Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

Released in November 2020, the 13" MacBook Pro features Apple's Arm-based M1 SoC with both an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. (Model A2338 / EMC 3578 with two Thunderbolt 3 ports)

139 Questions View all | 27 Parts Shop

Options

Ghost clicks on trackpad

I have a 2020 Macbook Pro 13" A2338 with a ghosting trackpad. I brought it as is, the previous owner said the trackpad would work for a little and then stop, which I confirmed. I brought a replacement trackpad from a reputable seller and a new flex cable.

I installed the new flex cable and trackpad, but I still have a sticky laggy trackpad. Running the Apple diagnostics I see the below:

Block Image

Using the new flex cable on either the old or new pad gives the result seen above. So the two options really are, I damaged the flex cable and both trackpads actually work fine, or the port the flex cable plugs into the motherboard is damaged. Looking at the flex cable I think it's fine?

Block Image

And the the port on the MB I can see I think two pins that either have something on them or maybe damage?

Block Image

Looking for ideas, I am thinking to maybe go back to the parts supplier and ask for another flex cable, but I have a funny feeling it's the port. Open to suggestions.

Answer this question I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

2 Answers

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest

Options

I would loosen the trackpad screws a bit as I'm suspecting either the case is warped a bit around the trackpad or the screws are the wrong ones being too long. Recheck let's see if that changed anything.

Yes the cable looks suspect as well, are you sure the other cable is the same.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0

4 Comments:

It helped a little at first but not much. Someone on the reddit version of the question noticed in the shot showing the MB that two resisters seem to be missing, I opened it back ip and checked and yes comparing to another photo online it seems to be two are. Feeling it with a plastic stick it's lumpy so something was there and got ripped off.

by

@phillipbro11643 - Ah yes they are missing! So they got pulled up somehow.. identifying them will need access to the schematics and board view drawings, then ordering them from an electronics parts supply house.

But the real tricky part is having a good soldering iron and the skills to solder them on without making a mess if you've never done it before.

It might be wise to find someone who can help you locally.

Let me look though my stuff so we can at least identify the resistors.

by

Thank you, they are so small I'd rather have a professional do it, but the more information I can get the less faffing around they have to do to work it out.

by

Ok I had them replaced and that didn't seem to help so back to square one. It could be that the new trackpad is also a dud, be un-luckly. I do notice on the cable connector on the mainboard that it looks like the plastic between two pins is damaged. But I'm getting to my whits end on this and might just flog it off as is and someone else can.....enjoy it.

by

Add a comment

Options

On the A2338, ghost or laggy trackpad behavior is rarely the trackpad itself. It’s usually a logic board issue on the trackpad I2C/USB-HID line or power rail. Since you already replaced both the trackpad and flex, the likely causes are: liquid damage or corrosion near the trackpad connector, a failing PP3V3_S0 or PP1V8 rail, or cracked solder joints on the connector from flex stress. First, inspect and clean the connector area with IPA under magnification. Then reset SMC/NVRAM (yes, even on Apple Silicon). If that fails, measure voltage stability at the trackpad connector—any drop or ripple will cause ghost input.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0

1 Comment:

I some photos I have taken of the connector on the MB, I think I can see some of the plastic between two pins thinner than what it should be, could that be it? Or maybe a dirty cap or resistor further up the power rail chain? I notice that when the unit starts, the trackpad is mostly working, it's only after about 5min does it start to fail, lock up and be unresponsive.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Phillip Brown will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 4

Past 30 Days: 25

All Time: 135