MacBook Pro trackpad ghosting and lagging after replacement

Question

Level 1

4 points

MacBook Pro trackpad ghosting and lagging after replacement

Hi,

I have a 2020 Macbook Pro 13" A2338 with a ghosting trackpad. I brought it as is, the previous owner said the trackpad would work for a little and then stop, which I confirmed. I brought a replacement trackpad from a reputable seller and a new flex cable.

I installed the new flexcable and trackpad, but I still have a sticky laggy trackpad. Running the Apple diagnostics I see the below:

I thought maybe it was a dung unit, or maybe I damaged the flex cable. So I un did everything, used the old flex cable, put it back together. Nope exact same problem. Ok, so I put in the old trackpad and the new flex cable, nope same exact thing.

I don't know what else to check here. Seems like it could be the ports the cable connects too? maybe just bad luck and got a bad trackpad? I find it suspect that I get the same problem with two different trackpads in different combination of flex cable.

Posted on Jan 28, 2026 8:20 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

leroydouglas

Level 10

199,506 points

Jan 28, 2026 9:56 PM in response to nzjeux31

nzjeux31 wrote:

Hi,

I have a 2020 Macbook Pro 13" A2338 with a ghosting trackpad.

This appears to be an M-series MacBook Pro—

there is no SMC or NVRAM to reset beyond restarting on the M1/M2/M3/M4 SoC.

The best you can do if you have an issue— equivalent Shut down, close the lid 30 secs+ , reboot as normal.

If no resolve try SafeBoot to sort anomalies Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

no resolve you can try A DFU Firmware Restore and compare your results

How to revive or restore Mac firmware - Apple Support

How to identify the DFU port on Mac—

How to identify the DFU port on Mac - Apple Support

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 2

leroydouglas

Level 10

199,506 points

Jan 29, 2026 5:50 PM in response to nzjeux31

nzjeux31 wrote:

the previous owner said the trackpad would work for a little and then stop, which I confirmed

I see the port the ribbon cable connects too might have a pin that's damaged.

That would go a long way corroborating your issue. This would be a logic board replacement for repair.

You do have an option of a external wireless magic trackpad as an alternative.

ref: Magic Trackpad (USB‑C) - White Multi-Touch Surface

Reply

Answer 3

nzjeux31 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 29, 2026 5:00 PM in response to leroydouglas

I knew it wouldn't help, but did the DFU stuff to no avail. This seems to be a hardware thing, I see the port the ribbon cable connects too might have a pin that's damaged.

Reply