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Model A1286. Released February 2011 / 2.0, 2.2, or 2.3 GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 Processor

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Keyboard backlight is working properly, but keyboard itself - doesn't

Hi

Some months ago I had bought a MacBook Pro 15" 2011.

The previous owner said that keyboard and backlight don't work + touchpad was dead.

I decided to put a brand new battery inside and install an OS X on SSD.

During the installation, kind of miracle happened - the backlight started to work.

Now, I have a fully functional MacBook with new battery and fresh OS X.

I had an idea, that to repair the keyboard and trackpad I need to do the reset of SMC and PRAM. Unfortunately after these manipulations nothing had changed.

Then I reinstalled the OS X, thinking that some kexts didn't install properly at first time due to bad PRAM, SMC or whatever.

But I still have no response from keyboard and trackpad.

The Apple Hardware Test didn't find any problems with my Mac, the only problem was the problem with battery, but I think that all batteries which is not OEM have problems...

So, guys, maybe you have any suggestions before buying the new keyboard and trackpad?

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Put a straight edge ruler across the old battery has it blistered?

The built-in AHT doesn't offer the needed tests to check your keyboard or trackpad. Both are connected via an internal USB circuit.

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I assume you are using an external keyboard & mouse right now.

Go into the keyboard prefs and enable Show Keyboard, Emoji & Symbol Viewers in menu bar. Open the keyboard viewer and see if any of the keys are working as you press the keys the viewer will show you the key hit. Do any keys work? Is there a pattern on what is working Vs not working?

If the battery had become swollen then you might only need to replace the ribbon cable from the logic board to the track pad as the pressure may have damaged it. If on the other hand the keyboard & trackpad had something spilled into them you'll need to think about replacing them which is a bigger fix.

Follow this IFIXIT guide: MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Trackpad Replacement it will walk you though getting to the ribbon cable and trackpad if its bad too.

If there was something spilled into the system then you'll need to follow this IFIXIT guide: MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Upper Case Replacement. You have two choices on to do the repair, Replace the full upper case which is more expensive but is a lot quicker or carefully remove the keyboard subassembly from the upper case replacing the keyboard but it's a lot of work as you have a ton of screws and/or pop rivets to deal with. You should also make a detailed inspection of your logic board for any corrosion damage as well.

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Upper Case Image

Guide

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Upper Case Replacement

Difficulty:

Difficult

—

3 hours
MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Trackpad Image

Guide

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Trackpad Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

—

45 minutes - 2 hours

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1 Comment:

You know, I just remembered the fact, that during resetting SMC, I used the build in keyboard.

Unfortunately, showing keyboard on the screen didn't work - no one key didn't show there.

I don't know what to do... very strange situation...

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Albert Miller will be eternally grateful.
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