MacBook Air M2 Trackpad Malfunction, An Amazing Experience Solving it with GPT
My Trackpad Malfunctioned, No Clicking!
While using my MacBook Air M2 model (A2681), I suddenly encountered a problem where about 1/5th of the trackpad on the right side wouldn't click. The mouse moved fine and tap-to-touch worked, but physical clicking was not working. At first, I thought it was a simple physical malfunction and tried to repair it. However, as I started disassembling it, I encountered unexpected obstacles and new facts. In this process, I was able to solve the problem with the help of GPT.
Disassembly and First Obstacle: The Trackpad is Not a Physical Click?
At first, I thought the trackpad wasn't physically pressing, so I disassembled the MacBook while referring to iFixit . After removing all the screws on the back panel, I used a suction tool (a baby toy) and a spudger to create a gap, disconnected the battery connector, and then removed the trackpad. However, when I looked inside the trackpad, I realized that the clicking action was not a simple physical button, but that it was structured to respond to the user's actions using motor vibrations . From this point on, I began to think that the problem was not just a simple physical malfunction, but rather a problem with the circuit board or the connection.
GPT's First Help: Checking the Cable Connection Status
While looking at the circuit board, it seemed like the left cable was less inserted than the right one, and there were traces of bluish corrosion on the board. When I showed a picture of this state to GPT, it surprisingly pointed out the problem accurately! Below is the analysis and solution suggested by GPT:
Looking at the picture, it seems that the left cable is not fully inserted into the connector. This is likely to cause incomplete signal transmission or poor contact.
Solution:
1. Carefully detach the left cable and re-insert it correctly. 2. Clean the connector and cable contact points using a contact cleaner. 3. Check if you hear a "click" sound when inserting and visually inspect if it is fully in contact.
After seeing this response, I had hope that "I might be able to fix it myself!" But I encountered another obstacle as the cable did not come off easily.
Second Obstacle: Discovering the Locking Mechanism (Lock Flip)
While wondering why the cable wasn't coming off easily, I zoomed in on the connection and asked GPT again. Then, GPT told me that there was a lock flip (locking mechanism) on the connector in the picture. Below is GPT's response:
In the picture, it appears that there is a locking safety mechanism (lock flip) on the left cable connector.
How to remove:
1. Gently lift the band-shaped lock using a plastic spudger or your fingernail. 2. After opening the band, gently pull out the cable. 3. When re-inserting, make sure the band is pressed back down to secure it, and check visually that it is completely attached.
Once I released the lock flip, I was able to easily detach the cable and re-insert it correctly. However, since the corrosion on the circuit board still remained, additional work was needed.
Removing Circuit Board Corrosion and Final Repair
Lastly, to remove the bluish corrosion on the circuit board, I worked according to GPT's guide:
Cleaning and Repair Method:
1. Dampen a cotton swab or toothbrush with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher). 2. Gently rub the corroded areas to remove the oxides. 3. Spray a small amount of contact cleaner, then wipe it with a toothbrush and let it dry completely. 4. Reassemble all components and check if it works properly.
I used a toothbrush and BW-100 contact cleaner to cleanly wipe off the corrosion on the circuit board, let it dry thoroughly, and then reassembled it. And finally! The trackpad started working normally.
What I Learned From My AI-Assisted Repair Experience
Through this repair, I was really amazed to see that generative AI not only provides text-based information, but that it can also analyze images, identify problems, and suggest appropriate solutions. In particular, its ability to pinpoint problems based on photos and suggest concrete solutions was beyond my expectations.
If I have a similar problem in the future, I think I should ask for help from AI, along with not only descriptions but also photographic evidence. If you are struggling with digital device problems, why not find a solution with AI? 😊
