Left shift key is stuck down

My daughters MacBook left shift key is stuckndown. The computer is constantly on "safe boot".
What's a mom to do?

Did you double check to make sure you replaced the shift key correctly?

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Shift key is "stuck down"

So I first had a problem with this over a week ago - when I switched my laptop on it went to a grey screen with the option of me or guest. I clicked on me, but it wouldn't accept my password. I clicked on guest, and got a message about restarting in Safari only mode or something. Tried this a few times but each time it came back to the same screen with the same options.
Eventually I managed to get on as normal by holding down the right hand command key whilst switching on (doesn't work with the other command key). From there I tried various things and worked out that everything was acting as if I had a shift key held down, and I used the keyboard viewer to work out that it was the right hand shift key causing the problem.Obviously this was why my password wasn't being accepted.
It corrected itself after a couple of hours but the problem came and went last week. I tried blasting air under the key, thinking there might be something under there, but it didn't have any effect.
I should mention at this point that I'm from the UK but currently living in Madagascar so though my MacBook is only 8 months old I can't take it anywhere for help.
My dad called Apple for me who advised to try reinstalling Lion (by holding down CMD + R whilst switching on). I first tried this on Friday afternoon last week but couldn't do it because it required logging in to the app store, and I couldn't type my password in as the shift key was doing it's thing. It stopped doing it a while later, but by that time our internet was down so once again couldn't do it. I used a spare laptop (as I am doing again now) and tried to change my app store password, but it won't let me change it to an all caps password.
On Monday it became more of a problem - it's now constant rather than intermittant. Also, if I leave it for 5 minutes or so the mouse starts to work normally, but as soon as I type the entire problem returns.
Last night I left software updates downloading overnight (internet here is sloooooooow) but this morning someone had unplugged my power cable so I assumed they wouldn't have worked. I tried doing a normal switch on and it went to the grey screen, then when I tired switching it off got a message saying there were updates to install. Only took 5 minutes to install these but when I switched on again I still had exactly the same problem. When I tried holding CMD down the grey screen persisted 4 or 5 times, but then decided to work. So I've got it switched on but still have the problem.
I did a software update again and it says there are still 2 updates which are 1.34GB - which seems weird as yesterday there were 5 updates and it was 1.34GB. I can't try downloading these during the day, would have to leave it overnight again.
I'm going to try calling Apple from Skype in a couple of hours but just wondered if there's anything else I can try. If they can change my password to all caps I can try reinstalling Lion. This morning we took the key off and cleaned it, but made no difference at all (didn't really expect it to). The only options I've come up with are downloading a key remapping programme to try and disable that shift key, or using an external keyboard - we don't have one here so would have to wait a few weeks for someone to bring one from the UK and I could do with knowing whether this would even work before trying to arrange it.
Could really do with fixing this as I am not making the best first impression at my new job due to being able to do very little work! I'm not planning to return to the UK until at least November and flights would cost more than buying a new laptop - so some kind of solution is needed!
So... any thoughts much appreciated. Sorry for the lengthy explanation! Many thanks in advance.

It should be the simplest of matters to connect an external keyboard -- any USB KB will do -- and see whether it works. If you need to be able to travel with a functional MBP, though, that won't be a very practical workaround.
I don't know whether the Shift key can be remapped successfully. The fact that it's one of two keys that both have the same function may be a complication: you won't want the left Shift key remapped too.
The computer doesn't have to go back to the UK for service -- there may be a closer option, and your warranty is good worldwide.
http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service/

Left shift key is stuck after cleaning?

I recently had to clean my left shift key because it was sticking so badly, no other keys had the problem so I carefully took off the key cap and plastic doohickies as per a video. I cleaned the back of the key and a little around where it sets. After I put everything back the shift key is now locked. I can only type in capitals etc. Have checked caps lock and stick button in systems but to no avail. I restarted the computer and now it has booted in safe mode.
Please help!
cjk

Did you double check to make sure you replaced the shift key correctly?

I updated to maverick, and maybe it's a coincidence but my left shift key doesn't work unless i really press it down. Is there any way to fix this without bringing it into the Genius Bar?

i updated to maverick, and maybe it's a coincidence but my left shift key doesn't work unless i really press it down. Is there any way to fix this without bringing it into the Genius Bar?

Plugins usually are installed externally to Firefox. However, you can disable them in Firefox so that Firefox does not use them.
SearchReset is supposed to automate the task of resetting certain preferences, but you still can edit them manually if necessary.
'''''Address Bar Search'''''
(1) In a new tab, type or paste '''about:config''' in the address bar and press Enter. Click the button promising to be careful.
(2) In the filter box, type or paste '''keyword''' and pause while the list is filtered
(3) Right-click '''keyword.URL''' and choose Reset. This should restore Google as the default for address bar search.
Does that work?
'''''Search Box'''''
Usually it works to choose your preferred search engine from the drop-down. To remove an unwanted search engine plugin, usually the Manage Search Engines... choice at the bottom of the drop-down takes care of it.
Do either of those work?
There might be another way to hijack that search box; I think some of the other frequent responders probably are more familiar with it than I am.

