Something growing under my trackpad!

[Hotspur00]

OK, this is really weird. See the pic.

This MBP13 mid-2010 was carefully stored clean, dry, and safe in its original box for about 5 months, from last August until sometime in December. It was in perfect condition when I put it away. When I took it out about a month ago, the right side of the trackpad was sticking up just slightly. The trackpad still mostly works for tapping and dragging, but won't click down. Since then it has continued to "swell", and this morning (Feb 4) it looks like this. Bulged so much it has cracked. Surprisingly, it still works (but no clicking, can't push it down, so I have now attached a USB mouse), but is bulging up so much I can't even close the lid all the way.

Something underneath it is growing!

Has anyone seen this before?

Macbook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13” Mid-2010, model A1278

Thanks,
Hotspur

 

[krishmk]

Battery is exploding... take care of it ASAP

 

[JTToft]

It's your battery. Eventually, it will burst and leak, destroying the machine. Take it in for professional care ASAP.

 

[Hotspur00]

Battery is exploding... take care of it ASAP

Thanks!
[doublepost=1454601102][/doublepost]

It's your battery. Eventually, it will burst and leak, destroying the machine. Take it in for professional care ASAP.

Thank for the reply. I may try self repair.

 

[Fishrrman]

As others have said, the battery is failing and "expanding" in the process.

You want to replace it (and the damaged trackpad) as soon as possible.

You can take it to an Apple Store or it might be possible to do it yourself. The trackpad is ruined, but the rest of the top of the MacBook looks ok.

For battery replacement, go to this page:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2010+Battery+Replacement/4300

For the trackpad, go here:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2010+Trackpad+Replacement/6044

BE SURE TO BUY THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB.
You can find them at Home Depot, Lowe's, hardware stores, online, or at ifixit.

Also, the part numbers you need are on ifixit's page.
Be aware that they may not have the items in stock (trackpad, battery), but with the right part numbers you can find them elsewhere, such as ebay.

The MacBook Pro from 2010 is very easy to open and repair.
Even I could do it!

While you're "in there", you might give some consideration to replacing the platter-based hard drive with an SSD.
You will be AMAZED at the increase in performance.

 

[Hotspur00]

As others have said, the battery is failing and "expanding" in the process.

You want to replace it (and the damaged trackpad) as soon as possible.

You can take it to an Apple Store or it might be possible to do it yourself. The trackpad is ruined, but the rest of the top of the MacBook looks ok.

For battery replacement, go to this page:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2010+Battery+Replacement/4300

For the trackpad, go here:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2010+Trackpad+Replacement/6044

BE SURE TO BUY THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB.
You can find them at Home Depot, Lowe's, hardware stores, online, or at ifixit.

Also, the part numbers you need are on ifixit's page.
Be aware that they may not have the items in stock (trackpad, battery), but with the right part numbers you can find them elsewhere, such as ebay.

The MacBook Pro from 2010 is very easy to open and repair.
Even I could do it!

While you're "in there", you might give some consideration to replacing the platter-based hard drive with an SSD.
You will be AMAZED at the increase in performance.

Fishrrman, thank you. iFixit is a good site. So I was in fact following the DIY route, and have installed the new trackpad and battery. All good, but the trackpad now needs adjusting (barely functional once all is reassembled) and I can't fix it because I need yet another tool. Damn,why can't all screws just be Phillips? I have now ordered a toolset that includes the T6 Hex Screwdriver I need. -Hotspur

 

[maflynn]

Damn,why can't all screws just be Phillips?

Because apple doesn't want you opening the computer and fixing the problem. Not that you shouldn't but clearly they don't want you or anyone else opening it up

 

[Count Blah]

An intermittent failing trackpad is a good sign of a swelling battery

 

[Atreyu25]

That's your battery, power down and disconnect from AC immediately. Contact Apple and file a safety hazard report.