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iBook G3 Clamshell USB port issue

PacNPal

Member
Hello.

I recently added to my iBook collection, with a Graphite SE joining the ranks. While it does need some cleanup, it's in decent shape and works okay. The issue I'm having is with the USB port. While the USB port is detected in System Profiler, it does not detect any devices that are plugged into it. The devices are not receiving power when connected either. Has anyone done any repairs to fix this kind of issue, or am I looking at a logic board replacement?

Thanks

 

dan.dem

Well-known member
While the USB port is detected in System Profiler, it does not detect any devices that are plugged into it. The devices are not receiving power when connected either.
I find the single USB port on my original iBook a bit picky about plugs. It's somewhat buried inside the rubber plastic and doesn't want lager plugs. Bigger plugs may not insert deep enough to make contact. Also the current the Clamshell's port can provide is _just_ within specs (0.5 A). My external 2.5" USB-disk fails to start and needs extra power. Thumb drives (solid state) work well (if narrow enough to fit).

If your USB port is actually faulty: You may find a computer repair which can solder another USB plug onto the board. They may not have the exact same item (it has a white plastic cover around), but as long it is the same height to match the opening in the iBooks plastic, it should work. I try to do the disassembling myself, bringing only the part I may not want to work on myself to the shop. This cuts costs usually in half. However beware of the brittle plastics. Even when relatively new it felt uncomfortable disassembling the clamshell.

 
I just fixed a similar problem on my new-to-me blueberry iBook. Someone had pushed too hard on the connector, which broke off one of the solder wings on the side of the USB connector. The subsequent insertion/removal cycles loosened up one of the solder joints on the 4 USB lines, and USB peripherals would only show up if you held the connector *just* right. The fix was to remove the logic board (what a PITA), re-solder the broken wing back together, and then re-solder the four USB lines. If I had a similar USB connector on hand, I would have just replaced it entirely.
 
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