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User profile for user: Aidan423
Aidan423 Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Keys falling off Retina MacBook Pro!

Since around 6 weeks ago, my MacBook Pro's keys have been randomly coming loose and falling off. Currently as I try to type this, I am missing my F1, F2, F6, Backspace, Backslash and Spacebar keys.


For a while now, I've been popping said keys back on and now because I've repeatedly snapping on the keys, all said keys will now not attach to the keyboard and stay on there because tiny little clips on the key caps have broken off. As well as my F2 and F6 keys snapping in half whilst trying to put them back on.


I don't know whether this is related to the key issue, but just before this started happening, something very odd happened with my MacBook.

One night, I went to bed and closed my MacBook and it went to sleep. The next morning, I went to go open my MacBook and the entire computer was so hot to the touch that it burnt me. There were no fans, the screen wasn't on, the computer was just ridiculously hot. Before I closed my computer, I quit all open applications and there is nothing (to my knowledge) installed on the computer to have it wake up and heat up to dangerous levels. When I finally opened the computer, the fans sped up to full capacity and it froze randomly every minute or two for about an hour. After that, it's been running perfectly. The computer wasn't on charge.


Will Apple replace my keys under warranty? It's a massive inconvenience to have missing keys as I start an Advanced Diploma course next week and I *NEED* my computer working perfectly.


Regards,

Aidan.

MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.1), 256GB, 8GB, 2.3GHz

Posted on Jan 28, 2013 12:13 AM

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User profile for user: Courcoul
Courcoul
User level: Level 6
18,588 points

Jan 28, 2013 12:26 AM in response to Aidan423

No other alternative but to take it back to the Apple Store for service. Fortunately, it is still within warranty so repairs should be free, although they may try to give you the old "user misuse, not covered" runaround, so be prepared to stand your ground. If the keyboard is diagnosed as bad, they will probably have to replace the entire Mac, since the Retina is essentially nonserviceable. So be sure to have a full backup of the computer BEFORE you take it in. A bootable clone is the best alternative.


Unfortunately, the Retinas are truly closed systems and parts can only be had thru Apple. Were it a regular model, spare keycaps go for $4.50 and are readily available, but not for Retinas.

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User profile for user: Aidan423
Aidan423 Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Jan 28, 2013 7:27 AM in response to Courcoul

Thank you for your responses.


As I don't have an actual Apple Store in my state, first I'll try and take it to the retailer I bought the MacBook from and see what they can do for me, and if they can replace the unit on the spot. I'll explain to them it being a retina model and it's unserviceable nature and hopefully they'll respond happily to it, JB HIFI (Australia) are usually good with this type of thing. I've also taken out a 3 year extended warranty with them when I bought the laptop so I think I need to go through them to continue to have the warranty honoured.


Since I can't be without the laptop for more than a couple of days, if JB HIFI won't replace it, my next step is to take it to a certified apple repairer and see if they'll offer a replacement. I've had a closer inspection and on a few keys which have broken, a few metal hooks that hold the "scissor mechanism" in place aren't there where they're supposed to be which makes me believe this could be why they're falling off and not staying there.

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User profile for user: manjello
manjello
User level: Level 1
4 points

Mar 27, 2013 6:42 PM in response to Aidan423

Same with my 15" Mid 2012 Retina... piece of trash. Apple is a terrible company for not sending me a replacement through the mail. I had to order one from a replacment laptop keys website. Fortunately they ONLY had the Retina model keys. Ebay didn't have squat, except for some 11" Air keys.

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Keys falling off Retina MacBook Pro!

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