MacBook Pro Trackpad: Clicking problems

I have a MacBook Pro, (15 inch, Late 2008) and have always had fairly significant issues with the trackpad. It only registers clicks about half of the time. I have experimented with all the trackpad settings and "tap to click" also fails to register consistently. I usually have to press very hard, after the trackpad depresses for the click to register in the OS. I've continually experienced this problem in Leopard, Snow Leopard, and now Lion.
I've read that a lot of other people have had similiar issues with their trackpads over the last 3 years, but I've never heard about any fix or remedy. My trackpad does depress just fine, so I don't think that the trackpad screw would need to be adjusted at all. An external mouse registers clicks 100% of the time, so it isn't a software issue. I've heard that some people's ribbon that connects the trackpad could be loose, but I'm nervous to open it up and mess around with it.
I click with the side of my thumb--as most other people do. However clicking with my index finger also fails to register clicks, so I don't think it is a "accidental input" issue or a multitouch issue.
My girlfriend has the exact same model of Macbook Pro. Same year, same season, exact same specs. Her trackpad works perfectly.
I brought the computer to a Genius Bar, and the "Genius" said that it was just fine and somehow magically got it to register his clicks. I think maybe he had a sercret Magic Mouse under the table. I left bewildered and defeated.
Maybe I should just navigate via keyboard...

Don't worry about what the 'Genius' had to say most are just Apple grunts, slugging it out in the trenches.
If you are out of warranty / AppleCare then I would suggest finding an authorized independent Apple repair company. Go there, get a ridiculous quote (most likely) then ask around and find a local computer repair shop. Any place with "Apple Authorized" is basically like dealing with Apple.
You could also ask another 'Genius' or a 'Super Genius' (ie Manager.)
I promise you are not alone.
I have killed keyboards and trackpads with the following:
- A glass of Merlot.
- A glass of water
- Another glass of water
- A dog, knocking the laptop off the couch and to the floor.
I could continue, but seriously. Don't get up. The other option is to get a bluetooth mouse. Personally I love mine.

Similar Messages

  • Macbook pro trackpad click right open window

    Hi
    its secont time to hapent to me
    the first to install again lion but now is not regulare
    my promblem is start first to try make PRAM to my macbook pro 2.66ghz early 2009 with apple genuine SSD
    Boot in install Lion again!!!!
    shoot down and strt again boot in OS an thw track pad make zoom in scroll and right click make windows open
    the keyboard not work but i have sount from button and backlight keyboard button 

    Sounds like you may have an issue with a stuck key on your keyboard, or maybe you're inadvertently performing a multitouch gesture.
    First thing I'd try, is going to the trackpad settings and turning off multitouch gestures, even if just temporarily. Do things work as expected with that disabled? If yes, look through the different gestures and try to figure out which one you must be triggering. If not, I'd take it back to wherever you had it repaired, and get them to take a look at it. It sounds a bit like the keyboard is sending a constant signal from the "Option" key.

  • MacBook Pro trackpad constantly clicking

    I have a late 2008 Macbook Pro 5,1 15'  2.53 GHZ-4GB Ram. Running Mac OS X Lion 10.7.4 (11E53)
    My Macbook Pro trackpad is stuck constantly left clicking
    some right clicking
    moving around by itself
    not always responding completely to touch.
    In text boxes when typing it constantly erases text
    Pretty much unusable when this is happening.
    It will happen as long as it wants to and start working normally again with no rhyme or reason I do not see anything in particular that seems to trigger it.I did not just start this thread without searching the net and here. I am just looking for some opinions on if I should take it in for repair or if there are any other things I can try that I may have missed.
    Here is a list of what I have tried so far.
    Reset PRAM and NVRAM.
    Checked battery for bloating (even though that would not cause this problem would only cause it to stick had to replace once already).
    Booted into safe mode (logged into seperate admin account I never use problem started again in safe mode after about 30 seconds of using trackpad).
    checked trackpad screw (was fine but tried loosening it and tightening slightly to see if it helps.
    Turn off, Remove battery, hold power for 5 seconds, replace battery and boot.
    Using external mouse exhibits the same behavior (tried both USB and different wireless mice) This makes this problem seem more likely software not hardware
    One thing I have not tried is deleteing the plist files for the trackpad I read that fix somewhere although I can not find the link now. If and when it decides to stop again I will try that next. I am A+ certified not ACMT but I can replace anything on it if needed so please mention anything you can think of even hardware. I would rather not restore the OS as I have about 300GB of data and transferring it to one of my servers  or external drive would be a pain, time consuming, and I have read it does not solve these types of issues.
    Please help
    Sincerely,
    Frustrated but still happy Apple user.

