Trackpad acting up

Question

Trackpad acting up

Hello everyone,

Since last Sunday, my trackpad has started acting berserkly, sometimes the cursor sticks stubbornly and sometimes dances around on its own.

When I start up my Macbook Pro, the cursor works fine for about 15 minutes until it shows its unpleasent self.

I've tried reseting PRAM and cleaning thoroughly, bluetooth is off and my battery doesnt seem to be swollen, at least not from the bottom.

My Mac is under warranty for another month but this week's holiday week here in Malaysia. I'm super frustrated right now! So I would really really appreciate any advice.

Thank you in advance.

xx

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012)

Posted on Aug 7, 2013 5:40 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Aug 7, 2013 6:31 AM in response to lazyeconomist

try booting the computer into safe mode (restart by holding down the shift key until you see an apple, spinning gear and progress bar at bottom of screen)

if the trackpad works fine in safe mode you know that something 3rd party is causing the issue (whether a plugin, app etc) since in safe mode all 3rd party products are disabled on the mac. you would then have to figure out what all you have 3rd party installed on the mac and go from there

if it does happen in safe mode then it may be issue w/ the actual trackpad itself. try doing an SMC reset. the following article tells how to do this:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

hope one of these helps you out!

Reply

Answer 2

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

Aug 7, 2013 11:47 AM in response to lazyeconomist

There are several possible causes for this issue. Take each of the following steps until it's resolved.

1. Follow the instructions in this support article.

2. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and check for unknown or forgotten input devices. Disconnect any USB input devices that you aren't using.

3. Boot in safe mode and test, preferably without launching any third-party applications. If you don't have the problem in safe mode, but it comes back when you reboot as usual, stop here and post your results. If you can't boot in safe mode, do the same. If you booted in safe mode and there was no change, go on to the next step.

4. Reset the System Management Controller.

5. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.

6. A swollen battery in a MacBook Pro or Air can impinge on the trackpad from below and cause erratic behavior. If you have trouble clicking the trackpad, this is likely the reason. The battery must be replaced.

7. There's a report that a (possibly defective) Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter can cause the built in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using such an adapter, disconnect it and test.

8. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.

9. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think your computer is being remotely controlled, remove it from the network by turning off Wi-Fi (or your Wi-Fi access point), disconnecting from a Bluetooth network link, and unplugging the Ethernet cable or USB modem, whichever is applicable. If the cursor movements stop at once, you should suspect an intrusion.

10. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine tested.

Reply