Titanium PowerBook G4/400 -- with a problem

[Morrick]

I'm generally happy with this latest conquest -- it's been a long time since I scored something nice. A Titanium PowerBook G4/400 has been donated to me. The amazing thing is that it came in its original box, with all its original contents: manuals (still wrapped), disks, AC adapter, video cable. The inside of the box and its contents looks new.

But what's more is that the PowerBook itself looks new. The original owner said it was well taken care of, but I really didn't expect an aesthetically faultless Titanium, considering all the degenerative cosmetic problems of this PowerBook family. And it has 512 MB RAM.

The problem: it doesn't power up.

Now, I've read on the Web that the most possible cause for this is a dead PRAM battery. Since the AC adapter is good (I tested it with another Titanium I have), I left the PowerBook plugged in, without the battery (I mean, the removable battery, not the internal one), hoping it would reanimate the PRAM battery in the long run. But more than 24 hours have passed and it's still not booting.

Before looking for a replacement PRAM battery I'd like to have your insight about this matter. Could be something else? The original owner said that the TiBook was working the last time he used it, but it has been in storage a long time. I tend to think it's the PRAM battery, but you never know. Are there any other tricks you know to attempt booting this beautiful guy up?

Thanks in advance!

Rick

 

[Morrick]

I tend to think it's the PRAM battery, but you never know. Are there any other tricks you know to attempt booting this beautiful guy up?

Never mind. This morning I had an eureka moment. I opened the TiBook, disconnected the optical drive, lifted it a little, enough to see the PRAM battery connector. I then disconnected it, and closed the TiBook.

Then I plugged the AC adapter in, pressed the power button and it booted. [] ]'>

So indeed it was the PRAM battery. Now, of course, if left without power, the TiBook won't remember date/time settings, but it's a non-issue, as it'll be connected to the Internet through my home network all the time. What's more, I don't have to rush for a new PRAM battery and I can enjoy this spotless PowerBook for the time being.

I believe this same trick works for G3 PowerBooks like the Lombard and the Pismo, so if you happen to 'liberate' these guys and they don't seem to boot and you suspect it might be a dead PRAM battery, try disconnecting it before giving up.

Cheers!

Rick

 

[tmtomh]

Nice solution, and a great tip - thanks!