Trackpad Issue on MB Pro Retina (mid 2014)

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Level 1

9 points

Trackpad Issue on MB Pro Retina (mid 2014)

My trackpad doesn't work 4 times out of 5, when I turn on my MB Pro Retina (late 2014). When it does, it goes great and I don't have any objection to make. However, when it doesn't turn on, there is nothing I can do to make it function. It looks as it is dead and I am forced to use the mouse.

Sometimes, when my laptop turns to sleep mode and I wake it, the trackpad can have the same problem, it doesn't wake with the rest of the system.

I tried nearly everything. There are days when I really doesn't have anything to say. My Mac is perfect and it runs great, including the trackpad. There are long periods when I am forced to use an external mouse, and in the long run it becomes annoying.

Could anyone help me out? I would be very thankful.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014), macOS Sierra (10.12.2)

Posted on Feb 8, 2017 10:06 AM

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Answer 1

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Feb 8, 2017 1:07 PM in response to duart

Hi,

Sometimes a battery can bulge and push up into the trackpad, causing issues. Sometimes this can be seen by carefully examining the trackpad for signs of a bulge. Other times one must remove the bottom cover to see if the battery is swelling.

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Answer 2

duart Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 8, 2017 1:32 PM in response to tjk

Thank you for your answer.

I opened the bottom and the battery doesn't seem particularly swollen, there is a point (one of the central cells) where it seems a bit protruding. In any case the trackpad doesn't seem pushed towards the top, it is still clickable.

The battery still has a rather good autonomy, despite more than 2 years of intense use.

Moreover, I was rather amazed to see raw battery cells there, I mean without any plastic box, probably even glued to other internal parts and frame.

Can I still buy a replacement battery and would I be able to replace it on my own?

Are there any other reasons that can cause regular trackpad failures?

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Answer 3

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Feb 8, 2017 9:22 PM in response to duart

Apple charges $200 to do the replacement, including the battery. An OEM battery can be purchased for $100 from ifixit.com: https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/MacBook-Pro-13-Inch-Retina-Late-2013-Mid-2014-B attery/IF123-053-1

This is the ifixit repair guide for replacing the battery. It is very difficult to do: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Retina+Display+Mid+2014+Battery +Replacement/27832

The battery was just one possibility for the trackpad issue. The connection could be weak, or the trackpad itself could be failing.

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