PowerBook G3 Kanga will only run OS 8.1, otherwise cryptic errors appear

[matthew28845]

I'm having a very strange issue with my recently-purchased PowerBook G3 Kanga. When I install Mac OS 8.1, it works perfectly - installs fine, runs fine, no issues at all. However, when I try any newer OS, the system will either fail to boot, fail to install and throw a read error, or once it does install it will be unusably slow and randomly lock up. Upon startup, it will throw errors such as "error type 10", "error type 11", "bus error", and "illegal instruction."

I have tried installing to multiple hard drives including a IDE-CF adapter that I am now using, installing OS 8.5, 8.6, 9.0, and 9.1 (all act the same), installing with and without the RAM expansion card installed, installing from multiple burned and retail CDs, installing from an external AppleCD 300i, installing the OS on another machine and putting it in the Kanga (it starts to boot then locks up). I am at my wits' end at this point and I'm not really sure what else to do. I'm considering just leaving it on 8.1, but I would really appreciate having newer software available.

The only other indication that anything could be wrong with the system is that periodically when it boots up, an error appears saying "The built-in memory test has detected a problem with cache memory. Please contact a service technician for assistance." However, once the error is dismissed it will continue to boot and run just fine (under 8.1). If this is related to the L2 cache, I'm assuming the system can operate without it as the 233MHz Wallstreet has no L2 cache.

I would really appreciate any suggestions - hoping to get OS X on it at some point!

 

[MacUp72]

maybe theres a special driver the Kanga needs, you can download the original CD ( 21st ) it came with and look through the folders..(similar to the 3400 original CD)

PS
there is an PB3500 Enabler on the CD..

 

[matthew28845]

maybe theres a special driver the Kanga needs, you can download the original CD ( 21st ) it came with and look through the folders..(similar to the 3400 original CD)

PS
there is an PB3500 Enabler on the CD..

View attachment 58631

If that's the case then why would updating the working install break it?

 

[davidg5678]

This sounds like it might be a RAM issue to me. My theory is that OS9 likely uses more RAM than OS8, so it doesn't exhibit symptoms under OS8. I wonder what happens if you saturate the RAM when running OS8. Does it crash?

I'd try replacing the RAM stick and see what happens.

 

[matthew28845]

This sounds like it might be a RAM issue to me. My theory is that OS9 likely uses more RAM than OS8, so it doesn't exhibit symptoms under OS8. I wonder what happens if you saturate the RAM when running OS8. Does it crash?

I'd try replacing the RAM stick and see what happens.

I have two RAM cards, one 64MB and one 128MB. I’ve gotten the same symptoms with both as well as just the 32MB onboard RAM. Is there a way to test the onboard RAM or even disable it?

 

[Forrest]

Cache memory is either soldered to the logic board or on a separate CPU card. You can confirm the cache card is not working by running a benchmark program on it, such as MacBench 5 and comparing your benchmark speed with posted results for your model. I would expect The program to crash or report lower benchmark scores than normal.

 

[matthew28845]

Cache memory is either soldered to the logic board or on a separate CPU card. You can confirm the cache card is not working by running a benchmark program on it, such as MacBench 5 and comparing your benchmark speed with posted results for your model. I would expect The program to crash or report lower benchmark scores than normal.

Good thinking, I’ll run a benchmark when I’m home from work. If there is a definite fault with the cache card causing it to not boot, is there a way to work around it? I can’t imagine it would be easy to find replacement parts for this thing.

 

[Forrest]

I think Mac OS 1-9 is a lot easier on memory and hard drives. If the OS loads successfully, then you’re probably Ok. OSX is constantly swapping between RAM and the hard drive - so if you have unstable memory or hard drive, then you’ll see problems a lot sooner.

 

[matthew28845]

Cache memory is either soldered to the logic board or on a separate CPU card. You can confirm the cache card is not working by running a benchmark program on it, such as MacBench 5 and comparing your benchmark speed with posted results for your model. I would expect The program to crash or report lower benchmark scores than normal.

I ran MacBench 5, and the CPU benchmark came in at 30% of a G3 desktop, which I would assume to be way below what it should be. The program also displays the computer as having no L2 cache. I guess that confirms the cache being somehow messed up. From what I can find, I’m pretty sure that the cache is built into the motherboard, so this thing might just be hosed. I still don’t get why OS 9 won’t work on it though.

 

[Byrd]

I'd pull the CPU card, spray motherboard and CPU contacts with electronic solvent spray, reseat well. Do same for the RAM connectors, and while in check for any PRAM battery corrosion - this might be very subtle, some green or white crust around nearby traces and chips.

I believe the Powerlogix CPU Director utility allows you to enable/disable L2 cache, among other adjustments (cache speed).

You could also install a universal version of OS 9 from another Mac, plug into this and see what happens (most likely a cache/bus error).

 

[3lectr1cPPC]

The Kanga's CPU is soldered, there is no card to speak of. But yes, check for PRAM battery corrosion. The battery is placed far away from the CPU and associated cache but it should be removed if you haven't already.

 

[MacUp72]

-edit-

 

[matthew28845]

The Kanga's CPU is soldered, there is no card to speak of. But yes, check for PRAM battery corrosion. The battery is placed far away from the CPU and associated cache but it should be removed if you haven't already.

No corrosion to speak of. Went ahead and removed it though.

 

[switch998]

Are the caps on the battery charging board ok? I've seen those leak on other powerbooks and cause problems. It does sound like you have some sort of memory or cpu problem. So, short of replacing the SRAM cache chips, you should remove the heatsink and check the CPU die for any damage.

 

[MacUp72]

I believe the Powerlogix CPU Director utility allows you to enable/disable L2 cache, among other adjustments (cache speed).

I'd try that first.

When that doesnt help, I'd disassamble the Kanga and inspect the board closely, front and back..its not very difficult, basically like a 3400. And when you are there, inspect the power board also..an ultrasonic cleaning often is a good idea, because it cleans deeply and also under the chips. I had a similar RAM ( and networking) error with a 1400 and it never resolved, it was something on the board unfortunately.