Function keys not working for brightness or volume

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Level 1

0 points

Function keys not working for brightness or volume

I have a 2011 (?) macbook air and ever since my trip to the genius bar for a battery issue my function keys don't work after I wake it up (just opening screen). May also be related to last firmware update?

I have checked the function key mapping in settings and they are normal. The volume key launches Expose and the brightness keys (and others) don't do anything. A reboot helps but only untill the first time I put it to sleep (close/open lid).

Any help?

Thanks.

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Mar 21, 2012 8:03 AM

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Answer 1

AndyO

Level 6

17,064 points

Mar 21, 2012 8:06 AM in response to lsumharper

The only way I can replicate that behaviour is if the 'Use F1, F2, etc, keys as standard function keys' option is checked in the Keyboard tab of the Keyboard preference pane. Unchecking it returns the function keys to their normal use.

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Answer 2

lsumharper Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 21, 2012 3:20 PM in response to AndyO

No dice...think I have seen others on Mac Rumors with this issue too.

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Answer 3

lsumharper Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 27, 2012 4:42 PM in response to lsumharper

Another bump...I have seen a few other places with this issue too. Really anoying at this point.

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Answer 4

captfred

Level 7

26,422 points

Mar 27, 2012 4:52 PM in response to lsumharper

Try deleting ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.symbolichotkeys.plist

Logoff/on or restart.

~ is your user library. It's hidden by default but can be found in Finder's menubar > Go > Hold the Option key down > select Library.

Captfred

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Answer 5

lsumharper Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 30, 2012 4:10 PM in response to captfred

Nope, tried it and like always works after restart then after I wake from sleeping funtion keys don't work. all this after and genius bar appointment too. Very odd.

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Answer 6

tEEonEdk

Level 1

5 points

May 12, 2012 2:00 AM in response to lsumharper

I have the same issue - it happens only after the computer has been in deep sleep (ie. the battery has run out). After that, the only way to get it back to normal is a reboot.

Did you find a solution Isum?

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Answer 7

Jul 31, 2013 5:22 PM in response to lsumharper

Early 2013 Macbook Pro. Same issue, brightness keys do not repspond after sleep when connected to Dell U2711 monitor via mini display port - display port.
Trying to solve this for a few months but nothing.
Any have the key? 🙂

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Answer 8

Sep 1, 2013 6:03 AM in response to lsumharper

I had exactly the same problem, my brightness and volume keys didn't work, but F3 and F4 did. I simply turned my mac fully off and on again, problem solved!!

Hope this helps🙂

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