, 2008 11:47 AM in response to Steve Eugene

Same problem here and yes, it works with the tape fix. But I'm still going to send it back to Apple.

Mar 11, 2008 1:38 PM in response to Steve Eugene

Thank you for finding this. I have had constant freezes for a couple of weeks and nothing seemed to work. I tried everything. I just tapped down the gold tape which was not flush with the battery compartment and so far working really well. Hope others see this.

Mar 20, 2008 10:23 PM in response to Steve Eugene

I can't believe this works! I'm now typing again with my MBP keyboard, when 15min ago the trackpad and keyboard were completely frozen, "can't enumerate usb" in system log, I had to use external keyboard and mouse.

I read the thread, put the computer to sleep, unplugged the battery, and as soon as I pressed the cable my computer woke-up from sleep!

This also explains why if I pushed the trackpad hard with my palm (thinking I was reseting it) it sometimes came back to life, and why the computer would sometimes randomly wake from sleep.

I wonder if this problem is connected with the new battery layout. I keep my computer in a slip case, so whenever I remove it I squeeze together the lid and battery, which always felt a bit shoddy compared to my old powerbook.

THANKS THANKS THANKS Steve, I've tried EVERYTHING to fix this, all the same steps as you. I work for an aid agency in Cambodia so getting this to my "nearest apple service centre" was not exactly an option! When I return home I'll send this in for Apple to fix. This must be very embarassing for Apple to have so many people fixing their top of the line laptops with sticky tape!

Looking forward to enjoying my MBP15 again!

Mar 20, 2008 11:47 PM in response to Steve Eugene

Congratulations on this solution. We are all in your debt.

Regardless, I still think this is horrible on Apple's part and that they should fix it don't you think?

One question, how does this explain that the problems started after the update?

JJ81

Level 1

5 points

Mar 21, 2008 12:14 AM in response to raiu.kyuu

Nope, didn't work for me. Not that I expected it to because my freezing issue started right after the Feb 19th keyboard update, it's not a hardware problem for those who's computers only started freezing after the update.

Rod Hagen

Level 7

32,000 points

Mar 21, 2008 12:48 AM in response to JJ81

JJ81 wrote: +"it's not a hardware problem for those who's computers only started freezing after the update"+

Well it won't be for some, but it will be for others, JJH81. Anyone who has played around with computers for a decade or two or three or four will tell you that its when you get two or more possible issues running together that it is unwise to get dogmatic about causes.

If I had a quid for every occasion I've seen people here assume that their problem was due to this or that update simply because of the timing of the problem, and a few reports from others assuming it was to blame, only to find later after weeks of abusing the update that the real cause was something completely different, I reckon I'd be just about able to buy Apple outright! 😉

Cheers

Rod

Steve Eugene Author

Level 1

11 points

Mar 21, 2008 12:44 PM in response to Sawyersmith

I'm really happy that my obsession with this problem led to a solution for you.

I know it was a relief to find out the cause.
Too bad the "tape fix" isn't the most reassuring way to resolve the problem.
But in your case I'm glad it's been able to restore functionality so far from any official, apple help.

Apr 1, 2008 6:05 AM in response to Steve Eugene

fantastic – couldnt believe this will work! Putting a piece of napkin under the battery solved the problem.

But does it make sense?

No reply from apple on this topic?

Unresponsive Keyboard and Trackpad problem FIXED/RESOLVED