ARB-82

Q: Some keys not working on Apple Keyboard A1243

I have an Apple Keyboard that's been working fine for years, but it now has developed some very strange behaviour.

 

The following keys stopped working:

  • Esc
  • Right Shift
  • Up key
  • 4, 5, 6 on numpad
  • + on numpad

 

These keys all work again when holding down the numpad +.

 

I am not sure how an Apple Keyboard technically works, but it seems the numpad + is defective and taking a couple of other seemingly random keys down.

 

Note: intermittently the keyboard will send a repeated string of '++++++++++' even though the + key is not depressed.

 

There clearly is a problem with the numpad + and I have both searched Google and this board for tips, but have not found an answer. Any tips are more than welcome!

Apple Keyboard, Model A1243

Posted on Aug 2, 2016 12:41 AM

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Q: Some keys not working on Apple Keyboard A1243

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  • by seventy one,

    seventy one seventy one Aug 2, 2016 12:53 AM in response to ARB-82
    Level 6 (15,175 points)
    Peripherals
    Aug 2, 2016 12:53 AM in response to ARB-82

    Maybe the clue is in your opening statement; you have had an Apple keyboard for years.   Items like this do not go on forever, 5 or 6 years is approaching their limit.   The environment is important too.   Has it suffered contact with liquids at any time recently.   Do you use it where it could become soiled, like in front of an open window overlooking a street or near a kitchen where cooking matter is in the air.

     

    If you live near an Apple store, make an appointment and take it in for assessment; the genius bar is free.

  • by ARB-82,

    ARB-82 ARB-82 Aug 2, 2016 1:09 AM in response to seventy one
    Level 1 (16 points)
    Notebooks
    Aug 2, 2016 1:09 AM in response to seventy one

    This keyboard is about 4 years old and I agree that things just have a limited lifespan. However, I am looking more into understanding what actually is going on 'behind the scenes'.

     

    I use the keyboard viewer and can see that numpad + is sometimes registering as being pressed all the time. The key (no pun intended) really seems to be with the numpad +. It is blocking functionality of large parts of the keyboard. I would like to understand why this is, because it doesn't really make sense to me how a numpad key blocks the ESC to F6 row, right shift keys and other keys.

     

    I should point out that by using the Keyboard Viewer I know that the following keys stopped working:

    • Esc to F6 (7 keys in a row)
    • Right Shift
    • Right Control
    • Up key
    • 4, 5, 6 on numpad
    • + on numpad

     

    These keys all work again when holding down the numpad +. The + key does not show as being pressed, but it does make all the other keys work again. However, sometimes the + key is showing as being pressed all the time while it is physically not.

  • by seventy one,

    seventy one seventy one Aug 2, 2016 3:06 AM in response to ARB-82
    Level 6 (15,175 points)
    Peripherals
    Aug 2, 2016 3:06 AM in response to ARB-82

    I wish I could be more helpful.   What you describe is typical of moisture penetration or environmental soiling and the minor shorts that they can produce.  Which is why I suggested a Genius bar appointment .. but I know not everyone lives near enough to one to take advantage.

     

    You've clearly looked into the problem and I'm fairly sure you would have re-set the SMC at some time; if not, try that.

     

    Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support