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erratic trackpad/sbbod

Hi there, Am running a Macbook Pro which has developed a tendancy to do occasional SBBOD and in the last couple of weeks has developed an erratic trackpad. This has been okay until yesterday when it (trackpad) was going nuts and making Safari zoom in (and not be able to zoom out).


I read a lot about it on here last night and booted in Safe Mode and reset the SMC. I also got rid of loads of Apps and Software I don't use and also minimised the amount of programmes that open on Start-Up. I also ran a diagnostic on the disks which came back saying they were okay.


It's certainly a lot better now, however it still seems to do the trackpad thing randomly. Any help greatfully received as I have lots of important work to do with it today...


It's defintiely only happened since installing Mavericks (currently running 10.9.1) plus my power adaptor snapped at the dreaded weak spot a while back and I have done a bodge job on it to keep it going (I think the power is draining faster since this).

Posted on Jan 16, 2014 1:28 AM

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3 replies

Jan 16, 2014 8:39 AM in response to simondoling

There are several possible causes for this issue. Take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not be applicable.

1. Follow the instructions in this support article, and also this one, if applicable. A damaged or defective AC adapter could be the cause, even if it's the right kind.

2. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and delete all pointing devices other than the trackpad, if applicable. Disconnect any USB pointing devices. By a "pointing device," I mean a peripheral that moves the cursor in response to user input, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device.

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 portable computer 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. Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and the unit needs to be serviced or replaced.

8. 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.

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

10. 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.

11. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.

Jan 16, 2014 7:30 PM in response to simondoling

I have been having this erratic trackpad issue for at least a year and have tried everything that people suggest to no avail. Until this morning, someone suggested to clean the trackpad using one of those alcohol swabs used for cleaning prescription glasses. It stated to clean the trackpad concentrating on the edges. I simply used the swab (very little alcohol or whatever they use on those) with my fingernail digging into the edge of the trackpad. Not much dirt but the swab did show a few little lines of crud. So far so good, 10 hours later with no relapse. I again love my Macbook Pro, no more frustration.


Hope this helps.

erratic trackpad/sbbod

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