Macbook Air trackpad moving by itself

I've had this problem before. I had to get the trackpad replaced. Luckily I had AppleCare at the time.

An external mouse will work fine just plug it into one of the usb ports and you should be up and running. If your macbook is still under warranty take it into the apple store and they should replace the trackpad without too much fuss.

According to what I have read this happens quite a lot on some models of macbooks.

If it is out of warranty someone made the following comment on one of the websites I looked at "Simply push ******* the trackpad and apply pressure across the whole surface." But I would recommend not to push too hard as you could totally damage the macbook.

There is a video on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuYO0I-DY84&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL0437205F5525C959 which shows you how to repair a trackpad

Hope one of these suggestions help you.

Under the Apple Menu go to System Preferences, select Trackpad and check the settings.

Are you using the trackpad to manipulate the cursor, or are you using an external mouse?

If you're using the trackpad, it may be as simple as using the Fn keys and the corresponding F keys at the top of the keyboard to enable the trackpad feature again. If that doesn't work, try plugging in an external mouse via USB port to see if that works.
If you're using an external mouse, then try to see if the cursor moves while using the trackpad.

Hopefully one of these options will give you control back over your cursor again.

Hi

Try the bellow suggestions:-

1.Update firmware. Download the latest version.

2. Shut down. Remove battery to expose underside of Trackpad and a Tri-Wing (3-point) adjuster screw at the bottom.With Tri-Wing tool turn the adjuster clockwise from 12.00 to 1.00 or from1.00 to 2.00.Now reinstall the battery and power up.

Also check the bellow video for more details:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuYO0I-DY84

Please get back to us if you have further query else please accept the suggestion.

Thank you for contacting fixya.com

Hello sarahscarah,

I've repaired a fair share of Macbooks with the same issue, but just to make sure it is what I think it is I'll need you to do a few things.

This issue is thought to be caused by a bent/warped ribbon cable that is located under the battery. This cable is what connects the trackpad and keyboard to the rest of your computer. To test if this is the problem do the following.

1. Verify that an external keyboard and mouse will work with your Macbook when plugged in to a USB port.
2. Connect your Macbook to your power adapter and plug into wall.
3. Unlock your battery by turning the dial on the bottom of your Macbook with a coin.
4. Remove the battery and set it aside.
5. Press down on the exposed trackpad cable with your finger.
6. While pressing down on this cable try typing on your Macbook's keyboard and moving the cursor with the trackpad.

If this works then you've solved it, you can place a piece of "Kapton Tape" over this cable to hold it down, but this is a temporary fix. You will probably need your trackpad and keyboard replaced. If your macbook is still under warranty take it to an Apple store, show them the problem and have it fixed or replaced. If its out of warranty you'll be looking at a $200-$300 repair to have the trackpad/keyboard replaced by a technician.

Here's a picture of the exposed trackpad cable for reference.

Trackpad Cable Pic

Hope this helps, if so please leave positive feedback. Thank you.

Well with my experience it sounds like you have one finger on the trackpad and one on the mouse button, if so the edge of your index finger on your left hand is hitting the trackpad and your other finger is moving around causing it to register the pinch zoom manuever you can use to zoom easily. Simply keep your clicking finger still and only one finger on the trackpad

Sounds like the shift or command or control buttons are stuck on your keyboard.

Go to the system preferences and look at the universal access, check to see if you have turned on the "seeing" section, if so turn it off, this might be the source of the problem

Check in system preferences under keyboard and mouse in the trackpad section. You'll probably find that the trackpad taping will become annoying when typing but you can also enable two finger scrolling there - which you're should probably have.