Keys F1,1,Q,A,Z,Backspace,F12 don't work

Question

Level 1

5 points

Keys F1,1,Q,A,Z,Backspace,F12 don't work

Hi.

First let me say that the keyboard is not wet.

Since a lot of months ago, these keys don't work when I'm using the battery (with or without the battery charger connected), but if I remove the battery and use the computer connected to the charger, all the keys work fine.

The "big" problem is that since yesterday these keys no longer work with or without the battery.

I opened the computer and checked that the keyboard is correctly connected to the motherboard, and the cable connection below the trackpad seems to be fine.

*The really strange thing is that until now the keyboard worked fine without battery.*

My upper case model is the one with silver cable.

Please, can anyone tell me something to do in order of trying to repair the keyboard without having to buy a new one?

Thanks!!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Mar 6, 2011 5:15 AM

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Answer 1

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Mar 6, 2011 8:43 AM in response to jorgeoa

jorgeoa:

Welcome to Apple Discussions.

Your best bet would be to make an appointment at the Genius Bar of your nearest Apple Store. They will be able to check this out for you quickly. There is usually no charge for checking.

If you are not near an Apple Store you can try an external USB keyboard and see if you have problems with it. If the external keyboard works fine, it would seem to indicate that the issue is with your keyboard or the ribbon cable. If you need to replace the keyboard you will need to replace the upper case of your computer as it is a single unit with the keyboard.

Good luck.

😉 cornelius

Message was edited by: cornelius

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Answer 2

T5GP5Ox32

Level 3

590 points

Mar 6, 2011 8:42 AM in response to jorgeoa

Try resetting the SMC. Though it could be an issue with how the battery is seating or operating as well. May want to make a Genius Bar appointment sometime to get it looked at to make sure there's no other issues as well besides the keyboard.

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Answer 3

jorgeoa Author

Level 1

5 points

Mar 6, 2011 1:18 PM in response to T5GP5Ox32

Hi.

Thanks for the replies.

Suddenly the keyboard works again without the battery. Tomorrow I'll try to reset the SMC and check if the keyboard works with the battery.

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Answer 4

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Mar 7, 2011 9:06 AM in response to jorgeoa

Glad to hear it is working again. Sounds like yours is a power issue, so resetting the SMU may help. You do not tell us which MacBook you have. If it is older than 3 years your battery may need to be replaced.

😉 cornelius

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Answer 5

jorgeoa Author

Level 1

5 points

Mar 7, 2011 2:05 PM in response to cornelius

Hi again.

Today I've reset the SMC but the problem still persists, but finally I've found the problem: the cable or the connector behind the battery.

The moment you touch the cable, the keys stop working.

I'll try to reconnect the cable, but probably it's damaged so I'll buy another one.

Does anyone know a store that deliveries to Spain?

Thanks!

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Answer 6

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Mar 7, 2011 6:17 PM in response to jorgeoa

The moment you touch the cable, the keys stop working.

You are probably right. One of more of the elements in the ribbon may be damaged.

Does anyone know a store that deliveries to Spain?

I suggest you contact iFixit.

😉 cornelius

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