MacBook Pro Trackpad replacement doesn't work

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Level 1

7 points

MacBook Pro Trackpad replacement doesn't work

Hi, appreciate help from anyone with experience of MacBook hardware repair.

I have a MacBook Pro 13" mid-2010 with a cracked (albeit working) trackpad. The computer is out of warranty, so I bought a replacement unit on eBay rather than stump up the cost of Apple Care on an old laptop. From iFixit it seemed to be quite straightforward. Installation was very easy following their instructions (I have built computers before but this was my first MacBook repair).

The first unit I tried didn't work. There was some response from the cursor, and the click worked fine, however you couldn't move the cursor even 1/8th of the screen, it would constantly flick back.

The seller then sent a second trackpad for me to try. This one also didn't work, however the computer barely started up. It took a LONG time to get into OSX and then the mouse was very jerky. Seems there was a heavy CPU load or something caused by the trackpad.

Of course, the simple answer is the trackpads aren't working because they are faulty and I should buy them from somewhere else. Strangely though, the seller has a lot of good feedback from buyers of the same item.

Both trackpads sent have Apple quality checks on them, suggesting they are refurbished Apple parts that might be sold as excess, but I suppose being sceptical these could be false. I can't think of anything at the moment, but if you guys have any tips while I wait for the third one to be shipped, that would be much appreciated!

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Mar 12, 2014 3:33 AM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Mar 12, 2014 4:16 AM in response to bejw

It is a risk to order Apple parts from a third party and and do the work yourself. Apple repair parts are only available at Apple stores and authorized resellers. What is the actual source of the parts you are getting is an open question.

To replace a trackpad by Apple is not the most expensive repair and you also get a warranty should it fail within 90 days. I know that it is easy to say now that you may have chosen the lesser alternative for repairing your trackpad, but if I were in your position, I would cut my losses and have the MBP fixed by Apple.

Ciao.

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Answer 2

bejw Author

Level 1

7 points

Mar 12, 2014 4:23 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Many thanks Ogelthorpe for the fast reply. I appreciate you might opt for the official channel, however it is a matter of USD30 vs a USD150, after getting an estimate from the Apple Authorised Service Provider in Singapore. i.e. A significant cost difference. Also, I could quite easily get a refund for the piece, so no losses to be cut.

In any case, I was trying to ascertain if it's an issue that can be resolved, or if it's an issue with the new trackpad itself.

I have since gone into the startup menu (pre-OSX) by holding down the option key on startup. The mouse cursor moves smoothly in this scenario however the CPU fan is high, whereas it is not with the old, cracked trackpad. Any ideas why this might be?

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Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Mar 12, 2014 4:43 AM in response to bejw

bejw wrote: "I have since gone into the startup menu (pre-OSX) by holding down the option key on startup. The mouse cursor moves smoothly in this scenario however the CPU fan is high, whereas it is not with the old, cracked trackpad. Any ideas why this might be?"

Try a SMC reset:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964

See if that will slow down the fans.

Also try an Apple Hardware Test.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1509

I am wondering if your MBP may be afflicted with other issues.

Ciao.

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Answer 4

bejw Author

Level 1

7 points

Mar 12, 2014 10:32 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thanks Ogelthorpe. Could there be other issues with the MBP even though it has been working fine with the original (cracked) trackpad? Will give your suggestions a try and report back.

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