Q: Can I run my PowerBook g4 without a battery
Pretty sure my PowerBook G4 15" battery is dead. Can I run my Mac while its dead? Right now the power cord is plugged in but after 12 hours it still won't power on.
Posted on Sep 1, 2013 12:43 PM
Hi Knuckles,
My circa 2003 PBG4 17-inch will not start immediately if the battery is drained--I have to wait about 5-10 minutes for it to start on its own while the charger pumps a little charge into the main battery.
It will not start at all without a battery installed due to a dead PRAM battery. Tried with three known-good chargers.
I believe such troubles are the combination of no charge on the main battery and a dead PRAM battery. If you can find a new PRAM battery, the installation is not for the weak of heart! Too many of the repalcement batteries offered for the majority of PBG4s are, when you read the fine print, used or pulled. It's like buying used chewing gum!
This is the only PRAM battery for later PowerBooks that OWC sells:
Newer Technology Replacement PRAM/clock battery for PowerBook G4 17" Aluminum 1.67GHz systems
Nothing for other models except the titanium PBs
Posted on Sep 2, 2013 12:18 PM