[Muaguana]

Over two months ago, the W, 2, F2, Esc, `, and Tab keys on my Macbook Pro 13" started malfunctioning sporadically. They either work as expected or cease to respond at random intervals; there is no discernable pattern with which to predict whether or not they will function at any given time.

I've tried cleaning the keys with contact cleaner and letting the computer sit to dry, I've tried every maintenance function in Onyx and Disk Utility, resetting my PRAM, re-installing Snow Leopard, posting an inquiry on the Apple Support Communities, and doing a search on this website's Mac Notebooks forum and sifting through 241 threads. No definite explanation or solution found yet. Any ideas on a cause or remedy? I don't have AppleCare, otherwise I would have taken the computer in by now.

Thank you for your time.

[Waragainstsleep]

This usually happens due to a spillage of some kind. Chances are you need a new keyboard/top case.

[Page14]

Maybe unrelated, but the "a" key on my 4.5 year old 15.4" MacBook Pro sticks. I have to press it extra hard for it to take. Drives me nuts!

[Muaguana]

Originally Posted by Waragainstsleep 

This usually happens due to a spillage of some kind. Chances are you need a new keyboard/top case.

I was afraid this might be the case (even though I don't recall ever spilling anything on the keyboard.) I thought a spill meant the keys stopped working altogether, so I was hoping it might be a less expensive problem to fix given that the keys do work occasionally. I've seen top cases/keyboards for unibody macs go for around $300; does anyone know how much Apple tacks on for labor if I were to send my laptop in for the replacement?

Thanks for the response, BTW.