No sound from speakers
1. Use the Software Update system preference pane to verify that the latest audio update has been installed. 2. Press the F3 key with the fn key pressed and not pressed to verify that mute mode is not enabled. 3. Press the F4 or F5 key with the fn key pressed and not pressed to check the volume setting. 4. Verify no external speakers or headphones are plugged in. 5. Check the speakers tab on the Sound control panel to confirm that the software is correctly seeing that there are no external...
Error Beeps
The computer automatically performs a power-on self test when it is turned on after being fully shut down not a restart . This section describes what to do if beeps are heard during the startup. When this occurs, the sleep LED will stay on occasionally flashes. The PowerBook G4 17-inch Double-Layer SD uses PC4200 DDR2 SDRAM SO-DIMMs, with a maximum height of 1.25-inch 30 mm . The PowerBook G4 17-inch series uses PC2700 also called DDR333 DDR SDRAM SO-DIMMs with a maximum height of 1.25-inch 30...
Internal hard drive will not initialize
1. For the PowerBook G4 17-inch Double-Layer SD , only, make sure the hard drive is a cable select drive set as a master 0 . Using previous Apple hard disk drives in this machine may cause problems at start up. 2. Start up from the software install and restore disc that came with the computer hold down the C key during restart . 3. When the Installer opens, from the Installer menu, select Open Disk Utility. 4. If the hard drive is recognized, format it under the Erase tab. 5. If the hard drive...
Three different thermal configurations
There is a different thermal configuration for each of the following PowerBook G4 17-inch Double-Layer SD PowerBook G4 17-inch 1.67GHz PowerBook G4 17-inch 1.5GHz and PowerBook G4 17-inch 1.33GHz See the appropriate heading, below. Warning Whenever the logic board is separated from the heatsink, the thermal material must be replaced. Failure to do so can cause the computer to overheat and be damaged. Important Avoid unnecessary contact with new thermal material, as dirt and body oils reduce the...
AirPort Extreme Card not recognized
1. In Mac OS X, use Software Update in system preferences or see the Apple Software Updates web page to make sure the latest version of AirPort Extreme software is installed. 3. Open AirPort in system preferences and make sure AirPort is on and Base Station is selected. 4. Check the AirPort Extreme Card flex cable connection to the logic board. Check that the connector has not peeled off the flex cable. Also check that the connector on the logic board has not lifted. 5. Remove and reinstall the...
The Date and Time settings reset all the time
Note Resetting the power manager or PRAM resets the date and time. Perform a Shut Down from the Apple menu. Remove the main battery and disconnect the power adapter for 10 minutes. Connect the power adapter, insert the battery, and power on the computer. If the date and time were lost the backup battery may be dead or discharged. Remove the main battery from the unit and leave the PowerBook plugged in for at least 5 hours. Note If a discharged main battery is installed in the computer,...
For Other PowerBooks
Warning Flex cables for the sound board, and the modem, must be marked with POWERBOOK 17 1.33GHz ONLY or POWERBOOK G4 17 1.33GHz OR GREATER, or the logic board will be damaged. These cables are NOT interchangeable with cables from the PowerBook G4 17-inch . Bluetooth antenna cable to diversity board in display panel assembly AirPort Extreme antenna cable to diversity board in display panel assembly Sound in Sound out Internal speaker Internal microphone Sleep light Left speaker Right speaker...
Wire and Flex Cables
With the very thin enclosure design and dispersed circuit board, a large number of flex cables are used in this computer. In addition, there are a variety of wire cable harnesses as well. Many of these cables carry multiple types of signals. In the case of the DC-in board flex cable the cable is forked with one path going to the Bluetooth board and the other to the DC-in board. Here is a list of the cables and the signals that run across them. If you notice a group of functions not working, it...
Three Different Keyboards
Three different keyboards, two instruction sets The PowerBook G4 17-inch Double-Layer SD and PowerBook G4 17-inch 1.67GHz use a similar keyboard assembly and the take apart instructions are the same. The PowerBook G4 17-inch 1.5GHz and PowerBook G4 17-inch 1.33GHz use a different keyboard type. Important Keyboards are not interchangeable. Verify that the correct replacement keyboard is ordered, and or top case if replacing. See the appropriate computer model heading. below.
Caps lock LED power check
There are situations when the system is giving indications that it is shut down no sleep light, no hard drive access, screen is dark, no blower, and so on . However, the logic board may still be running. In this case, the logic board is drawing power and generating heat. Warning In this situation, if the computer is put in an enclosed environment like a carrying bag, the computer can overheat. Check this situation by pressing the caps lock key. If the LED glows, the PMU is running on the logic...
Computer beeps three times at startup
1. Three beeps means that no RAM banks passed memory testing. 2. If a RAM card is installed in the upper expansion slot if not, skip to next step , remove it and restart. If symptom does not repeat, replace RAM card. If symptom repeats, replace RAM in lower RAM slot with known-good and compatible RAM card and restart. If symptom repeats, replace logic board. 3. If a RAM card is not installed in the upper expansion slot, replace RAM in lower RAM slot with known-good and compatible RAM card and...