    Well after some further investigation it seems I may have had some malware. I receive a lot of packages and this one seem to have slipped by my spam filter. It's called Mal/JSRedir-J of course I also forgot to re install Sophos Antivirus after I did some software development work and was running strictly through my citrix server which is very secure. *Slaps self in face*.
    I am running a thorough scan now but that trojan popped up. I was able to install Sophos after a reboot before it started acting up barely got my password in on install before cursor started flying around the screen.
    So far so good. Hopefully it stays that way, and maybe this will help someone else. Virus is not always the first thing to come to mind when I think MAC, and this is my first infection in 4 years

  • Macbook pro touchpad/curser problems.

    macbook pro touchpad curser problems.  typing randomly jumps to wherever the curser is resting at the time.  unbelievably maddening.  multiple devices same all have same problem.  hard to believe we cannot find anything on the apple site about this.  MANY complaints outside of this site on this issue... clearly a touchpad/battery design flaw being ignored by Cupertino.  during the writing of this post, the curser jumped randomly and started typing in a different location six times.  IMPOSSIBLE to use as a word processor since typing becomes quite frustrating.  HELP.  any ideas?  Fanboy and shareholder.  three macbook pros in the house...all the same problem. (please do not offer separate keyboard as solution...this is a laptop, not a Surface Pro...)

    Go step by step and test.
    1. Restart
    2. Shut down the computer.
        Clean the trackpad with moist not wet microfiber cloth.
        System Preferences > Point & Click
        Try turning off three finger dragging and then turning it on after  testing.
    3. Is there any Bluetooth device nearby with failing batteries? If so, replace the batteries.
      4. Reset PRAM:   http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14222
    5. Reset SMC.     http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
        Choose the method for:
        "Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".
    6. Close all windows and quit all applications.
        Click the Spotlight -the magnifying glass icon- in the menu bar. Enter Disk utility in the box.
        Select Disk Utility from the drop down. When the Disk utility window opens up,
        select  Macintosh HD, then First Aid.
        Click Repair Disk Permissions button.
        Ignore the  time remaining estimate.

  • HT203146 My Macbook Pro trackpad is unresponsive. Are there key commands which I can use to open my computer?

    Macbook Pro trackpad will not click so I am unable to log in. Are there any suggestions to fix this? Can I use keystrokes to log in and potentially solve the problem?

    Try SMC and NVRAM resets:
    http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
    http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063
    Then try a Safe boot:
    http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262
    Ciao.

  • Should my macbook pro touchpad click on top?

    Should my macbook pro touchpad click on the top left and right sides? It only clicks at the bottom.

    System Preference  > Trackpad > Point & Click
    If "Tap to Click" is enabled, click should register by tapping on any part of the Trackpad.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3211
    Best.

  • Firefox 4 doesn't allow MacBook Pro Trackpad features to work, for eg. zooming in and out by "pinching"

    I downloaded Firefox 4 and immediately noticed I could not zoom in and out by using the two finger "pinch" action used on MacBook Pro trackpads.
    I reverted to Firefox 3.6 and it works just fine.
    Could you please advise me how to rectify the fault on Firefox 4
    Thank you

    Some gestures have been removed in Firefox 4.
    You can restore the zoom feature by changing the values of the related prefs on the <b>about:config</b> page.
    browser.gesture.pinch.in cmd_fullZoomReduce
    browser.gesture.pinch.in.shift cmd_fullZoomReset
    browser.gesture.pinch.out cmd_fullZoomEnlarge
    browser.gesture.pinch.out.shift cmd_fullZoomReset

