DJ Dres

Q: Mavericks 10.9.3 Trackpad Problems.

After updating to Mavericks 10.9.3 most of the time my trackpad will go crazy!

The cursor moves on it's own and selects whatever it wants to select.

When that happens, I have to shut down my Macbook Pro by holding down the power button (which i know isn't good) because i can't control the cursor.

 

I'd appreciate it if anyone knows of a solution for this mess..

 

Thank you very much!

 

Dres

MacBook Pro (15-inch Mid 2010), OS X Mavericks (10.9.3)

Posted on Jun 9, 2014 3:27 PM

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Q: Mavericks 10.9.3 Trackpad Problems.

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jun 9, 2014 3:58 PM in response to DJ Dres
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Jun 9, 2014 3:58 PM in response to DJ Dres

    There are several possible causes for this issue. Please take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not apply in your case.

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

    3. 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, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device.

    4. Start up 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 restart as usual, stop here and post your results. Do the same if you can't start in safe mode. If there was no difference in safe mode, go on to the next step.

    5. Reset the System Management Controller.

    6. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.

    7. 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.

    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.

  • by alisjo865,

    alisjo865 alisjo865 Jun 10, 2014 12:30 AM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 10, 2014 12:30 AM in response to Linc Davis

    Hi Linc Davis,

     

    I too have an erratic trackpad.  I followed your advice above and restarted in safe mode.  The trackpad functions properly in safe mode.  And as you mentioned I stopped there and am posting my findings.  My question is:  what should I do next?

     

    Thanks,

     

    Alissa

  • by anthonyjohnsonv,

    anthonyjohnsonv anthonyjohnsonv Jun 10, 2014 6:46 PM in response to DJ Dres
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 10, 2014 6:46 PM in response to DJ Dres

    Download & Reinstall the 10.9.3 combo update

     

    Download:

    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1745

     

    Worked for me! Good Luck


  • by majraj,

    majraj majraj Jun 11, 2014 12:24 AM in response to DJ Dres
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 11, 2014 12:24 AM in response to DJ Dres

    i have similar problem as DJ Dres

    and i had similar probelm when i updated to 10.8 , that was old machine so was replaced

    but this time it is 6 months old state of art (one could think) MacBook Pro

    and it is very anoying that 10 minutes after update to Mavericks mouse got life on its own