Thinkpad trackpoint and trackpoint keys disabled after suspend

Question

Thinkpad laptop W520 series with kernel: 4.15.0-51-generic x86_64 bits: 64

Following the latest dist-update the trackpoint and it's related keys don't work after return from suspend mode. Unloading and (re-)loading of psmouse fixes the issue but is only a workaround and somewhat annoying.

TLP is installed.

Any help highly appreciated. mgw

Answer 1

Having to unload and reload the psmouse driver when resuming from suspend is a common problem. You can automate the process with a script though:

Create a new file in the /lib/systemd/system-sleep/ directory containing:

#!/bin/bash

case $1/$2 in
  pre/*)
    echo "Going to $2..."
    # Place your pre suspend commands here, or `exit 0` if no pre suspend action required
    modprobe -r psmouse
    ;;
  post/*)
    echo "Waking up from $2..."
    # Place your post suspend (resume) commands here, or `exit 0` if no post suspend action required
    sleep 2
    modprobe psmouse
    ;;
esac

Make it executable:

sudo chmod a+x /lib/systemd/system-sleep/script-name

After the next reboot, the script will be active.

A script like this has worked for many people over the years. Of course your other option would be trying the previous kernel version and if it works sticking with it.

Notes when your script isn't working:

• Ensure the systemd suspend target is enabled.

• From the same accepted answer in the link, you may need to set PATH for external commands by inserting the following command into your script. Add any additional directories your commands may be in:

  PATH=/sbin:/usr/sbin:/bin:/usr/bin
  

• If it still isn't working, post a new question. Then drop a comment below with a link to the new question and I'll have a look.