  • My 15" macbook pro have big problems identifying and connecting to my wireless network

    my 15" macbook pro have big problems identifying and connecting to my wireless network. I have no problem connecting to my neighbour´s. Also I have a 13" macbook pro, a 13" macbook, 2 ipads and 3 iphones (3, 4 and 5) and none of these have any problems connecting to my wireless. My 15" is running Mac OS X 10.7.5, has a 2.66 GHz Intel Core I7 proc and 8 GB Ram

    Hi Frodey,
    Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.  This article has steps to take to troubleshoot connecting to a wireless network and may help:
    Wi-Fi: How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4628
    Cheers,
    - Ari

  • 2012 MacBook Pro Intel i7 (purchased May 2013) constantly drops airport connection. My 2006 MacBook Pro has no problems connecting and staying connected.

    I received a 2012 MacBook Pro INtel i7 for my birthday this May 2013. It constantly drops my airport connection. My ancient 2006 MacBook Pro has no problem connecting to airport, nor staying connected. I've had to write this message several times as I keep losing the airport connection and have to reconnect. BTW: I am less than five feet from the airport base.
    Thanks for help.

    After trying all of the above the suggestions, the problem returned as before. However, after digging some more I discovered that the issue appears to lie with the 10.4.10 version of the Mac OS; when I checked the software log under the system profiler I noticed that I had installed that update at about the time my Airport problems began. Apple then quietly released a v 1.1 combo update to 10.4.10 on July 2nd, which once installed appears to have resolved the problem. You can find the download at http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10410comboupdatev11intel.html
    What's curious is that originally Apple listed that the v 1.1 combo update resolved some issues with RAW image data, and some sound problems, which don't seem to have anything to do with Airport.

  • Macbook pro trackpad problems

    I have been having trackpad problems on my macbook pro (bought in 2010) for the past couple of days. Not only does it move erratically by itself, but the left click does not respond as it should. Whenever I use the left click, it works as a right click, and I have made no changes in the trackpad options. I have done a battery check through the shift and battery click option, and the response for battery came normal. I have also done a PRAM/NVRAM reset, but the problem still persists. Do I need to replace my battery? Please leave any suggestions. Thanks

    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.

  • MacBook Pro Trackpad Secondary Click not working properly - switching apps

    I have a MacBook Pro 15" (new Core 2 Duo) with 10.4.8. On my main account, when I try and use the trackpad's two-finger-click to perform the secondary click functionality, I have a problem where instead of showing the secondary menu (same as control-click) it instead shows me the application switch screen (same as you see when entering command-tab).
    I logged in under a new user account and enabled secondary click and it works properly -- so this appears to be either a conflict/issue in a plist (though I deleted the plist for mouse and keyboard and the issue still remains) or possibly with some other application/utility that is installed.
    Without recreating my world one-by-one, any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions?
    Thanks in advance,
    Brian
    MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 15" 2.33 GHz   Mac OS X (10.4.8)   Using SOHO Notes, Yojimbo, StuffIt, and QuickSilver

    Update on the situation:
    1) Reboot in Safe Mode (shift-key down at start-up) -- secondary click still shows the application switcher.
    2) Ran Onyx -- Execute the defaults (no others) in the Automation tab and after rebooting the issue still persists.
    3) I removed the Microsoft drivers from my system and all plist files -- and reinstalled the MS drivers. On first use of the right-button on the mouse, I got the same "secondary click" response that I get with the trackpad. Before the uninstall it had worked correctly. I remember looking at the MS Mouse config options and it showed the right button performing a control-click. Now, with the preferences at their defaults from the software removal and reinstallation, I see there is an option -- and it is the default option, that the right-mouse button performs a "secondary click".
    So it isn't a trackpad or mouse issue, it is an issue that somehow the default system behavior for a secondary click has been changed from displaying the alternate menu to showing the application switcher.
    So the question is, what application or utility changed that? I was evaluating the Apple Mighty Mouse a few months ago and decided against it -- the right sensor seemed to fail often. Did that have an option to modify the secondary-click? I have Google and searched for tersm like ["secondary click" setting change modification hack, etc] and haven't seen any mention of that ability -- but clearly on my machine under my main user account, this is happening.
    I hope that helps get one step closer.
    Thanks in advance.
    MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 15" 2.33 GHz   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

  • Macbook pro trackpad won't click.  What can I do?

