M4896 AC adapter prone to failure?

Recently the AC adapter (type number M4896, used on 1400/3400/2400/Kanga) on my PowerBook 1400cs died so I've been using the Yo-Yo from my Pismo temporarily; went ahead and bought another of the same kind and that was also defective xx(

Is this a known/frequent problem with the M4896 adapter? I put a voltage meter to both the original and the replacement and was getting 0.0V on both, also tried different AC cords but did not help (said cords test fine on a 190/5300 adapter and a desktop PSU)

 
Yes - these chargers and the ones used on Wallstreets were highly prone to failure, the Wallstreet charger had a worldwide recall from Apple IIRC.  I've a couple that are still good, but I use a Chinese aftermarket charger most of the time (the white ones seen on eBay).

Having said that, I find the yo-yo chargers are just as bad, I've had three that have arced and smoked out.  I wouldn't trust them either, and they're not really repairable.

JB

 
Last edited by a moderator:
...yo-yo chargers ... they're not really repairable.
I beg to differ. I have one that had a bad cable, and I managed to break it open, replace that cable, and seal it up (granted, it wasn't easy, and the resulting crack isn't the prettiest, but it works).

If I can break it open, that means the possibility of component-level repair exists (caps, etc).

c

 
Back
Top