Chosen Solution
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!
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
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.
