Erratic Trackpad problem?

[Zelcro]

I'm not sure if this belongs here, but I could do with some help.
I recently bought a 13" 2011 Macbook Pro and I have a problem with the trackpad. Whenever it's plugged in and charging the trackpad doesn't respond properly and the mouse jumps around all over the place, when it's running on the battery it's absolutely fine.

I've looked into it and found that if I rest my hand on the macbook whilst using the trackpad, it works fine, I assume this is a problem with grounding?

I tried plugging it in at my friends house and there was no problem?

Any help is appreciated, thanks

 

[macpluslaptop]

I had that problem with my 2010 MBP, using both a Magic Trackpad and the MBP trackpad, and called Applecare. I seem to remember that we narrowed it down to a Bluetooth issue. Once I reset Bluetooth it was fine. That wouldn't seem to explain the non-bluetooth MBP trackpad, but who knows...

Anyway, I think if you search the Apple support forums you'll find similar instances.

 

[Zelcro]

Thanks for the reply
I've looked around but I can't seem to find any problems the same as mine

 

[Merlijnus]

Hi Zelcro

Did you ever find a solution to this issue? I've just started to experience it and so far this is the only place I found where this problem is mentioned.

I believe I have narrowed it down to a faulty power supply unit, in my case a 60W magsafe unit A1344, but I'd value confirmation from anyone else with a similar problem.

Thanks

Merl

 

[Brian Y]

It's a grounding issue - i.e. something is causing static build up in the trackpad.

If you're using the short magsafe plug, try using the longer (grounded) one.

 

[Merlijnus]

While I agree it's something to do with grounding, making good contact between my body and the body of the MBP solves the problem, I'm pretty sure in my case it's a faulty power supply. Using the same power lead and computer, an older power supply (A1184, similar rating) does not exhibit the same problem. My conclusion was, therefore, that the power supply isolation (between mains input and low voltage output) was degraded.

In my case the erratic cursor movement problem occurred suddenly in two locations where the machine is normally used and has worked without problems for nine months. It's possible that there was a grounding problem in both these locations but it seems less likely than a faulty power supply.

I routinely use my other MBP unearthed, using a two pin plug, without problems.

Merl

 

[jdelgado]

I had a similar problem with the trackpad; cursor jumped, clicked, and selected stuff by itself.
Repairing permissions solved the problem, at least for the time being. I have no idea why this worked.
Regarding the grounding issue, my problem happened either if I was on battery or charging.

 

[rich285]

Trackpad Erratic Operation

It's a grounding issue - i.e. something is causing static build up in the trackpad.

If you're using the short magsafe plug, try using the longer (grounded) one.

Seems like the problem is related to having a number of open windows, which heats up the battery resulting in the trackpad not working. After MBP cools off then the trackpad works again.

 

[jdelgado]

Seems like the problem is related to having a number of open windows, which heats up the battery resulting in the trackpad not working. After MBP cools off then the trackpad works again.

I experienced the problem with a cool MBP. The MBP was off and it happened just after startup.
As I mentioned above, it looks like there are multiple versions on what causes the problem, and similar number of fixes. I guess one has to try several of them, and be happy if one works for your case.

 

[middi]

I have just fixed my problem, if it doesn't happen when you unplug your MacBook, it's most likely and earthing / grounding problem. The small plug doesn't include earthing (even in the U.K where this is prominent). However, the long one does.

I have yet to test my small plug but with the extension cable, I was having this problem. The fix is this.

The round stud that you slide your plug or extension cable over is your earth. It's likely that this isn't making good enough contact with the contacts in the extension cable. I took a bit of metal foil (Oreo wrapper if you're interested), folded it up and pushed it in the cutout in the extension cable. you only need a little bit and now my MacBook is perfect again.

 

[brdeveloper]

Just got a chinese Apple charger and this is happening with my White Macbook.
It shows the same serial number (0x00947f53) as other reportedly fake chargers.

 

[imhereareyou]

Looks like it was covered, sounds like a grounding issue. Something is not screwed in properly or something has worn away and exposing metal on a wire.

 

[gez80]

I have the same issue with my power supply, cheap asian knock off (with poor grounding). Couple of ways to fix this:

1. Buy an official apple charger
2. Earth laptop by placing your other hand on the laptop near the trackpad
3. Plug a USB cable into one of the spare USB ports and allow it to lay on the table to earth the laptop

Cheers,
Gerard

 

[netsrot39]

I've experienced this too with my MacBook White Unibody Mid 2010 today. First, I thought it had to do with the new battery that I've installed today but then it turned out that it was the chargers fault (even though it's an original Apple charger). I took another Apple charger from my drawer and the problem disappeared. Initially I wanted to screw the MacBook open again and start troubleshooting but this thread helped me to save time and find the issue quickly

 

[brdeveloper]

I've experienced this too with my MacBook White Unibody Mid 2010 today. First, I thought it had to do with the new battery that I've installed today but then it turned out that it was the chargers fault (even though it's an original Apple charger). I took another Apple charger from my drawer and the problem disappeared. Initially I wanted to screw the MacBook open again and start troubleshooting but this thread helped me to save time and find the issue quickly

I decided to fix the charger by myself.
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgbQyFh9sfROhMJSLDfjpxDNuPJL7w
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgbQyFh9sfROhMJRLp-hpyB9sz1TtQ

It looks a bit ugly, but it works perfectly.

 

[Volcom6555]

Just wanted to reply to this and THANK YOU SO MUCH for this information i couldn't stand what it was doing... I recently purchased a macbook pro and got it second hand. After research i thought it was the trackpad itself that was broken and thought i got stuck with a broken product. Only after much research I stumbled on this and was the only post saying this was the fix. So yep bad cable/block 100% confirmed. I can purchase a new one and be happy with my computer. Thanks mate!