Left Shift key intermittently not workng on Mac Book pro 2016

[Lshiftmac]

Hi All.

Hoping someone can help me or point me in the right direction.

So i have a Mac Book Pro 2016 and the left shift key is intermittently not workng

What happens is I press the left shift key to input a upper case character or a special character and it’s not picking up on it all the time

So the below is me pressing left shift + f and as you can see it’s not always creating the user case f

FFFfffffffffffffF

I purchased a new left shift key but the issue remains. With the new left shift key came a butterfly clip but I havent used it as I dont think it would resolve the issue.

The left shift key is perfectly stable within the keyboard but just doesn't work majority of the time

 

[chrfr]

Hi All.

Hoping someone can help me or point me in the right direction.

So i have a Mac Book Pro 2016 and the left shift key is intermittently not workng

What happens is I press the left shift key to input a upper case character or a special character and it’s not picking up on it all the time

So the below is me pressing left shift + f and as you can see it’s not always creating the user case f

FFFfffffffffffffF

I purchased a new left shift key but the issue remains. With the new left shift key came a butterfly clip but I havent used it as I dont think it would resolve the issue.

The left shift key is perfectly stable within the keyboard but just doesn't work majority of the time

These keyboards are defective designs, and changing a keycap is unlikely to solve the problem. If you purchased the computer less than 4 years ago, then you can get the keyboard replaced for free by Apple, but their repair program was only 4 years, so chances are good that you'd have to pay for the repair. https://support.apple.com/keyboard-service-program-for-mac-notebooks

 

[Lshiftmac]

These keyboards are defective designs, and changing a keycap is unlikely to solve the problem. If you purchased the computer less than 4 years ago, then you can get the keyboard replaced for free by Apple, but their repair program was only 4 years, so chances are good that you'd have to pay for the repair. https://support.apple.com/keyboard-service-program-for-mac-notebooks

Thanks for the reply.

The left key has been working perfectly but recently started acting up.

 

[chrfr]

Thanks for the reply.

The left key has been working perfectly but recently started acting up.

Yes, these keyboards work fine until they stop working fine. You've been lucky to have it work successfully for so long.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Have you never heard of the "butterfly keyboard failures" of the 2016-2019 MacBook Pros?

Sounds like yours has acquired it (though not too bad yet).

Apple has a 4-year extended warranty on the keyboards (from date of initial purchase), but I'm going to guess that you're "beyond that" now.

It's an expensive repair, because the entire top case of the computer must be replaced -- even for only ONE bad key.
Expect to pay around $675-700.

Where you go from here is up to you.
If it was me (I realize that you're NOT me), I wouldn't pay that much for the repair, as it could eventually happen again.

 

[Lshiftmac]

I'm not sure what to think but off a sudden the left shift key starts working again, i have no idea how as I didnt do anything

it's a bit sickening because i planned going to a service center with my laptop and the repairs would of been free because my Macbook comes under the Keyboard Service Program and i would be getting a new keyboard and I know its a permanent fix


wonder how long this "fix' will last

 

[Lshiftmac]

i see what the issue is. It's the amount of pressure you put on the key, to much and starts acting up where as before it didnt matter how much pressure you put on it as it just didnt work right

i think this is still not right

 

[chrfr]

i see what the issue is. It's the amount of pressure you put on the key, to much and starts acting up where as before it didnt matter how much pressure you put on it as it just didnt work right

i think this is still not right

If your service provider will still repair it for free, go see them and get it fixed. You'll also get a brand new battery as part of the repair.

 

[Lshiftmac]

Just to give posters an update and unfortunately it's not good news

Apple service center said the laptop is out of warranty and they will not fix it unless I pay for it and that's load of money

The macbook was bought in 2017 and the Keyboard service program wont cover it

Not good news at all

I'm not sure what to do next

 

[4sallypat]

You could buy an entire top case part from eBay and replace it if you are adept at disassembly..

I did that recently on a 2015 12" rMB because of the battery failure.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

I wouldn't pay to fix it.
I'd put that money towards something new.
If you can hold out until the upcoming 14" and 16" MacBook Pros are introduced, I think you could end up very satisfied.

Go forth with the consolation (if one can call it that) that you aren't the only one in this position.
Insofar as the failed keyboards out-of-warranty go, you're:
e pluribus unum.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I would make sure the keyboard and top case are as clean as you can get it and then put a keyboard cover on the Mac. That may give you more life with the keyboard.