lmgosnell1024
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Trackpad Jumpy/Jerky

Here is hoping I wont have to send the computer away..

Recently in the last day or so, my mouse/trackpad has been really slow and jerky. When I move it around, it lags or I have to keep moving it to get it to another point on the screen. Even scrolling and that seems to be a problem. I havent installed anything new, I've checked all the trackpad settings and nothing has changed. Any help would be great.

 

I also had a simialr issue about a month ago, and the curser was going all over the place. I managed to sort it out ( I think something was stuck in the trackpad) but this time the issue is a bit different.

MacBook Pro (13-inch Late 2011)

Posted on Oct 20, 2013 12:48 PM

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lmgosnell1024

Q: Trackpad Jumpy/Jerky

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  • Helpful answers

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Oct 20, 2013 1:16 PM in response to lmgosnell1024
    Level 9 (52,812 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 20, 2013 1:16 PM in response to lmgosnell1024

    This is the Apple support article on trackpads:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1449

     

    Some more things you may try:

     

    Sometimes a very thorough cleaning of the trackpad will restore functionality.

     

    Occasionally the MBP battery might expand and interfere with the trackpad.  Open the MBP up (bottom plate) and inspect the battery,

     

    Pickup the MBP and hold it vertically and press the trackpad a few times.  Then repeat the process with the other end up.  See if that helps.

     

    Ciao.

  • by sanjampet,

    sanjampet sanjampet Oct 20, 2013 1:19 PM in response to lmgosnell1024
    Level 5 (7,881 points)
    Oct 20, 2013 1:19 PM in response to lmgosnell1024

    Have you read this:

    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1449

     

     

    Tried rebooting?

     

    Try a SMC reset

     

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

     

    Try a pram reset

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11243

  • by lmgosnell1024,

    lmgosnell1024 lmgosnell1024 Oct 20, 2013 2:42 PM in response to lmgosnell1024
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 20, 2013 2:42 PM in response to lmgosnell1024

    Thanks for that. I've done both an SMC and pram reset- it seems to have made it a little better, but its still a bit jerky, although not as bad as it was before. Is there anything else I can try?

  • by lmgosnell1024,

    lmgosnell1024 lmgosnell1024 Oct 20, 2013 2:47 PM in response to lmgosnell1024
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 20, 2013 2:47 PM in response to lmgosnell1024

    scratch that. it might also be worth mentioning that the trackpad works fine before I log into my account while its still a gray screen. After I log in, it is okay for a few moments and then goes back to being slow, lagged, jerky-whatever its doing.

  • by sanjampet,

    sanjampet sanjampet Oct 20, 2013 3:05 PM in response to lmgosnell1024
    Level 5 (7,881 points)
    Oct 20, 2013 3:05 PM in response to lmgosnell1024

    Try a Safe boot, power down, then power back up holding the left side SHIFT key, press this key and hold after pressong the power button, hold until you see the progress bar, then you can release and allow it to finish booting, login and see if you have the same problem. (note that the safe boot will take longer than a normal boot, this will also disable 3rd party software, and some other functions) If it seems happy logout, reboot normally, and see what you have.

     

    The next step to trouble shoot this would be to go to Systems Preferences/ Accounts&Users, and create a new account, (make sure this an Administrator Account) use the word "test" (no quotes) for all fields to create the acct so you do not have to remember anything, then after creating the acct logout, and login to the new account, see what you have.

     

    If it works there then something is probably corrupt with your user account.

  • by lmgosnell1024,

    lmgosnell1024 lmgosnell1024 Oct 20, 2013 3:15 PM in response to lmgosnell1024
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 20, 2013 3:15 PM in response to lmgosnell1024

    Thanks! Booted in safe mode, still had the same issue.. Works for a minute or so and then it gets funny again. Could it be a hardware problem?

  • by sanjampet,

    sanjampet sanjampet Oct 20, 2013 3:36 PM in response to lmgosnell1024
    Level 5 (7,881 points)
    Oct 20, 2013 3:36 PM in response to lmgosnell1024

    It's starting to seem that way, you may have a swollen battery which should be attended to immediately, so as to not cause more damage. If you have done due diligence on all the recommended tests/solutions, you you bring it in to an Apple Store/AASP (Authorized Apple Service Provider) and have the issue diagnosed. They will diagnose it for free and let you know your options. A swollen battery can cause much damage if allowed to remain in the machine, if you are not comfortable taking the MBP apart and checking it, then by all means bring it to a repair station and have it checked out. I, myself would stop using the machine until this has been confirmed/resolved, if all the recommendations have been unsuccessful.

     

    All the Best

  • by lmgosnell1024,

    lmgosnell1024 lmgosnell1024 Oct 20, 2013 3:36 PM in response to lmgosnell1024
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 20, 2013 3:36 PM in response to lmgosnell1024

    Oh dear.. It seems to work fine in the "test" account. Is there a way to figure out what is causing the problem in my main one?

  • by lmgosnell1024,

    lmgosnell1024 lmgosnell1024 Oct 20, 2013 3:40 PM in response to lmgosnell1024
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 20, 2013 3:40 PM in response to lmgosnell1024

    Thanks for the help!

  • by sanjampet,

    sanjampet sanjampet Oct 20, 2013 3:49 PM in response to lmgosnell1024
    Level 5 (7,881 points)
    Oct 20, 2013 3:49 PM in response to lmgosnell1024

    do you have full access to ALL of your files, in the new account? If so, and you should,you can create a new admin user account and use that. Use it for a time (when ever you feel comfortable that all is well) you can delete the offending account...but I would go for at least a couple of weeks to be certain all is well, and everything is what it should be.

     

    By the way do you a back up system inplace? Time Machine or a clone, if not you should implement this ASAP on an external self powered (not USB powered) drive, drives are inexpensive these days, your data is priceless.

     

    Hope this has helped you.

  • by jonnizz,

    jonnizz jonnizz Nov 2, 2013 4:54 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 2, 2013 4:54 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    OGELTHORPE, you'r right, it did solved it, preassing the TP vertically, running perfectly smooth now, i was going nuts with this stuff!

    i just don't know for how long, but whatever  works for now, right?

     

    Thanks mate