some keys not working in mac book pro

Several of my MacBook Pro's built-in keyboard keys quit working. They are letter keys in a row; hjkl. (Have to use the virtual keyboard viewer thingie). They work occasionally, but mostly not. I bought my MacBook Pro (mid 2009) new & have had it since Sept. 2009.

I am using only the laptop built in keyboard, no external one. It started this about 2 nights ago, suddenly, and it was before updating to the recent OS X 10.8.2. Update didn't help & I didn't see anything that looked odd re keyboard in the settings. Also, the keys are background lit like the working keys. Any ideas?

Did you guys fix your issues? If so, how?

Update: I called Tech. Apparently my Apple Care just ran out like 6 weeks ago. (Story of my life).

Tech ran me through this: Apple icon, system preferences, accessibility, keyboard & mouse.

Apparently, it would have been a settings issue IF any of tHose items had been checked under keyboard & mouse (& presumably the fix would be to uncheck). But since none of mine were checked, he said he is pretty certain it is a hardware issue, which requires a visit to an Apple Store for diagnostics & may require a repacement keyboard installed.

IF anyone has any other suggestions for me to check in addition which might enable me to avoid an unnecessary trip and expense & fix it myself (assuming it isn't a hardware issue; maybe some setting he didn't know about), I'd greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!

MacBook Pro 2.16 Intel Core Duo - OSX 10.6.8 - I recently had this issues ... M, J, U, 7 would NOT work. It started with the M key ... I snapped off the key and cleaned underneath. This appeared to help, but ... I ordered a new keyboard from Mac Parts Online and replaced it. (Not the easiest thing but relatively smooth process). All worked for several days, maybe a month.

But ... The problem returns occasionally. Sometimes not for days. It appears to be in the software, NOT the hardware. It also effects the ( " ) key on occasions.

The most common place I get these non working keys is MAIL. I would say that it is NOT every time I go to send an email. Ironically, I switch back and forth between several apps that remain running. (MAIL - PAGES - ACROBAT) In one app the keys are NOT working, while in another they are working.(?) (They sometimes do not work in the Finder) I have seen these keys start working when I bring up widgets, yet it is not consistent.

I have checked all the APPLE recommended preferences and settings to see if there is an errant checked box. (To no avail) Zap the PRAM and rebuild permissions on a regular basis. I use a CAD application that is RAM hungry. (VectorWorks) I sometime quit all applications and restart when these letters stop responding in a drawing ...assuming this will help.

As I went to type this reply the ... M, J, U, 7 were NOT working. This was right after a shutdown and restart with a permissions rebuild. Signed in with my APPLE ID (Browser is Safari) and while I typed this reply and the letters had no issues. (???) go figure.

Recently used Cocktail to remove language settings / keyboards etc. Removed this application. Also removed any keyboard apps - QuickKeys - iKey ...

Hold the presses ... Lets add ystery to isery ... The keys are now Non Fnctioning ? (Arghhhh)

Peter

Hi all,

I am new to this community.

Let me tell my sugestions considering all the above discussions.

If the keyboard keys are not working or malfunctioning or working some times(may be diagonal keys) with out liquid spill, it should be a hardware issue and can be resolved only by apple if you do not have a technical source. Because the hardware isn't the keyboard itself. It is due to the malfunction of the Integrated Chip which controls the keyboard and track pad. And that IC is located very closer to the keyboard cable on the logic board. A technician could change it as you get a spare one from ebay or according to the availability from Apple itself.

Please confirm as the post is helpfull.

Thanks.

Feedbacks appreciated..

same here with my macbook.

the 4,r,f,v keys aren't working. have to use the keyboard viewer

Same here. Mine are parallel too (square left bracket and minus sign). Macbook Pro which is only a few months old. Very annoying!