Mostly the keyboard and trackpad doesn't work. If you take the battery out and push around (this is what my son tells me), then sometimes they will work. Sometimes the keyboard acts erratically though. I've plugged usb mouse and keyboard into it and that does work.

I have extensive experience with HP and Dell Laptop repairs. My first Macbook though.

I'd like to know how to best troubleshoot the problem so that I can purchase the correct repair part. Some have mentioned the flexcable for the trackpad. Others have mentioned replacing the "top case" (not sure about the meaning of that term).

Please help me clarify these questions and attack the problem in the most efficient manner.

thanks,

-william

It really depends what made it start acting up. The cable inside is difficult to damage without dropping the macbook or going inside and damaging it. If it was a liquid spill, it'd be more likely to be the top case needs replacing.

The trackpad cable also sends the signal for the power button, so if that is acting up as well, I'd start with the cable.

Today, I borrowed a friend's macbook and removed the topcase.

I put his topcase into my son's macbook and everything worked fine.

I noticed that the flexcable on my son's topcase shows signs of having burned on the edge that is nearest to the power switch.

The previous owner has now admitted that there was an incident that caused some "smoking" but has not said if liquid was involved.

I would change out the flexcable with my friend's, but they are different.

What's your opinion now that you have more information?

-william

After I put tape on the flexcable area that was exposed and reinstalled it, everything worked.

Although you cannot use the touchpad to perform double clicks--must be that edge that was burned.

I appreciate your help. I will locate another flexcable.

-william