Blondi2013
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Macbook Pro Retina trackpad is acting up and other oddities

Hi, everyone! I just purchased my new Retina in March and recently started having trouble with it. A little worried, since we know how expensive these puppies are.

 

My track pad will sometimes stop working, or move erratically when I'm trying to use it. I've read that it's possible the top of the track pad is too tight and to press down on both top corners to "unstick" it. I've tried that as well as applying pressure on the other edges in alternating directions. No one thing seems to make it start workign again, but it does almost always start acting up right away.

 

My computer froze yesterday, reminiscent of my Windows time. No blue screen of death, obviously, but it just froze up and would not unfreeze. I finally did a force shutdown. It just did that again a bit ago, but this time when I forced a shut down, it didn't completely restart, I just had to in again and didn't see the apple loading screen.

 

It also is acting up after I sign in from it being asleep. I can get logged in, start working and then suddenly it goes back to the sleep screen. There is also a bit of a lag when signing back in. This does not happen on a regular basis, but enough for me to notice it.

 

I don't know if anything of these things are related, but any suggestios would be wonderful! The nearest Apple Store is 3 hrs away, but I will take it if I have no other options.

 

Thank you in advance!

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2013), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Oct 5, 2013 10:25 AM

Close
Blondi2013

Q: Macbook Pro Retina trackpad is acting up and other oddities

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Linc Davis,Helpful

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Oct 5, 2013 10:33 AM in response to Blondi2013
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Oct 5, 2013 10:33 AM in response to Blondi2013

    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, and also this one, if applicable.

    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 without delay.

    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 that 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 and/or external trackpad tested.

  • by Blondi2013,

    Blondi2013 Blondi2013 Oct 5, 2013 10:36 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 5, 2013 10:36 AM in response to Linc Davis

    Hi, Linc! I was just reading this response in another thread. I know no one else is accessing my computer, it only happens when I try to use the trackpad. I'm going to try your suggested steps, but the battery issue has me very worried since I'm so far from a store. The underside of my laptop doesn't feel excessively hot, but I do keep it on a cooling pad for ventilation and run it as needed. Is there any way I can figure out if it *is* the battery? Is it more common than not?

     

    Trying your other suggestions now. Thank you for politely reposting this and not telling me to look at another thread, that was kind of you.

  • by Blondi2013,

    Blondi2013 Blondi2013 Oct 5, 2013 10:38 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 5, 2013 10:38 AM in response to Linc Davis

    I forgot to add, do you have any suggestions about the other two issues? Do you think they are related?

  • by Blondi2013,

    Blondi2013 Blondi2013 Oct 5, 2013 11:45 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 5, 2013 11:45 AM in response to Linc Davis

    Okay, I followed each of the steps you outlined above.

     

    The only thing I noticed is that when the trackpad acts up, it seems to be the right side and the middle of it. The top left and left middle seem to be okay.

     

    Could it be the battery or is there an issue with the trackpad getting stuck?

  • by Linc Davis,Helpful

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Oct 5, 2013 12:11 PM in response to Blondi2013
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Oct 5, 2013 12:11 PM in response to Blondi2013

    If Steps 1-9 had no effect, go to Step 10. I have no other suggestions.

  • by Blondi2013,

    Blondi2013 Blondi2013 Oct 5, 2013 2:48 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 5, 2013 2:48 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Okay, thanks. I just hate to drive 3 hours if it's something simple. I do appreciate your help, though.

  • by DanMeck,

    DanMeck DanMeck Oct 6, 2013 10:50 PM in response to Blondi2013
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Oct 6, 2013 10:50 PM in response to Blondi2013

    I had the same issue this weekend, so I contacted the Apple Support through Chat. I performed some troubleshooting procedures the guy requested me to do but the problem continued. It was really frustrating. He recommended me to take it to a Genius Bar. I decided to disable temporarily the trackpad and connect an external mouse to be able to work. In any case I continued googling for more info about the issue and found that pressing the four corners of the trackpad worked in some cases so I did it and enabled the trackpad back. It totally solved it. At least it seems so. It worths a try.

  • by Blondi2013,

    Blondi2013 Blondi2013 Oct 6, 2013 10:54 PM in response to DanMeck
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 6, 2013 10:54 PM in response to DanMeck

    Thank you SO much, Dan! I've tried just about everything, save making the trip to the store. The pressing of all 4 corners at once does seem to clear it up for a longer period of time but it does come back. I also wonder if this is being caused by my wrists wresting on the either side of it, the weight pushing it down a bit? I was extra careful today to not wrest my wrists, but it's uncomfortable to keep them up all the time.

     

    I have an article due next week, so I will definitely connect an external mouse so I dont have to fuss with it then. I appreciate you taking the time to share with me!