New MacBook Pro - left shift key clicking

Just got a brand spankin' new MBP and have found that the left shift key is "clicking" - while all other keys have nice smooth, quiet action, the left shift key is harder to depress (as though it's getting slightly stuck on something on the way down) and making a loud clicking sound.
Is this something that is easily fixable? Or will I end up having to take it in for a new keyboard?

Thanks for your reply Peter. I restored defaults, and restarted twice, but still nothing. Both keys work on an external keyboard, so I think that it's a mechanical fault. I'll send it back next week when this job has finished- let's hope that it's not part fo a faulty batch.

Left SHIFT key always truncated with OPTION key

Every time I press down the left shift key the option key also gets activated. For instance, leftshifta=Å, leftshiftq=Œ and so forth. I noticed that when I went through the initial setup and confirmed with the keyboard viewer. How can I get this fixed without taking the computer back?

Welcome to Apple Discussions
You can't fix this yourself you'll have to take it back to Apple and have them replace the keyboard.

Left shift key inserts ± (plus/minus symbol)

When I try to use the left shift key and hold it down for more than a half-second or so it will insert the ± symbol. Not being the speediest of typists, this has rendered the key useless (besides being a shortcut for that symbol, of course). This occurs in all profiles.
I am using a Macally ICEKey keyboard with the latest drivers. The behavior occurs when I set the keyboard to the "unknown generic keyboard" option, as well. I tried uninstalling the drivers and trashing the com.apple.keyboardtype.plist file, but the problem continued to occur after it went through the generic keyboard setup on reboot. I should also mention that the keyboard worked fine for a few months before this problem arose.
The only other USB keyboard I have is a generic Dell keyboard (that does work with a Windows box), but when I plugged it in after removing the Macally it was not recognized by my Mac, even after reboot.
Besides trying another keyboard that is confirmed to work with Snow Leopard, are there any settings I should change (the language and character settings are default English with an ANSI keyboard layout) or other diagnostics I could try?
Thanks,
Sam

I have a Macally keyboard (NetKey) and I know that Macally hasn't issued drivers or updates for Intel Macs for some time; I checked on their download page for your model and the latest driver is for "10.4 or above" (which means it's been there for quite a while), which may also mean that it may or may not work with Snow Leopard. I know the driver for mine does not work on SL and I've lost all the cool functions on it (media keys, etc), but I still like the keyboard. My iMac also recognizes the keyboard immediately without any drivers installed.
As for your question, have you looked in the Keyboard pane of System Preferences to see if for some reason that key has been assigned a special function?
And, as far as I know, just about any keyboard - especially USB - should work with SL as long as you don't plan to install any drivers that happen to be for Windows only for any special function keys or features. I don't know why the Dell wouldn't be recognized unless it is made to function only after some software (driver) install (which wouldn't be compatible with SL).

Left Shift Key Remapped, How?

MacBook Air running OS X.
Left shift key when depressed remaps my keyboard, how can I get it to not do this? Example below:
Right Shift Key - ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ?><
Left Shift Key - ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸¿¯˘
Help please.
Kent

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
Step 1
The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.
Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. Don't use the Safari-only “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac.”
While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your personal files or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.
Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem?
After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.
*Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.
Step 2
The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you boot, and again when you log in.
Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, reboot as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of steps 1 and 2.

Left shift key remapped into alt key

Hi Everybody
The left shift key of my Macbook air started to work exactly like the alt key, like it was remapped.
(the alt key works normally)
The solution of the problem might be simple but I couldn't find any way to change the behaviour in Maverick.
Can anyone help?
Thanks
and14

Try a restart.
Do a backup, using either Time Machine or a cloning program, to ensure files/data can be recovered. Two backups are better than one.
Try setting up another admin user account to see if the same problem continues. If Back-to-My Mac is selected in System Preferences, the Guest account will not work. The intent is to see if it is specific to one account or a system wide problem. This account can be deleted later.
Isolating an issue by using another user account
If the problem is still there, try booting into the Safe Mode using your normal account. Disconnect all peripherals except those needed for the test. Shut down the computer and then power it back up after waiting 10 seconds. Immediately after hearing the startup chime, hold down the shift key and continue to hold it until the gray Apple icon and a progress bar appear. The boot up is significantly slower than normal. This will reset some caches, forces a directory check, and disables all startup and login items, among other things. When you reboot normally, the initial reboot may be slower than normal. If the system operates normally, there may be 3rd party applications which are causing a problem. Try deleting/disabling the third party applications after a restart by using the application un-installer. For each disable/delete, you will need to restart if you don't do them all at once.
Safe Mode
Safe Mode - About
Do you have another keyboard you could test with?

Left Shift Key fell off

Hi guys, I don't know if this is such a weird issue but about two weeks or so ago, my left shift key fell off. I knew I couldn't snap it back on since one of the mini white clips on the upper side (back portion) of the key is missing.
Right now, I can put it back on the keyboard but it wiggles as I know it doesn't fit securely as it used to be. I wish I could take a photo of it and post it on here.
This should be covered by the generic 1-yr battery, right?
Message was edited by: ricpacs

1-yr battery or warranty? The falling apart of keys may or may not be covered. There are various things that can happen to keyboards which are controllable by Apple, and the user. I would call AppleCare if you believe you didn't do anything that might damage the computer. A list of things that could include:
1. Food
2. Water
3. Drink
4. Walking by door jams without making sure the machine is inside a well padded notebook bag.
5. Not paying attention to situations where the computer apparently overheats and shuts down on its own. Making sure that the machine has its display turn off when the lid is closed, and making sure that the battery is replaced if it is under the exchange program.

