Boeing 777-200ER: Main panel autopilot control buttons not working

777-200ER Autopilot buttons on the MCP/AFDS panel not responding – checklist

On most 777 add-ons, those buttons won’t do anything unless a few “basics” are in place (power, flight directors, correct clickspots), and sometimes a conflicting control assignment can block the click events.

1) Confirm the airplane is actually powered up
A dark/cold cockpit can make the panel look “there” but not accept inputs.

1. Battery switch ON.
2. External power or APU running, then put at least one generator online.
3. Verify the PFD/ND screens are alive (not just backlit) and you have normal avionics power.

2) Make sure you’re clicking the right spots (and not in “view-only” mode)
Some models have small click regions or require a specific mouse function.

1. Try both left-click and right-click on a few MCP buttons (LNAV/VNAV/HDG SEL, etc.).
2. If your add-on supports it, enable the mouse “tooltip” option so you can see if the sim is detecting the control name when you hover.
3. If you use any camera tool / pop-out panel / instrument view, try the default cockpit view and click directly on the VC MCP.

3) Check the minimum AFDS conditions
Even if the buttons “press,” the mode may not engage if the system logic isn’t satisfied.

1. Turn both Flight Directors ON.
2. Confirm an autopilot can be engaged (typically after takeoff or on the ground for testing depending on the add-on logic).
3. For a quick bench test: set a heading/altitude, then try HDG SEL and ALT HOLD once you have stable electrical power.

4) Rule out control/keyboard conflicts swallowing the input
This one is common, especially if you’ve got hardware mapped.

1. Temporarily unplug/yank power from any yoke/throttle/quadrant that has autopilot buttons/rotaries mapped.
2. If you have any external mapping software running (for buttons/encoders), close it and re-test.
3. Check that you don’t have a “stuck” key or button continually sending AP disconnect / TOGA / autopilot off type commands.

5) Eliminate add-on interference (test clean)
If something is intercepting mouse clicks or sim events, you’ll see exactly what you’re describing.

1. Load the aircraft at a default airport in a default situation (clear weather, daytime).
2. Disable any “copilot/assistance” type features you might be using (if applicable in your sim) and re-test.
3. If the aircraft has a 2D/pop-up MCP or AFDS panel option, try that as a comparison (VC clickspots vs. pop-up).

A few quick questions so we don’t chase the wrong rabbit

1. Which sim is this in (MSFS, Prepar3D, FSX, X-Plane), and what exact 777-200ER add-on (developer name)?
2. Are the buttons totally dead (no animation/click), or do they “press” but modes won’t engage on the FMA?
3. Are you starting cold-and-dark, or from a runway/ready-to-fly scenario?
4. Any hardware MCP/autopilot panel connected (Saitek/Logitech, Honeycomb, GoFlight, etc.)?

Answer those and I can narrow it down to the most likely cause for your specific setup.