MacBook Pro needs to be smacked hard to boot up

[Ericcapt777]

My 2015 MacBook Pro fell off the bed.

I noticed it will boot up to the sign in page but the keyboard does not light up or function and the mouse also does not function

I found if I smack the underside 3 or 4 times hard, the keyboard lights up, becomes functional and the mouse works.

everytine I boot up, I must first smack the underside hard 3 or 4 times and it boots up normally and works great

I’m wondering if diverging is loose and the banging causes it to operate.
Thoughts please?

 

[clueless88]

sounds like you have a smackbook! There is certainly a problem inside your MBP, eventually the repetitive hitting will make things worse. How comfortable are you opening the lower case? There is probably a loose connection or perhaps a partially broken flat cable.

 

[Ericcapt777]

sounds like you have a smackbook! There is certainly a problem inside your MBP, eventually the repetitive hitting will make things worse. How comfortable are you opening the lower case? There is probably a loose connection or perhaps a partially broken flat cable.

I don’t have a problem opening it however I would hate for something to fall out or worse yet move out of place and I wouldn’t know how it goes back.

I found a tech possibly who is willing to open it and look but we shall see

I agree it sounds like something is loose.

thank you for your reply.

 

[G5isAlive]

I don’t have a problem opening it however I would hate for something to fall out or worse yet move out of place and I wouldn’t know how it goes back.

I found a tech possibly who is willing to open it and look but we shall see

I agree it sounds like something is loose.

thank you for your reply.

I agree sounds like the Keyboard ribbon connector is loose. In the meantime have you tried hooking up an external keyboard and mouse? I’d do that rather than smacking it.

 

[Ericcapt777]

I agree sounds like the Keyboard ribbon connector is loose. In the meantime have you tried hooking up an external keyboard and mouse? I’d do that rather than smacking it.

Great point but I use this when I travel around the world so carrying the extra items is not an option

hopefully I’ll get a tech this week to check it

if not, I may try opening myself.
Thanks

 

[G5isAlive]

Great point but I use this when I travel around the world so carrying the extra items is not an option

hopefully I’ll get a tech this week to check it

if not, I may try opening myself.
Thanks

Well I suppose I was thinking in the meantime to let you get your data off it. I would not think thumping is a long term solution and I wouldn't trust it to always work while traveling. btw, they DO make very small portable keyboards and mice just saying. when I travel around the world I always carry a mouse because I dont like trackpads. And I have been known to carry a small foldable keyboard to use with my Phone.

 

[Ericcapt777]

I know you’re trying to help and it’s much appreciated.

After doing another search, I found online a video that shows my issue exactly to the point of what I have.

turns out that there is a cable which is the touchpad cable that goes bad. It is a very quick fix according to the author and I have his step-by-step video showing it.

I already ordered the cable on amazon.com and it should be here tomorrow.

I will install them and let you know what happens. It seems like everybody that has my issue fixes it with this seven dollar cable.

I called one place and they wanted $225 to replace the cable. I figured worst-case scenario is I was going to purchase a new MacBook Air anyhow but this way if I get it working I can use it as a trade-in as well or sell it out right.

 

[Ericcapt777]

SUCCESS!!!!!!

As mentioned, I googled my issue and there is a keyboard cable which is very small but literally right on top when you take the back off of your laptop.

I called around and nobody would sell me just the cable.. rather, they wanted big bucks as mentioned above. I finally looked at Amazon and for $8 bought a new cable.

I found a local computer guy who was willing to do it while i waited and he removed the back, found the cable, carefully removed it and put in the new cable ... all of 10 minutes.

Laptop works GREAT!!!!!

If anyone else has this issue, no need to Smack the unit for months and months.. LOL.. just replace that cable and you're all set.

Cheers

 

[clueless88]

Great news! Congratulations!