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Trackpad is inaccurate and jumps around.

Hello,


I'm running OS X Yosemite v 10.10.5 on a MacBook Pro Retina 13" Mid 2014.

The issue that I'm facing is making my trackpad un-usable and I have to plug in a USB mouse to be able to do anything on the computer.


If I am to move my finger to the right of the trackpad, the trackpad will not respond, and 3 seconds later I'll find it on the right side of the screen. It's very jumpy and it will not move as I want it. I have tried starting it in Safe mode to check for software influence, but I had the same problem in Safe mode.


I have only had the laptop for roughly 8 months and I could really use help!

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)

Posted on Sep 1, 2015 3:46 AM

Reply
4 replies

Sep 1, 2015 4:19 AM in response to D-ALK

The only thing that I omitted because you have a new MBP is that the battery may be interfering with the trackpad. But that is not likely in your case. Besides you would need to open the MBP to inspect the battery and that requires a pentalobe driver which is not readily available.


There may be a mechanical problem that may require an adjustment, but that then becomes a job for a genius bar technician.


This is all I am able to offer you.


Ciao.

Sep 1, 2015 9:42 AM in response to D-ALK

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 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. If your model has an infrared receiver for use with an Apple Remote, disable it.

5. 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.

6. Reset the System Management Controller.

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

8. 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.

9. A defective peripheral device or a damaged cable can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using any wired peripherals, disconnect them one at a time and test.

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

11. If you use Handoff, disable it in the General pane of System Preferences.

12. 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.

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

Trackpad is inaccurate and jumps around.

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