Q: The trackpad on my MacBook Air is acting erratic. It highlights everything when I scroll or clicks on random links. It also keeps ... The trackpad on my MacBook Air is acting erratic. It highlights everything when I scroll or clicks on random links. It also keeps dragging photos across the screen. I've had my Mac for about seven months. Does any know how to correct this issue? more
-
All replies
-
Helpful answers
-
Nov 19, 2013 1:49 PM in response to ems1mcby ems1mc,I forgot to add this to the reset my bad
Resetting the SMC on Mac portables with a battery you can remove
Note: Learn about removing the battery on MacBook and MacBook Pro.
- Shut down the computer.
- Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer, if it's connected.
- Remove the battery.
- Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
- Release the power button.
- Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
- Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Resetting the SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your ownNote: Portable computers that have a battery you should not remove on your own include MacBook Pro (Early 2009) and later, all models of MacBook Air, and MacBook (Late 2009).
- Shut down the computer.
- Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
- On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
- Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
- Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Note: The LED on the MagSafe power adapter may change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.
Resetting the SMC for Mac Pro, Intel-based iMac, Intel-based Mac mini, or Intel-based Xserve
- Shut down the computer.
- Unplug the computer's power cord.
- Wait fifteen seconds.
- Attach the computer's power cord.
- Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.
Note: For Intel-based Xserve computers that are not responding, you can shut down locally, or by using remote commands, or by pressing and holding the power button for five seconds.
-
Nov 19, 2013 2:26 PM in response to ShaggyNPTby blakeprendergast,That little sticker (pictured) was sitting flush against the center bus on the trackpad chip. If a little drop of liquid gets in along the top of the trackpad, it can travel down the ribbon and to sticker. Add a little heat from the adjacent battery and its ink can be deposited onto the bus.
As I'm sure you've now guessed, this is what happened to me. It seemed to be causing an interference along the top of the trackpad [visible in the 'Show Live View' feature of Better Touch Tool (Freeware)].
I suspected a swollen battery, but mine was fine. The part of the battery that sits beneath the trackpad is encased in fairly thick plastic. I would be skeptical of anyone telling you its a swollen battery without you inspecting it. Removing the battery may just lower the temperature in that area, masking the symptoms.
I removed the whole ribbon cable from its ZIF connector and peeled off the stickers and took a cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol and swabbed the ink off the bus. The first few swabs were deep purple after swabbing. Its been over a week now, and my previously unusable computer has not had even a momentary relapse.
PRAM and SMC resets would only give me a few minutes of respite before a resurgence. And if you decide to pay to fix, you need only buy the ribbon cable and chip not the whole trackpad.
Temporary quick fix: disable trackpad in settings and use a USB mouse.
Attached: The underside of the trackpad with the user side of the computer up, trackpad ribbon cable removed -
Nov 19, 2013 3:05 PM in response to ems1mcby Allan Dibiase,Resetting PRAM seems to have solved my issue. Thanks for posting....
-
Nov 19, 2013 6:47 PM in response to ShaggyNPTby Goldenrise,I this problem too on my MBP ever since I updated Maverick. It is frustrating as it waste A LOT of my time trying to troubleshoot.... scanning for viruses using more than one virus scanner, restalling OS etc... the problem still persisting. Can Apple say something since it is affecting so many people?
-
Nov 19, 2013 7:23 PM in response to Goldenriseby John Galt,Goldenrise wrote:
I this problem too on my MBP ever since I updated Maverick. It is frustrating as it waste A LOT of my time trying to troubleshoot.... scanning for viruses using more than one virus scanner, restalling OS etc... the problem still persisting. Can Apple say something since it is affecting so many people?
If you want help you have to start your own Discussion, not reply to someone else's. You will require specific guidance.
-
Nov 20, 2013 2:30 AM in response to Goldenriseby Retired Engineer,Goldenrise wrote:
I this problem too on my MBP ever since I updated Maverick. It is frustrating as it waste A LOT of my time trying to troubleshoot.... scanning for viruses using more than one virus scanner, restalling OS etc... the problem still persisting. Can Apple say something since it is affecting so many people?
Apple does not participate in these forums. The forums are user to user only. If you need your unit repaired you have to contact Apple directly either by phone or visiting an Apple store.
-
Nov 20, 2013 4:47 AM in response to Retired Engineerby MarcusFaust,I took my computer to the Genius bar and learned I just needed a new trackpad! Not a software problem at all. Fixed. Thank goodness for Apple Care!
-
Nov 20, 2013 4:43 PM in response to MarcusFaustby Goldenrise,I was advised by Apple that my Macbook Pro (Jul-2012) qualifies for a replacement of the Main Logic Board (MLB) after going through the problem with them. After I brought it? to Apple authorised service centre, I was told it is the trackpad that is bad. What puzzles me is, my trackpad has been a white elephant, as I am more familiar using the mouse. It is only with the erratic movements appearing after I installed Mavericks that I realised something in wrong. The reliability of Apple products has always met my expectation. It is disappointing that the trackpad needs to be replaced so quickly. With hardware failing with normal use in such a short time, it is a real inconvenience as the replacement takes 3 - 5 working days. I may be wrong, but what appears to me is more of a mismatch of the hardward (trackpad) to Mavericks.
-
Nov 21, 2013 2:35 PM in response to ems1mcby ems1mc,Eh problem is back!
I did have a tech buddy of mine say he believes the power management of mavericks may be failing components, I dunno, but a bunch of funny is going around.!
-
Nov 22, 2013 6:14 AM in response to Bismarck Mooseby Bismarck Moose,I replaced the battery again. Problem solved! Nice!
-
Nov 22, 2013 6:15 AM in response to ShaggyNPTby Bismarck Moose,The 2nd battery replacement solved this issue for me.
-
Nov 22, 2013 6:18 AM in response to TKNY77by Bismarck Moose,I also bought a battery from Amazon and it did not fix this issue. So I bought another through another non-apple company. Now the problem is solved.
-
Nov 22, 2013 6:28 AM in response to Bismarck Mooseby thomas_r.,I also bought a battery from Amazon and it did not fix this issue. So I bought another through another non-apple company. Now the problem is solved.
You know, batteries purchased from third parties are often scavenged batteries, or batteries that have sat on the shelves for a while, and as such they are often not in prime condition. They are sold as "new" when they will not perform like a new battery and will wear out sooner. I'm sure there are probably some reputable dealers out there, but because of the risks, it's generally not a good idea to buy new Mac batteries from anyone other than Apple.
-
Nov 26, 2013 2:53 AM in response to ShaggyNPTby Wakx,This happened to my MBP every now and then, and over the past week every day - especially after waking up my MBP. I press ESC and slam the pad which eases the problem, until it starts again. Then after a while it goes away.
Now, slamming the trackpad suggests a hardware problem but I am not convinced because why does it occur so erratically? It can come back any time of the day.
Factors that may weigh in: I use my MBP a lot, and there's plenty of dust around.
-
Nov 26, 2013 3:01 AM in response to Wakxby thomas_r.,Hardware problems can easily be erratic. You should really get it looked at by Apple.
By the way, note that the trackpad is actually coated glass... it's tough glass, but nonetheless, "slamming" it would definitely not be recommended!
