Help! My 1400 has just stopped working - in mid-flow!

[Adrianadam]

My PowerBook 1400c/166 has just inexplicably stopped working. The screen suddenly went blank and there was a clicking noise from the speaker. Not the HD, I'm sure of that. Now, no startup bong, just clicking through the speaker, which stops when I unplug from the wall. Trying the reset button doesn't work - tried half a dozen times at 30 seconds. Any ideas anyone??

 

[Adrianadam]

Might it be something to do with the PRAM battery? They seem very hard to get at, and as they aren't made any more, impossible to replace. I'd be most grateful for any comments or dim rays of hope...

 

[TheShortTimer]

Might it be something to do with the PRAM battery? They seem very hard to get at, and as they aren't made any more, impossible to replace.

According to this post, you'll need two Panasonic VL2330 3V batteries and they're still in production. They're used in car key buttons/fobs.

I'd be most grateful for any comments or dim rays of hope...

This thread might have some leads. It suggests removing the PRAM battery as an expired one can prevent Macs of that era from powering up.

 

[Adrianadam]

Warmest thanks to TheShortTimer for this response. I'll source some VL2330s, hold my breath, and try to access the old PRAM battery as a first step. It'll be a week or two before I can find the time, but then I'll post again to say how I got on. Watch this space!