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2016 Macbook Pro Issue - High Pitched Keyboard Clicking Sound
- Thread starter monstermac77
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I am starting to get so ****ing done with this...
I had several keyboard issues and faults with my MacBook Pro 15" (2016) unit, and after months I was just too annoyed with the problems and could not bear to live any longer with such an expensive laptop that does not even function properly. Had a top case replacement, which turned out to be having the new keyboard (with the new symbols), so I was super happy as the problem appeared to be solved.
However, not too long after, it all turned sour again. I have always had these issues from the start as well, but after my repair, these got so much worse!
I now have to deal with a cracking screen/hinge noise every time I open up my laptop, but most important: the laptop now severely suffers from the "popping noise" issue. I think it occurrs more often when the laptop is heating up or under a bigger load (YouTube, Adobe apps).
Honestly, I am so mad and I cannot believe this can happen with something I paid about € 2700 for. I went back to the store again and they will look into it, but what the hell will they even do? Can they even fix that issue? I looked up some threads and so, so many people seem to have this issue as well. However, the guy at the repair store said he never heard of this issue before. Can you believe this? Maybe Google it and watch all the videos, or watch the one I made once more! The 2016 units should have never been released. Even when I get a replacement, I am probably screwed, as there is a high probability I will either receive a faulty keyboard again, a cracking screen noise again, a popping/crackling noise again or all three of them.
I have no idea what they will do with my unit and how they intend to "fix" it, as I do not even think that is possible. It is just a faulty unit. God, I am so mad, I just keep ranting. I am so screwed. I have tons of debts now because I could not afford a laptop straight away and had to loan the money because I needed one as I only have a phone beside that, and now it is in for repairs again. If I had known this I would have NEVER ordered this model and waited for a 2017 version instead.
I had several keyboard issues and faults with my MacBook Pro 15" (2016) unit, and after months I was just too annoyed with the problems and could not bear to live any longer with such an expensive laptop that does not even function properly. Had a top case replacement, which turned out to be having the new keyboard (with the new symbols), so I was super happy as the problem appeared to be solved.
However, not too long after, it all turned sour again. I have always had these issues from the start as well, but after my repair, these got so much worse!
I now have to deal with a cracking screen/hinge noise every time I open up my laptop, but most important: the laptop now severely suffers from the "popping noise" issue. I think it occurrs more often when the laptop is heating up or under a bigger load (YouTube, Adobe apps).
Honestly, I am so mad and I cannot believe this can happen with something I paid about € 2700 for. I went back to the store again and they will look into it, but what the hell will they even do? Can they even fix that issue? I looked up some threads and so, so many people seem to have this issue as well. However, the guy at the repair store said he never heard of this issue before. Can you believe this? Maybe Google it and watch all the videos, or watch the one I made once more! The 2016 units should have never been released. Even when I get a replacement, I am probably screwed, as there is a high probability I will either receive a faulty keyboard again, a cracking screen noise again, a popping/crackling noise again or all three of them.
I have no idea what they will do with my unit and how they intend to "fix" it, as I do not even think that is possible. It is just a faulty unit. God, I am so mad, I just keep ranting. I am so screwed. I have tons of debts now because I could not afford a laptop straight away and had to loan the money because I needed one as I only have a phone beside that, and now it is in for repairs again. If I had known this I would have NEVER ordered this model and waited for a 2017 version instead.
I understand your frustration.. and it is a lot of $$. We pay a premium for Apple and most of the time we get it. There are known issues the the 2016. Document what is happening, including video if possible, and contact Apple Support. If you are not getting the answers in a store then call them. If you do not feel you are getting good support ask for Customer Relations. I think they genuinely want to help but they can't without evidence and documentation. I know.. sending in your laptop over an over is a PITA. I am in this boat. I just want to be done and move on from it.
Try to find calm and outline the history of your issues and request service. I would request service right away and you may not even need Customer Relations. Get it serviced and have it on the record. That is my $0.02. I hope it helps.
Should I contact Apple Support even before I hear about what will happen to my laptop now, of should I wait and see if they can somehow miraculously fix this?
I do not want to hear the sound of a plastic bottle being squashed a couple of times each hour when I merely watch some YouTube videos or edit my photos... (well, sometimes it was more of a pop, but all of the sounds should not be there!)
Flipped open my cold MBP from overnight.
I discovered something. When I enter the password, some keys repeat upon press and hold, some do not.
Could you please try this out and report your observations? Is this an impending failure? Why would some keys repeat and some not?
When I try the same on this very screen as I type this response, it works as expected - symbols repeat, numbers and alphabets do not.
On the password screen when you start up the MBP, keys repeat at random - some alphabets repeat, some do not, some symbols repeat, some do not.
I discovered something. When I enter the password, some keys repeat upon press and hold, some do not.
Could you please try this out and report your observations? Is this an impending failure? Why would some keys repeat and some not?
When I try the same on this very screen as I type this response, it works as expected - symbols repeat, numbers and alphabets do not.
