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macbook pro trackpad problem

just recently my trackpad has been messing up. It will be like im right clicking to highlight everything. and the cursor changes into the one when you are typing something. This is really annoying and the only way to fix it is if I restart my computer. Any suggestions

macbook pro, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Sep 22, 2010 10:04 AM

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240 replies

Mar 24, 2017 4:40 AM in response to flbmxgirl

Just adding this in case someone else needs it.


Model: MacBook Pro Retina 2012 Model A1398


Issue: Non-responsive trackpad that did not respond to clicks or taps but was able to move cursor around but cursor would often get stuck in select mode. Sometimes keyboard was unresponsive. Happened a year ago for a few brief frustrating days, magically went away and then came back again a week ago rendering my MacBook Pro useless.


Fix: Removed extra magnet presumably left inside case from previous repair by Apple.


Troubleshooting Steps:


  1. Went through some of the suggestions out there, reset SMC and PRAM, reboot and put to sleep, etc. None of those worked.
  2. Removed the bottom of the case a few times looking for swollen battery, did not find because of some other issue a few years ago resulted in a battery/system board replacement.
  3. Tried using bluetooth trackpad and apple mouse which experienced the same problem. Repeated # 1 again thinking it was software.
  4. Scheduled appointment at local Genius bar to investigate further.
  5. Decided to remove the bottom case one more time and see if clicking the trackpad was possible with machine powered-off over night. Was able to click away with no issue. Stared at it for awhile and noticed an extra magnet near the trackpad, on top of an existing magnet. Noticed there were no other "extra" magnets on top of the others so removed it. Put bottom of case back on, powered up and Presto! it now works beautifully again so if it continues to work all morning, will cancel Genius bar appointment; fingers crossed. Want to wait a year before buying a new MacBook Pro to make sure any issues with this latest model are addressed.

User uploaded file

Oct 6, 2017 8:44 AM in response to flbmxgirl

If you've recently done some work on your computer and opened up the case by removing the screws, loosening the screws that are underneath the trackpad and bottom right corner of the keyboard. This is where the battery is, and typically, the bottom of the case sticks out a bit more on this side than on the other. I made this adjustment and it fixed my problem.

Sep 23, 2010 12:51 PM in response to flbmxgirl

I've been experiencing similar problems.

From time to time my Macbook Pro will act like the button on the trackpad is pressed down.

I can resolve this by going to another application and clicking and dragging to highlight text there and then returning to what I was actually trying to get done. This work around doesn't require a reboot, thankfully.

Very annoying. Think it has only started recently (past month or so).

Sep 24, 2010 9:26 PM in response to timharding

Looks like i'm having the same issue. I'm new to Macs and was generally impressed with the build quality of my ipods & iphone. I'm not sure if the problem I have is hardware or software related, but it has occurred while booted into Win7 via Bootcamp. I recently upgraded to 8GB of RAM and thought it could be a resource issue but immediately after booting (OS recognizes 8GB RAM) the problem recurred.

After taking it to the Genius Bar for a checkup, I was advised to take a Quicktime recording of the problem - I was able to do so for over 10 minutes, but due to some confidential stuff that was on the screen at the time I shortened the clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fhMt73LtW4

Sep 25, 2010 5:23 AM in response to smakie

smakie your problem looks different to ours - yes your trackpad is playing up but you don't seem to have having the highlighting problem that we are, where suddenly everything with a one finger movement is highlighted.

It is SO annoying having to restart to sort out the problem - @timharding how do you get it to work without restarting? Tried playing with some text in pages highlighting, cutting and pasting but still had to restart to get the trackpad back to normal.

I think there was a recent trackpad update so wonder if this is causing the glitch - surely it must be a software problem if a restart solves it. Can't identify any triggers that start it though, which is irritating.

I bought my MBP 22/10/09 - so not long on the warranty! Sure they could fix it with a patch though; I'm convinced the update screwed us!

Sep 25, 2010 5:33 AM in response to jellybelly1234

Ok guys, I've found a way to replicate what happens which has further convinced me that the update is to blame!

Go into system preferences - trackpad - from the three fingers drop down box select dragging.

Then go back to whatever you were doing and move 3 fingers around - this is EXACTLY what happens when it goes wrong, except I'm only using one finger when it does it.

Patch please Apple!!

Sep 25, 2010 7:51 AM in response to jellybelly1234

dunno, maybe it's a different problem, but I have noticed that my issue isn't limited just to pointer movement but also clicking. Sometimes the trackpad acts as as if it's pressed and if i move the pointer then things get selected, so perhaps it's related? Anyway, it's happening in Win7, too, so i'm not sure what to do.

This is my work laptop and since i'm in technology it has a hugely disruptive effect on my day to day when it occurs (probably 1-5 times daily, 30 seconds to 10 minutes at a time). I'm going to request a HW replacement and see where i get.

Sep 26, 2010 6:55 PM in response to jellybelly1234

Yes, the update is DEFINITELY to blame.

Trackpad problem never occurred before the update and IMMEDIATELY started after I updated my system.

My Apple Macbook unibody 13.3 is running the latest build of Snow Leopard, for the record.

I reported the problem to Apple Tech support a month ago (Caseno. 174728570) and still no fix.

Cmon Apple! Stop ignoring this problem.

Sep 28, 2010 8:32 PM in response to flbmxgirl

man I'm so glad i found this post.

I was seriously beginning to regret upgrading to snow leopard because this happened once or twice before the upgrade and recently it's been happening a LOT!

Only way to get rid of it is to reboot. which is EXTREMELY annoying.

and my applecare expired so i dont know what to do!

is there an update on Apple's website?

I guess i just have to try a genius bas appt..

Sep 29, 2010 1:06 AM in response to flbmxgirl

I had the trakpad replaced and the problem is still there. I'm so frustrated with apple. I bought my macbook pro in Chico where there is no apple store. I DJ for a living and the Mac was the best and most EXPENSIVE option. I'm not that great at computers but I'm very comfortable with a pc. I'm starting to regret switching to apple. What can I do about this problem? I have the PRP with best buy...ask for another computer lol?

macbook pro trackpad problem

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