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Should I replace whole top case or try any other fixes for trackpad?

My Macbook, 11,5, has Taptic feedback issues. The feedback may work for 5-20min and intermittently stop working. However, the trackpad’s functionality (as in clicks and force touch) works 100% of the time, just annoying with no feedback! I just bought this Macbook as refurbished, from a non-authorized store so I do not think Apple will want to touch it (I took it into a store and it was going to be $479 + tax to replace). Looking inside the device, it is extremely clean, no signs of damage or aftermarket parts used.

I have already tried replacing the trackpad cable with an OEM Apple cable—same issues remain. I have reset SMC, PRAM, and even Apple’s hardware test could not find any issues. I have an extremely low cycle OEM Apple battery (8 cycles), so I am wanting to keep a battery with extremely low cycles or near full health. The dilemma is, I do not want to remove the battery myself, as there is the chance I could damage the battery. I also would like to minimize device downtime as I am a full time student.

If I do replace the top case, I will likely try to remove the battery and replace the trackpad from the old top case, as I would not be pressed for time trying to remove the battery carefully. I would simply repair the trackpad and either sell the parts or keep them for a backup!

My main question is, should I try something else before replacing the top case? Are there any other known fixes to Taptic feedback other than the cable that tends to go bad? I am willing to try anything as long as there is no soldering involved. Thanks in advance!

Answer this question I have this problem too

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Update: it was just the trackpad itself! I replaced the entire upper case so I didn’t have to remove the battery, and Touchpad and Taptic feedback is working flawlessly, with a much stronger feel to it. I would definitely recommend trying the cable first, but in my case it was the whole trackpad. Thanks for the help @mayer!

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Thanks for your emails. I had to do some searching of my own questions to find the one I feel might be relevant to your issue. Here it is:

Trackpad Does not Function Properly

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Hi, thanks for the input. I have looked through all of the EFI, SMC, and all trackpad related updates from Apple and I am up to date on all. Running Mojave 10.14.6.

I need to add that when I bought this MacBook, I had set it up as new from a clean install. Trackpad issue was immediate. I now have my old macbook's original SSD in.

I am a bit confused on what the actual fix was. Do I need to try to unplug and re-plug my battery if I am all updated on my software?

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@jfloyddd You've had this issue since it was brand new?

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Well, new to me. I bought the unit as refurbished about 2 weeks ago. (Long story short I bought from a company that claimed to be Apple certified, turns out they are not). I’ve only had it a little over a week now.

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@jfloyddd Take the thing back and get your money back!

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There’s also a long story with this part.. this company has a history of scamming through eBay, which I was nearly a victim of. I ended up getting a partial refund of $500, so I am ok with keeping this unit and fixing. It is extraordinarily clean and flawless other than the trackpad issue. @mayer

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Since you have a very low cycle count battery, I understand that you’d want to preserve it. However, due to your trackpad issues, I’d recommend a full upper case assembly anyways as removing the battery is a very tedious and unpleasant job and doesn’t require more steps.

But, since you'd plan on replacing the battery anyways, I’d just do a trackpad replacement. You can find used ones on eBay for around $30 depending on where you are and you just need a plastic syringe and a bottle of acetone. Use a plastic card that you don’t need like an old gift card and try to open up some space. Just add a few drops, not a lot as you might risk damaging the cells. You can always add more so be very careful.

Patience is very important for this job. But it can be done and it’s not very expensive to do it yourself.

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Jared Floyd will be eternally grateful.
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