PowerBook G4 12" Repair Thread

[eyoungren]

I added this part after you posted…

"PS. Is the hassle really worth the cost? I paid $25 for a working display for my wife's 12" PB. Still working. If you look you can find something in that price range, either a complete LCD or a dead 12" PB that you can strip extra parts from. "

 

[Intell]

Those 12" displays are easy to open. Get a few old credit cards or other plastic cards and go slowly.

 

[128keaton]

Those 12" displays are easy to open. Get a few old credit cards or other plastic cards and go slowly.

The opening was easy. It was putting it back on that was the hard part.

 

[128keaton]

I added this part after you posted…

"PS. Is the hassle really worth the cost? I paid $25 for a working display for my wife's 12" PB. Still working. If you look you can find something in that price range, either a complete LCD or a dead 12" PB that you can strip extra parts from. "

Depending on what the new top looks like, I might run with that option.

 

[Intell]

Putting them back together is even easier than opening them.

 

[eyoungren]

Putting them back together is even easier than opening them.

LOL, I just didn't have the knack that day then.

 

[128keaton]

Putting them back together is even easier than opening them.

Ok thanks for the encouragement.

 

[128keaton]

Putting them back together is even easier than opening them.

@Intell Ok two questions then. Where do these clips fit in?

Second, what about this:

I see where it went but I don't see how it goes on

 

[Intell]

The rounded screw thing goes into the lower corners. Align the three spot welds and then affix them back onto the back cover. The other clip appears to be a retaining clip for either the top or bottom.

 

[128keaton]

Finally, pics! That's the new back on.

Here is a snap of the worst bend in the case.

So bad.

I also need to clean it.

 

[MacCubed]

If you plan on replacing the bottom case then go ahead and clean the power button, but if you don't plan on replacing it, don't clean it! I mad this mistake with mine and am currently using tape to hold it in place

 

[128keaton]

If you plan on replacing the bottom case then go ahead and clean the power button, but if you don't plan on replacing it, don't clean it! I mad this mistake with mine and am currently using tape to hold it in place

Yes, its 100% getting replaced. I am on a hold list from PBM. I wont take it apart, I'll end up using Q-tips and toothpicks with isopropyl alcohol.

 

[eyoungren]

That dent can be pounded out. But you'll need to remove the logicboard to get to it.

That however, is pretty involved.

 

[MacCubed]

Especially on a 12" G4!!

 

[MacCubed]

Also don't use isopropyl, it will dissolve the glue that holds the latch in place

 

[128keaton]

That dent can be pounded out. But you'll need to remove the logicboard to get to it.

That however, is pretty involved.

Yeah, the problem is its really warped. The corners are toast too.
Considering a new bottom pan is $3.75, I might just wait a bit.

 

[128keaton]

Also don't use isopropyl, it will dissolve the glue that holds the latch in place

then what would suffice?

 

[MacCubed]

The latch will shoot back due to the spring things that allow the latch to come back out after being pressed

 

[128keaton]

The latch will shoot back due to the spring things that allow the latch to come back out after being pressed

Oh I was just meaning clean the surface until I get the new bottom pan.

 

[MacCubed]

Ohhhh lol sorry

 

[Gamer9430]

That's a pretty nice PowerBook! The new lid looks beautiful as well. All you need is the new bottom pan and it will look brand new! Nice job, Keaton.

 

[Riviera122]

Hi, just bought a PowerBook but my hyphen key doesn't work. Any potential reasons why?

 

[eyoungren]

Hi, just bought a PowerBook but my hyphen key doesn't work. Any potential reasons why?

Possibly the keyboard is bad.

I've had a few keys stop working on one of my older A1013's. The usual trick for me was to pull the battery and ram cover (after shutting down the Mac), pulling the trackpad ribbon cable out of the socket and then wiping the end clean. Always worked after that (after putting it all back together).

However, that was the 17" Powerbook, not a 12" or 15". Since you didn't specify then this may be a bit more involved.

I replaced a keyboard on my MBP a few months back. I had four keys that didn't work. Real PITA to do.

 

[Gamer9430]

Possibly the keyboard is bad.

I've had a few keys stop working on one of my older A1013's. The usual trick for me was to pull the battery and ram cover (after shutting down the Mac), pulling the trackpad ribbon cable out of the socket and then wiping the end clean. Always worked after that (after putting it all back together).

However, that was the 17" Powerbook, not a 12" or 15". Since you didn't specify then this may be a bit more involved.

I replaced a keyboard on my MBP a few months back. I had four keys that didn't work. Real PITA to do.

You have any spare keys? I want to experiment with black and white keys in a pattern for my MacBook.

 

[eyoungren]

You have any spare keys? I want to experiment with black and white keys in a pattern for my MacBook.

Not unless you are planning on going aluminum?

My MBP is one of the one's that look like the PowerBooks. I bought it on purpose for that. If I have to have an MBP I am going to try and stick as close to the PowerBook form factor as I can.