I cannot type a capital i using the left shift key. also keyboard now putting the cursor in a different place than where i type. Checked speech keys, all fine. Batteries fine.

i cannot type a capital i using the left shift key. also keyboard now putting the cursor in a different place than where i type while i am typing. Checked speech keys, all fine. Batteries fine. Also used the keyboard check program on the imac, shows key ok.
wireless mouse will suddenly scroll down horizontally and won't stop. when i am on a webpage it will bounce back to the previous page without my doing so. i have tried adjusting the mouse several times, turning it on and off, and now am using my wacom mouse which also seems to have issues with this computer. i have only had this a few months and getting very frustrated.

Can you try a different keyboard to see if the problem persists? Also, you have 90 days of phone support when you buy a mew mac.

My left shift key on Macbook Pro Retina (15") is behaving like the F11 key (show/hide open windows). The key behaves the same for the laptop keyboard and for an external Apple keyboard? This just started in last week after 6 months of use

My left shift key on Macbook Pro Retina (15") is behaving like the F11 key (show/hide open windows).
The left shift key behaves the same on the laptop keyboard and on an external Apple keyboard.
This just started in last week after 6 months of use. The right shift key and other keys on the keyboard all appear to work correctly.
Suggestions greatly appreciated.

I have a solution to this issue now after a discussion with Apple Support. Some where in the last few weeks, there was a change in the key that would do a Show Desktop under the Mission Control settings in the System Preferences. Even though the key sequence that was shown for the Show Desktop setting did not include the Left SHift key, by changing this first to having no key sequence and applying that and then changing it back to the F11 key, the Left SHift key issue that I was having has cleared up.
A second issue that was uncovered was that the SSD had some issues (uncovered when I ran Disk Utility using the Repair Disk key). I had to restart and use the Disk Utility through the Command R sequence to get to the stand alone Disk Utility. The SSD appears to be running better as a result as well.
Hope that this is of use to someone else in the future.

How do I fix my left shift key? Any open windows leave and make the desktop visible.

How do I fix my left shift key? Any open windows leave and make the desktop visible. I have tired to go into system preferences and reset all of the keyboard settings to default but the issue hasn't gone away.

You are not running as administrator, I think, which may be required and the only way to properly work and register. Also check for compatibility mode settings, UAC and DEP, all of which may require to be adjusted for a legacy app like PS CS2 to run properly. Also turn off Aero and switch to a conventional visual theme. The brush issue may be related to that or is a more generic problem with your graphics card and mouse config, but since you didn't provide any info on that, it will be hard for anyone to advise.
Mylenium

Left shift key doesn't work on some characters

In some applications, such as Excel and AOL, my left shift key doesn't work on some letters. Consequently, when I'm typing I get lower case letters when I've typed shift plus the letter to get a cap. Right shift works OK, but I'm not used to using it. It happens on i, t, and p, I've noticed so far. I don't know if it's the keyboard or the application. Word seems to work fine.
Would welcome any ideas on what is causing this and how to fix it.
Powermac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Is it possible that you have inadvertently switched to a different keyboard layout? Open System Preferences, then click on the Language & Text preferences. Within the Language & Text preferences click on the 'Input Sources'. You should see a long list of languages representing the various keyboard layouts that are available. Make sure that only the keyboard language you use is selected. If there are multiple languages selected then de-select the extras.
If you continue to have problems then check the 'Show input menu in menu bar' checkbox in the lower section of the preference pane. This will place an icon in the upper right menu bar (it looks like a flag representing the language you have chosen for your input device) that provides additional options. I suggest selecing the 'Show Keyboard Viewer' option and then try pressing the keys that you are having problems with to see how they show up on the keyboard viewer graphic. If you've set the correct language for your keyboard and the key sequences still don't match, then you may need to take your keyboard in for service. Better yet, borrow another keyboard to confirm that the keyboard is the issue.

T40's Left Shift key makes right click/context menu appear?

Hello All-
On my T40, on which I just recently got Windows 7 correctly installed, has a curious behavior:
When I press the left shift key, it functions the same as if I had pressed the right mouse button. It functions correctly otherwise, I.E., when using it to capitolize a letter in an email, the letter is capitolized, but as soon as I let go of the shift key, the right click/context menu immediately appears.
This is exceedingly irritating, as I cannot continue typing until I have navigated out of the menu.
I have checked to see if the Keyboard Customiser utility is causing this, as I currently have my left Alt key functioning as a Windows button, but it does not appear to be causing this particular issue.
Does anyone have any idea how I might go about fixing this?
Thanks in advance,
G
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Nevermind-
Had the keyboard customizer set to use the left shfit key as the application key. Duh.

Left shift key is stuck down

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