On the password screen when you start up the MBP, keys repeat at random - some alphabets repeat, some do not, some symbols repeat, some do not.
More importantly, why are you using the password field when you can use the finger print reader? Typing in passwords is old school when you have the 2016/2017 model.
Unfortunately this keyboard is probably here to stay.
And should Apple ever fix it, they will pride themselves on how "we listen to our customers" even though not a single customer ever asked for this crap of a keyboard.... but hey, they listen.
And should Apple ever fix it, they will pride themselves on how "we listen to our customers" even though not a single customer ever asked for this crap of a keyboard.... but hey, they listen.
I think you are right. I am not against the keyboard...when it works. After testing out a few 2015 models over the last week or so I can say that I like the new one as much as the old... when it's working. IMO, the difference is that the old version will let you beat on it and it loves it... the new one.. well, I haven't had a new one that works yet so I can't say what it will/won't take.
Just an update. The Apple Store just called... after replacing the top case for the second time (the first time the battery would fail final testing after the repair was finished), they now had to order a new logic board as well. They seem to be pretty confident that I can get my machine back next week, though (after three weeks).
It's already eight months old, so I guess they won't simply exchange it right away. I'm just curious, what will happen next... from what I understand these maschines are not at all "easy to service".
Just got my 15-inch 2016 MacBook Pro back from repair after the b key was not working properly from my local reseller (Amac) in the Netherlands. They replaced the whole top case which turns out to be a 2017 one. No issues so far and I also don't have the high pitched sound anymore when the MacBook Pro gets warm, which I had before especially on the 0 key.
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You and I are in same boat. My advice is keep pushing until it's right. More than several and it might be worth asking to buy more warranty or even ask them to replace it. We shouldn't be spending this much time on these issues. There are Apple people that can help. Find them and outline your story & case.
Apple replaced my 2016 MBP 3 times with a brand new one! After the third one they basically told me to kick rocks and that its software related. So I just disputed the charge with my bank and I won the dispute. I refuse to pay 2800+ dollars for a piece of hardware that has design defects. I suggest all of you do the same.
Totally agree Apple more than illustrated it's true colours with the dGPU debacles of old. Paying premium one expects premium, not excuses and a half assed effort. If more people challenged Apple, they would sort out their design and quality issues in quick time...
Q-6
This problem is easily replicable, especially on the 15 inch model because of th dGPU. In fact, I easily was able to replicate it in front of an Apple Genius. All you have to do is heat up the computer. For me, it happens every single time I play WoW or use my external display. The dGPU kicks on of course and after about 5 min the clicking and popping happens. It's actually startling and that's what irritates me the most. Apple for sure knows that their design is defective and I'm thinking any changes in the build would be costly or too soon. I can't believe they told me it was software related.
My second repair has keyboard issue. The testing depot literally left the testing apps running (I restored before sending it in). When I opened the lid there were 3D modeling, Bunnies, and other CPU/GPU tests running.
To say I'm frustrated and not happy with this issue (keyboard, not the tests) is an understatement.
To say I'm frustrated and not happy with this issue (keyboard, not the tests) is an understatement.
I know exactly how you feel. I'm also so ****ing done with this laptop to be honest. I've always been a huge Apple fan, had many MBPs and have always had a positive experience. Until, this POS 2016 MBP, I have been to an Apple store 3 times already and I'm going again this Saturday. I've barely had a chance to even use my bloody laptop and it costs $3499, what a joke. I can buy a better spec'd laptop for 1/3 of the price and I'd actually have a working keyboard...
I am also experiencing the clicking keyboard issue. Actually, my MBP has already had it's keyboard replaced since I first got it; the up arrow was not working when I first received it. Then, just yesterday, I noticed that the 'b' key sometimes registers twice. And then, after that, when I get the temperatures up high, then the clicking keys issue will occur.
I also have another issue where sometimes, the MBP will not wake from sleep. The touchbar still shows and I can still unlock using my fingerprint, however, closing the lid, opening the lid, pressing the power button, turning up or down the brightness; none of those work. Only solution is to literally hold the power button to turn off, then turning back on using the power button. Wow, serious? A $3499 laptop that can't even wake from sleep.
For the other times I've been to the Apple store, I've only gotten BS responses like "Sorry, we can't trust everything we read online because it's not a reputable source". So, basically even pointing the freaking "Geniuses" to MacRumors threads or even, Apple Community forums makes it a "non-reputable source".
/endrant
Back in 2005, when the iMac G5s had the bad capacitors, I had the Genius Bar tell me it was the quality of electricity being delivered to my house that was causing my problems. I had to call Apple and argue with them for hours until they agreed to send someone to my house to fix my iMac. Turned out to be faulty caps in the power supply, which the in-home guy replaced.
Please tell me they at least gave you the option of refund / replacement. Otherwise I would seriously flip if they just said "Oh sorry to hear you're having that issue... Good luck!", which seems to be the usual response...