Powerbook 540c Random Shutdowns

[DebB]

Hi All,

My son's trusty Powerbook 540c has recently started to shut down at random while in use. After this happens it will not restart unless I unplug the power adapter and replug it. It then sometimess starts properly and at other times will shutdown again during the startup process. Both battery packs are dead but it was working fine off the adapter.... any chance of a simple solution? Could it be the adapter or is it more likely to be the power management/motherboard?

Thanks

Deb

 

[beachycove]

My old 540c did indeed behave that way because of a bad power supply. Having said that, a backup battery and main battery are needed for reliable operation of the machine.

 

[Byrd]

The DC jacks on 5x0 powerbooks are pretty strong, but chances are there is a bad connection - what happens when you jiggle the power cable, around the jack?

JB

 

[DebB]

When I jiggle the power plug in the back of the powerbook, the socket feels a bit loose. It worked well all afternoon today after I did that....I think my son in his enthusiasm has been moving the unit around a bit while using it, typing etc. Perhaps that is the problem, a loose connection? But which end, the socket or the plug? That is the question! I haven't been able to get hold of another adapter to test it.

 

[Bunsen]

It could well be the power manager. You can reset it - I forget the key combo, but perhaps Apple's support pages have the info.

 

[nanoseq]

I've had three 500s (my first was when I was about 12 or so) and I believe it's a loose socket on the PowerBook. My current 540C has this problem. It works well enough that you can move it around with care, but if you snag it the wrong way it shuts off. You can probably strengthen it by resoldering the connection on the motherboard, or by having him use it at a desk.