dc429uk
asked on
My non-start up Powerbook
Hi everyone, I have a G3/400 Pismo and worked perfect in the past. Recently, it not starts up propely. When the power key is depressed, there is zero noise & power light (no chime), the caps lock key and num lock keys can light up when pressed. (Does it mean the CPU running?) The Funny thing is when I turn it off and slightly shake the Powerbook (up-side-down)and it works again.
This week, I have more serious problem> even shake can't help. So I start to reseat all memory and processor module and it will 80% work again. But once I turn off it goes back "unable to power up" and might have to reseat again. I realized that when I turn Pismo to sleep and move it around can make it hang up and black screen as well (It can awakes normally if I am not moving it to somewhere). I guess it mainly caused by the unstable circuit board/power slot). I've reset the power manager and replaced batterys and no joy.
ANy suggestion will be appreciated!!!!
This week, I have more serious problem> even shake can't help. So I start to reseat all memory and processor module and it will 80% work again. But once I turn off it goes back "unable to power up" and might have to reseat again. I realized that when I turn Pismo to sleep and move it around can make it hang up and black screen as well (It can awakes normally if I am not moving it to somewhere). I guess it mainly caused by the unstable circuit board/power slot). I've reset the power manager and replaced batterys and no joy.
ANy suggestion will be appreciated!!!!
weed
If shaking it makes it boot, you've got something loose. Run it down to your local apple repair center and see if they can nail down the loose parts.
I am not sure if you mentioned replacing the PRAM battery. All PowerBook have this problem when the PRAM battery is dead or low.
If so happened you managed to boot it up one day, please consider to install PRAM battery checker downloadable from http://www.polar-orbit.com/
Try replacing the PRAM battery and hopefully your PB will come to live again.
If you are not familiar with handling small parts, I suggest you to go to nearest Mac shop and have the battery replaced. The battery itself is only around $10-15 but maybe the cost of repair is more than that.
The part number of the battery should be #922-3829.
If so happened you managed to boot it up one day, please consider to install PRAM battery checker downloadable from http://www.polar-orbit.com/
Try replacing the PRAM battery and hopefully your PB will come to live again.
If you are not familiar with handling small parts, I suggest you to go to nearest Mac shop and have the battery replaced. The battery itself is only around $10-15 but maybe the cost of repair is more than that.
The part number of the battery should be #922-3829.
Sorry I might be wrong about the price. This site is selling at $50
http://members.aol.com/dnmonk/powerbooks/index.html
http://members.aol.com/dnmonk/powerbooks/index.html
$50??...We used to sell them for $10.
That's what I mentioned in earlier post :) I 'might' be wrong when looking at that site.
Yeah, $50 sounds extremely high. I think radio shack has them for $15. Im still doubtful its a battery because of the part about having to shake it.
I had similar problem with 3400c where it did not boot up and I need to leave it powered for a while and reset it several times.
Later I found it help to boot up by gently pressing the surface part at the left hand side of trackpad (yes, right on the hard disk position) while turning the power on. So I thought it was hard disk problem since I must do 'CPR' to wake up my machine. But then I realized once the machine start, the hard disk never failed. Until one day it won't boot at all. Then I know it's time to replace the PRAM battery :)
Strange enough, but I guess shaking the PB or pressing the hard disk can help the power up the Logic Board PRAM. Anyway, shaking a computer is not good for hard disk health.
Cheers,
Judhi
Later I found it help to boot up by gently pressing the surface part at the left hand side of trackpad (yes, right on the hard disk position) while turning the power on. So I thought it was hard disk problem since I must do 'CPR' to wake up my machine. But then I realized once the machine start, the hard disk never failed. Until one day it won't boot at all. Then I know it's time to replace the PRAM battery :)
Strange enough, but I guess shaking the PB or pressing the hard disk can help the power up the Logic Board PRAM. Anyway, shaking a computer is not good for hard disk health.
Cheers,
Judhi
Ah yeah, one more thing, dc429uk mentioned:
"when I turn Pismo to sleep and move it around can make it hang up and black screen as well (It can awakes normally if I am not moving it to somewhere)"
Chances are: the power went down on the move because you disconnect the external power adapter. Maybe it can awakes normally as long as you put the external power on, no matter you move it or not.
"when I turn Pismo to sleep and move it around can make it hang up and black screen as well (It can awakes normally if I am not moving it to somewhere)"
Chances are: the power went down on the move because you disconnect the external power adapter. Maybe it can awakes normally as long as you put the external power on, no matter you move it or not.
ASKER
Thx for U2; I have installed the battery checker and no luck. Indeed my clock always works properly> it seems not the PRAM issue...
It's interesting to know the experience of Judhi's 3400c; since I have "similar solution" to boot my laptop by gently 'CPR' on the CPU (open up the keyboard and press on the mental plate ;1-2 times)> high chance to start it up. It's really strange ... Regarding to the external power matter. I assume it's not caused the battery since it inidcates that battery is wholely charged and actually the screen turn to dim but I can still see my desktop. Just totally dark.
So this 2 months I use this "CPR Solution" to sort out the problem instead of shaking it~ Does anyone have this kind of experience as well?
Anyway, Thx Judhi and Weed....
It's interesting to know the experience of Judhi's 3400c; since I have "similar solution" to boot my laptop by gently 'CPR' on the CPU (open up the keyboard and press on the mental plate ;1-2 times)> high chance to start it up. It's really strange ... Regarding to the external power matter. I assume it's not caused the battery since it inidcates that battery is wholely charged and actually the screen turn to dim but I can still see my desktop. Just totally dark.
So this 2 months I use this "CPR Solution" to sort out the problem instead of shaking it~ Does anyone have this kind of experience as well?
Anyway, Thx Judhi and Weed....
ASKER
After 2 months, Endup it can't even bootup...I have sort it up> the logic board problem (dead) and now I got the replacement and work fine!
Well, so I know what to buy when CPR no longer works! :)
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