Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Powerbook 12inch not turning on
- Thread starter kzk32
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
As long as you have a battery in, even if the battery is not working, verify that the power adapter ring light is lit (green or amber, either is fine for this troubleshooting step).
Next, it may be worth going through this 10-step process in the first post (which does include doing things like taking out the RAM and putting it back in). If, after running through those steps, you’re still unable to get a boot chime, then it’s possible something like your logic board is no longer functioning.
Don’t assume its the logic board either. I’ve seen the battery control board interfere with starting on these PBs. Replaced a couple in the past to solve this problem. Also easier to try first before gutting the entire machine to replace a logic board. The charge/no charge test will point you in the right direction.
I can second @SecretSquirrel ’s comment re: the battery controller (DC-to-DC) board preventing boot. I’ve seen this in one of my 1.33GHz PB G4 12-inch models, where there was an obvious burn on the board components.
Before you begin to consider repairing, familiarize yourself with the following guides on ifixit;
DC-to-DC board removal (23 steps)
DC-In board removal (52 steps includes logic board removal)
Before you begin to consider repairing, familiarize yourself with the following guides on ifixit;
DC-to-DC board removal (23 steps)
DC-In board removal (52 steps includes logic board removal)
all i remember is the 92 screws needed to replace the screen!
dont give up though
my powerbook g4 hard drive failed and i could not get the exact OSX of panther to reboot the system, so i tossed that in 2015.
the logic boards in these MacBooks are very tough and the Ni-cad batteries always seem to go first.
dont give up though
my powerbook g4 hard drive failed and i could not get the exact OSX of panther to reboot the system, so i tossed that in 2015.
the logic boards in these MacBooks are very tough and the Ni-cad batteries always seem to go first.
I have opened this PowerBook again so I can see if something obvious is going on. It is not that difficult to open, it just has a lot of screws.
Based on what you've told us, I'd replace the battery board while you're in there. It might be the dc-in board and it might be the logic board but like I said earlier, all my experiences with a PB12 which won't charge or boot have been down to the battery board. Yes, it's a lot of screws so just be organised and make sure they ask go back exactly where they came from and you'll be ok.