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The right shift key on my late 2009 macbook unibody (polycarbonate) doesn't work. Before I spend more money, I would like to determine if it is a keyboard issue (replace keyboard for ~$100) or a logic board problem (replace for ~$500). Is there any way to tell where the problem arises. The wireless keyboard I attach works without a problem.
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If you have used a USB keyboard and the keys function in text edit then most likely it is the key on the top case keyboard and not the logic board.
You can also confirm the issue by booting to an external known good OS on an external drive ( it must be the same OS version or higher than what your unit shipped with ) and testing the keys on the keyboard.
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+1 because it's a good answer. I'd just add checking how the key feels under the fingers. If it's stuck, dirty or misaligned, I'd try to very gently reseat it. Failing that, most likely it's a top case issue.
+ Good answer, based on the information given you.
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The connector for the keyboard to the logic board not put on correctly--connected with scotch tape. The keyboard ribbon connector was attached correctly and the right shift key now works!
crwdns2934105:0crwdne2934105:0
The keyboard on these work off of USB emulation. Even if your cable was slightly ajar, the keyboard would either all work or none of it would. Cable seating will not cause just 1 key to malfunction. Tigerimac gave a good answer on this with the information you gave. You have not told us the whole story about this laptop - maybe you don't know it. I would expect this problem to show again and/or others from this machine. Out of curiosity, has this been exposed to some form of liquid? Are you the original owner?
Do you know the difference between Kapton tape and Scotch tape? Kapton tape looks like this: http://www.tedpella.com/tape_html/tape.h...
It was definitely Scotch tape, not Kapton tape. I checked your link.
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The computer is my son's - away at college - and he eats while he types. The keyboard is always full of crumbs and sticky when I see it. He denied spilling any liquid on it, however, he said he tries to clean the keyboard with spray window cleaner. I told him this could cause damage to the keyboard, logic board and internal workings.
As for the keyboard connector, I checked your link and it was definitely Scotch tape, not Kapton tape.
I didn't mention in my previous post that besides taking apart the computer and reassembling it, I also took off the right shift key, cleaned out the area with a vacuum and 90% isopropyl alcohol (on a Q-tip) and replaced it. It was probably that action rather than correctly connecting the keyboard cable to the logic board that corrected the right shift key.
Thanks for all of your responses to my original question and a special thanks to the IFixit A1342 repair guide. Could not have taken apart the computer and reassembled it correctly without it!!
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