Trackpad and Keyboard not working when I screw the bottom case

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Trackpad and Keyboard not working when I screw the bottom case

Trackpad and Keyboard not working when I close the case.

I have a late 2015 Macbook (A1502) and managed to solve many issues that I've had with it through content found on this forum. Since I started working on the repairs needed, I've:

Switched the battery, because it wasn't charging even after PRAM reset;

Switched the trackpad cable, since neither the trackpad nor the keyboard were working after the battery was changed;

Verified all cable connections.

(By the way, huge shoutout to the community, y'all have saved me a bunch of money and time!)

Right now everything is working, with one caveat. When I screw the bottom case back on, the trackpad and keyboard stop working again. All I have to do is unscrew the bottom case and it goes back to working.

Any thoughts on how to solve this? I've even thought about putting something between the hardware and the case to relieve the pressure, but don't know what I could use for that.

Earlier Mac models

Posted on Dec 7, 2025 3:55 PM

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Answer 1

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HWTech

Level 9

68,606 points

Dec 11, 2025 7:55 PM in response to OPauloGreg

It seems A1502 is the MBPro 13" (Early 2015) model.

Either the Bottom Case is pressing against something to cause this failure, perhaps even an electrical short, or it is "twisting" the base enough which can move everything within it (MLB, Trackpad, etc.).

It is likely the Trackpad Cable is being pinched or moved since it is sitting between the Battery & the Bottom Case. I have found that some third party batteries are a bit thicker than the Apple OEM battery.

Keep in mind if the Trackpad Cable is not working correctly or the Trackpad itself, it will prevent the Keyboard from working as well. It is possible you installed a bad cable, or the cable or the connector is/was damaged (very easy to damage those flip up latches). Try reseating the Trackpad cable on both ends....IIRC, that requires removing the battery to access the connection on the Trackpad, so try reseating the MLB Trackpad connection first.

Look at the Bottom Case to see if any of the insulator material has been damaged anywhere....if so, then put some Kapton tape over that spot on the Bottom Case to insulate it. See if that solves the problem. IIRC, the insulator material is usually only on the back portion covering the Logic Board, not sure if it extends below it at all.

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Answer 2

Dec 7, 2025 6:13 PM in response to OPauloGreg

Re-route the trackpad cable so it arches slightly and add 1–2 layers of Kapton tape on top.

This prevents the bottom case from crushing or grounding it.

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