Macbook Keyboard issue

[ntec]

Hi, i have an older 2008 macbook and for some reason the keyboard types everything in mac's alt code instead of the regular keys. If i hook up a wireless keyboard to the macbook it types everything normally. It's not osx as i recently just did a reinstall of the os so i'm thinking it's a hardware issue. I wonder if i should take the macbook apart and inspect the ribbon cable that plugs the keyboard into the board or buy a replacement keyboard?

 

[chscag]

Welcome to our forums.

It definitely sounds like a hardware problem. If you can do the work yourself, you might be able to find a keyboard assembly on eBay or one of the on line Mac parts suppliers. I have no idea what a replacement keyboard and cable would cost but you do need to be careful not to spend more than your 2008 MacBook is worth. Instructions for disassembly can be found at www.ifixit.com.

 

[ntec]

I have no problems doing the work myself. You can get a new keyboard on eBay for less then $20 so I might just try that as it’s a small price to pay to see if it fixes it or not.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

Hi, i have an older 2008 macbook and for some reason the keyboard types everything in mac's alt code instead of the regular keys.

I've heard from a lot of people with Mac laptops that have said that their laptop's keyboard is doing something strange.

In every one of those cases the problem has been that the lithium battery in the laptop has swelled, and it pressed up against the keyboard, causing the strange behavior.

Apple had a secret extended warranty on certain laptops for the problem. I don't know if they will cover the problem, but it's worth taking it into an Apple brick and mortar store and tell them what's happening and have them take a look at it.

One thing that is diagnostic of a swelling battery problem is that your laptop gets *really* hot. Or that your trackpad is also wonky.

Good luck.

 

[pm-r]

In every one of those cases the problem has been that the lithium battery in the laptop has swelled, and it pressed up against the keyboard, causing the strange behavior.

+1!! Especially with that generation MacBooks.

PS: I think the extended warranty for a similar problem ended quite some years ago. But it never hurts to ask or check. And tell them you were marooned on a desert island and missed the cutoff date.




- Patrick
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[ntec]

I've heard from a lot of people with Mac laptops that have said that their laptop's keyboard is doing something strange.

In every one of those cases the problem has been that the lithium battery in the laptop has swelled, and it pressed up against the keyboard, causing the strange behavior.

Apple had a secret extended warranty on certain laptops for the problem. I don't know if they will cover the problem, but it's worth taking it into an Apple brick and mortar store and tell them what's happening and have them take a look at it.

One thing that is diagnostic of a swelling battery problem is that your laptop gets *really* hot. Or that your trackpad is also wonky.

Good luck.

Thanks, i checked the battery and it's not swelled at all so i will just check the keyboard ribbon or get a new keyboard seeing as they are cheap.

 

[pm-r]

i will just check the keyboard ribbon

That a good thing to check, especially if it's the model that has the keyboard ribbon cable passing under the battery and the rubber pad next to the removable metal bracket.

You may need a magnifying headset that can help.







- Patrick
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