    About 3 months ago, my trackpad on my Macbook Pro 2009 lost the ability to click.  I could not physically press it down.  Then about 1 month ago, it was being very funky and acting erratic, so I took it into the apple store and they told me I needed  to replace the trackpad.  Rather than paying the $100 for them to do it, I ordered the parts online and replaced it myself.  The trackpad is no longer erratic and works great that way, but I am still unable to click.  I adjusted the small screw under the trackpad to make it very loose, but it still will not push down.  Any suggestions or tips on what I can do to trouble shoot or solve this problem?

    Tried resetting PRAM and SMC?
    Reset PRAM.  http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4405
    Reset SMC.     http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
    Choose the method for:
    "Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".
    System Preferences > Trackpad > Tap to click
    Uncheck and recheck the box beside.
    Battery works fine?
    Best.

  • Macbook Pro trackpad taps but doesn't click.

    I have a 2009 macbook pro and the trackpad taps but doesn't click. I was wondering if something can be done to fix it so the click works again without taking it in to get fixed? I am currently using a wireless mouse, which is okay but just gets annoying to use sometimes. But if anyone knows of any tricks that might make the click on the trackpad work, that would awesome!

    There are no stickers involved in determining a warranty.  Check here:
    https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do
    Even if your warranty has expired, the examination at an Apple store genius bar is free.  If repairs are needed you will be informed of the costs.  A trackpad repair/replacement should not bust the bank account.
    Ciao.

  • Is it better to press click the new Macbook Pro trackpads near the bottom?

    It feels easier to push down to click at the bottom of the trackpad, and seems to get harder the further you go towards the top. Is this normal?

    ah818 wrote:
    i just bought my macbook pro and im wondering.. when you push on the left side part of the bottom shell, is it suppose to make a cracking sound a little?
    I would say no to your question.  The bottoms are secured by mulitple screws and there are also a couple of areas on the bottom tray that "snap" into the upper unibody.  Maybe try removing the bottom tray and reinstalling.  It could just be that one of the areas that is susposed to snap into place did not do so during the original install.
    There is some "flex" to the lower tray in the more central areas and if you press on it there is a little bit of movement in some areas where there is nothing directly over the tray but mine does not make any kind of "cracking" noises and is very solidly in place with no give or flex near the edges.

  • Macbook Pro Trackpad problem

    Hi,
    A month back, I purchased a MacBook Pro 13" and am a new Mac user.  I was delighted by the way the trackpad operations were so smooth.  After use for about a week or two, I installed Parallels Desktop to run windows applications. I found that the trackpad does not work to its fullest in Windows so I installed a Microsoft COmpact Optical Mouse 500 v 2.0.  THe next two days went off well.  But suddenly when i started my MBP one day, the cursor started dancing around, even when Parallels was not running.  I could not properly use the gestures or they were not working at all.  After an hour or so, the trackpad was back to normal but was so shortlived and again the cursor started become jumpy.  I had to revert to using the MS mouse.  This erratic behaviour has now become normal.  I have searched for help topics including by Apple regarding jumpy and erratic trackpad operation, but none helped.  I am from India, and the Apple support here seems to be absent as there is no call back facility nor any helpline. I am still under Technical support and Warranty but dont know whom to call.
    Can anyone guide me as to how can i self solve and / or any way to contact Apple support in India.
    Thanks all in advance.

    Nshevade,
    I believe that the trackpad working when you are at home and not when you are in th office is merely a coincidence. The hardware/software for your trackpad and Wi-Fi are completely independant of eachother and could not affect eachother. Your best option is to ultilize your one year AppleCare Protection Plan. The support is 24/7. You can visit them on the web at www.apple.com/support in the US or 1-800-275-2273.
    If you wanted to do a little testing to figure out if this is hardware or software you can always make a system state backup with time machine. Once the you Mac is backed up with time machine you can restore the Mac to factory condition and see if the trackpad works properly. If this solves the issue you know the problem is software related, if not then you will definately want Apple to replace/repair your Macbook before the warranty expires. If they do exchange your machine you will grateful you have the time machine backup anyways! :-)
    Best of luck!

Maybe you are looking for