Sleep indicator PowerBook G inch DoubleLayer SD
Starting with the PowerBook G4 Double-Layer SD models, the sleep indicator light in the lid button has a new behavior during startup. When you first turn the PowerBook G4 on, the sleep indicator will turn on. As the computer starts up, the indicator stays on until the display turns on. This light can be used as a diagnostic to determine at startup whether the main logic board is getting power. This new indicator will help troubleshoot dead unit issues versus no video issues If you see the sleep...
Apple Service Diagnostic ASD
MacTest Pro software does not work on this computer since the PowerBook G4 17-inch and forward are Mac OS X only systems. ASD is the replacement and can be downloaded from Knowledge Base article 112125 Service Diagnostics Matrix. Important ASD 2.6.3 is backwards compatible to the PowerBook G4 1GHz 867MHz and later. Apple Service Diagnostic Main screen Apple Service Diagnostic Select Tests tab Apple Service Diagnostic Select Tests tab Apple Service Diagnostic Hardware Info tab f f Test Controls...
Apple Hardware Test AHT Notes
AHT 2.5.2 is backwards compatible. Starting with Apple Hardware Test 2.5.2, the customer must first select a language. Starting with the PowerBook G4 17-inch , the Apple Hardware Test software will be incorporated into the Software Install and Restore DVD. There is no separate CD for this diagnostic. Currently, the test image is now posted on Service Source online. Apple Hardware Test 2.0.1 and later is not backward compatible with PowerBook computers prior to the PowerBook G4 1GHz 867MHz ....
A USB port is not recognizing devices
1. Completely shut down, then press the power button to start the computer. 2. Use Software Update system preferences to verify that the latest software is installed. 3. For USB, test ports with an Apple keyboard or mouse. If the left port is not recognized check the DC-in flex cable's condition and connection. If the right port is not recognized check the right USB flex cable's condition and connection. 4. If the USB flex cables are fine, replace the DC-in board for the left USB port or the...
Zero Insertion Force Connectors
Zero insertion force ZIF connectors are used in several locations in the computer. Important The locking bar on the ZIF connector is extremely fragile and is not intended to separate from the connector. When releasing a bar, use extreme care and a restrained light pressure to move the bar only slightly. Warning If a locking bar breaks, you will need to replace the board. Use a flat-blade tool to move the bar on both sides. Make sure the locking bar is released, then slide the end of the flex...
A FireWire port is not recognizing devices
1. Test the FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 ports by connecting to another computer using FireWire Target Disk Mode. Refer to Knowledge Base article 58583 How to Use FireWire Target Disk Mode. Important When in FireWire Target Disk Mode, use only one FireWire port at a time. Otherwise you risk corrupting the internal hard drive volume. 2. Verify that drivers are installed properly for third party, if needed. 3. Make sure the cables are firmly attached. 5. If self powered make sure that the power...
A USB device not recognized by computer
Note If you are trying to use a serial device with a USB Serial adapter, check with the manufacturer of the adapter for compatibility. 1. Completely shut down, then press the power button to start the computer. 2. Verify current driver for the device is installed. 3. If a camera, turn on camera after initiating download with camera application. 5. Try different USB device on same port. 6. Eliminate chain by plugging in only one peripheral. 7. Try known-good Apple USB keyboard or mouse to verify...
PMU NMI and PMU RESET pads on logic board
In addition to the power button pads on the logic board, there are pads for PMU NMI and PMU RESET, which work when their pads are shorted together with a tool like a flat blade screwdriver . The pads are separated with a white horizontal line between the pads. These pads are located about 1cm left of the back left corner of the optical drive.
The cursor intermittently does not move or moves erratically
User must touch with the surface of only one finger at a time and point directly down on the trackpad surface. When running Apple Hardware Test or Apple Service Diagnostic, the trackpad will respond in very small movements of the cursor. This behavior is normal. 1. Clean trackpad surface with computer off, using a non-static-inducing material . 2. Completely shut down, then press the power button to start the computer. 3. Reset the power manager. See procedures under the Resetting the Power...
Power Button pads on logic board
With the top case removed, the power button is disconnected. Instead of having to reconnect the top case to turn on the system, there are two pads on the logic board that can be shorted across with a tool like a flat blade screwdriver to act as the power button. These pads are located about 5cm left of the back left corner of the optical drive, 1-1 2cm above the notch for the top case flex cable. It is marked POWER BUTTON. The pads are separated with a vertical white line. Note The component...
The battery wont charge
1. Remove any externally connected peripherals. 2. Try known-good power outlet. 3. Connect known-good 65W power adapter and power cord or plug make sure the DC plug is firmly inserted. The DC plug should light up, if not, replace DC-in board. If the power adapter light is green, turn over the computer and press the battery button. The battery lights should glow green and stay on if the power adapter is operating correctly. Important The Apple 65W Power Adapter is highly recommended be used with...