Powerbook G4 1 Gz 15" Aluminum boot problem

Hi, I would try to isolate the problem by first not reinstalling the weak battery. If the unit works it would seem you have a bad battery. If that didn't clear the problem you could leave the PRAM battery disconnected and check for normal operation. If this corrects your problem you can decide if you want to replace the battery or not. If not the downside is resetting the clock. If you are connected to the net you can set the clock to reset itself when online. If neither of these work you may have a system board problem. Hope this helps you--at least it won't cost you anything. Ralph

[quote|rj713]Hi, I would try to isolate the problem by first not reinstalling the weak battery. If the unit works it would seem you have a bad battery. If that didn't clear the problem you could leave the PRAM battery disconnected and check for normal operation. If this corrects your problem you can decide if you want to replace the battery or not. If not the downside is resetting the clock. If you are connected to the net you can set the clock to reset itself when online. If neither of these work you may have a system board problem. Hope this helps you--at least it won't cost you anything. Ralph[/quote]

Well, it sounds like you have 2 problems:

1) The computer's batter holds a weak charge, and only has a short lifespan.

2) Your PRAM Battery is dead. you can change this pretty easilly, and they cost $30-$60.

Many macs behave erradicly when their PRAM battery's get low.

or, you could check your PRAM battery, hook your leads up to a volt meter, and a good battery will measure between 3.2 and 3.6 Volts.

[quote|Chris Green]Well, it sounds like you have 2 problems: 1) The computer's batter holds a weak charge, and only has a short lifespan. 2) Your PRAM Battery is dead. you can change this pretty easilly, and they cost $30-$60. Many macs behave erradicly when their PRAM battery's get low. or, you could check your PRAM battery, hook your leads up to a volt meter, and a good battery will measure between 3.2 and 3.6 Volts.[/quote]

Thank you for your advice. I tried your procedures and found this: I removed the PRAM battery. I can boot the system if I 1) shut the computer down, 2) remove both the powercord and the power battery (even though it is a week one) 3) plug them in, then it will boot up. As expected I need to reset the clock or allow it to automatically reset. I hope this indicates that I do not have a logic board problem.

To unplug and re-plug the power with the PRAM installed does not work, but it does work without the PRAM installed! I need to remove the power completely, THEN also remove and re-attach the PRAM and then the power before it will boot, in that order.

Now, does the above mean I have a dead PRAM battery? I wonder about the PRAM battery -- I bought one from a qualified ebay seller who said it was a tested and good battery. I don't have the equipment to test it but I wish I knew whether it is good or not. Perhaps I can take it to a nearby Radio Shack to test it.

I can live with this operation for quite a while (without the PRAM so I can finally sew up the computer again) instead of paying for a new computer. Perhaps invest in a new power battery.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question. If you have further insight about the actions/non-actions of the PRAM I would appreciate it.

It still seems to me that by unplugging and re-plugging the power that there is a reset that is taking place that doesn't take place without it.

Roy

[quote|RoyK]Thank you for your advice. I tried your procedures and found this: I removed the PRAM battery. I can boot the system if I 1) shut the computer down, 2) remove both the powercord and the power battery (even though it is a week one) 3) plug them in, then it will boot up. As expected I need to reset the clock or allow it to automatically reset. I hope this indicates that I do not have a logic board problem. To unplug and re-plug the power with the PRAM installed does not work, but it does work without the PRAM installed! I need to remove the power completely, THEN also remove and re-attach the PRAM and then the power before it will boot, in that order. Now, does the above mean I have a dead PRAM battery? I wonder about the PRAM battery -- I bought one from a qualified ebay seller who said it was a tested and good battery. I don't have the equipment to test it but I wish I knew whether it is good or not. Perhaps I can take it to a nearby Radio Shack to test it. I can live with this operation for quite a while (without the PRAM so I can finally sew up the computer again) instead of paying for a new computer. Perhaps invest in a new power battery. Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question. If you have further insight about the actions/non-actions of the PRAM I would appreciate it. It still seems to me that by unplugging and re-plugging the power that there is a reset that is taking place that doesn't take place without it. Roy[/quote]

To save time unplugging and plugging the PRAM just hold Apple+Alt+P+R to reset it

[quote|QEII Student IT]To save time unplugging and plugging the PRAM just hold Apple+Alt+P+R to reset it[/quote]

definitely sounds like you need both a new PRAM battery and a new main battery. The PRAM battery is $40 here at iFixit. You can get a main battery from Apple, but there are several third-party options out there which use newer battery technology to improve battery life, and are often a little less expensive.

For about $150, you should be able to give your machine several more years of useful life.

[quote|David Iwanicki]definitely sounds like you need both a new PRAM battery and a new main battery. The PRAM battery is $40 here at iFixit. You can get a main battery from Apple, but there are several third-party options out there which use newer battery technology to improve battery life, and are often a little less expensive. For about $150, you should be able to give your machine several more years of useful life.[/quote]

Thanks for the suggestions. I replaced the main battery and it has fixed the complicated bootup problem. In fact, with the new battery my original PRAM battery functions like it should and I would not have needed to replace it. The powerbook works normally again and now I have the benefit of a longer time working with the computer running on the battery.

[quote|RoyK]Thanks for the suggestions. I replaced the main battery and it has fixed the complicated bootup problem. In fact, with the new battery my original PRAM battery functions like it should and I would not have needed to replace it. The powerbook works normally again and now I have the benefit of a longer time working with the computer running on the battery.[/quote]