1 line of the keyboard (zxcvbnm,.) not working after factory reset.

[Virvel]

Hi all, hopefully someone knows what is going on here.

Got a problem with my Macbook Air. I wanted to factory reset it, so I ereased my data and wanted to reinstall MacOS. But my keys (zxcvbnm,.) stopped working. Now I can’t log in with my Apple ID and password.

Run onboard diagnostics (restarted system with pressed D). There is no fault.

I replaced the battery with a battery from another Macbook Air that I have to see if it will solve my problem. But I still have the same problem with one line of the keyboard ...

What to do? Need help.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

How old is this MBA? Was anything spilled on the keyboard? Is this the first time this has happened?

 

[Virvel]

MBA is 5 yo. I have only used it for 2 years, then it was left unused for 3 years before yesterday when I decided to factory reset. Nothing spilled, clean and dry. The battery has not swelled so it could press on the keyboard cable.

And it happened for the 1st time.

 

[MacInWin]

Reset the SMC?

 

[chscag]

Attach an external keyboard and try it that way. Any good USB keyboard should work, even one that's for Windows.

 

[Virvel]

Attach an external keyboard and try it that way. Any good USB keyboard should work, even one that's for Windows.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try that.

 

[Virvel]

Reset the SMC?

I've already tried it. Will attach external keyboard and try again.

 

[Virvel]

I have updated the OS and logged in with Apple ID after connecting the external keyboard. Restarting SMC has not helped.

I have run a diagnostic test. No MBA error. But selected keys (include left CMD) still do not work (se picture).

Any suggestions?

 

[MacInWin]

Is the battery swollen? If it is, it might be pressing on the keyboard. You can check by putting a ruler or straightedge across the machine just between the keyboard and trackpad. It should touch all the way across at the same time, no gap or rocking. If the battery is swollen, it will push up and have a hump there. Swollen batteries are somewhat dangerous, so get it replaced when you can.

 

[Virvel]

Is the battery swollen? If it is, it might be pressing on the keyboard. You can check by putting a ruler or straightedge across the machine just between the keyboard and trackpad. It should touch all the way across at the same time, no gap or rocking. If the battery is swollen, it will push up and have a hump there. Swollen batteries are somewhat dangerous, so get it replaced when you can.

No, the battery is ok. I have tried another battery from another MBA. Same keys are not working.

 

[ferrarr]

Then I would assume the keyboard is defective.

 

[chscag]

Depending on which model MacBook Air you have, replacing the keyboard may not be worth the cost if the entire top case also has to be replaced.

Before doing any kind of replacement, you should check the keyboard cable that attaches to the logic board. Sometimes the connectors may be corroded or misaligned causing a row of keys not to function. Be careful removing the cable as the connectors are fragile and can easily be damaged.