da sly ed

Q: How to restart Pizmo PowerBook after no power for two years

How to restart Pizmo PowerBook after no power for two years. Not sure if the power brick is putting out

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11), Not sure if power brick is "bricked

Posted on Jan 15, 2014 4:27 PM

Close

Q: How to restart Pizmo PowerBook after no power for two years

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Allan Jones,Solvedanswer

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Jan 16, 2014 9:51 AM in response to da sly ed
    Level 8 (35,131 points)
    iPad
    Jan 16, 2014 9:51 AM in response to da sly ed

    Greetings!

     

    While the charging cable is connected, gently lift UP on its connector jack and see lights come on or you get some other indication of charging. These internal connectors take a lot of abuse over time; lifting the connector slightly restores contact temporarily with the power board.

     

    And I'm pretty sure your PRAM battery is bricked too--that can prevent starting. If you decide the power adapter is getting power to the computer, remove the keyboard and locate the PRAM battery cable. It can be seen as the red, white and black cable in the "Step 3" image on this site;

     

    http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/PowerBook+G3+Pismo+PRAM+Battery+Replacement/21

     

    It connects to the logic board immediately to the left of the right-hand heat shield retaining screw. Disconnect it. With most Pizmos, disconnecting a dead PRAM battery will let them start.

     

    If the comptuer then starts, you need a new PRAM battery. I've bough several  G3 powerBook Pram batteries from OWC and they have worked fine. This is their offering for the Pismo:

     

    NewerTech Replacement PRAM/clock battery for all PowerBook G3 Lombard and Firewire/Pismo models

  • by Allan Jones,Helpful

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Jan 16, 2014 3:25 PM in response to da sly ed
    Level 8 (35,131 points)
    iPad
    Jan 16, 2014 3:25 PM in response to da sly ed

    Thanks for the greenie! I curious which of the methods worked. If it was the first one, there are steps you can take to patch the power board to maintain contact with the power jack without having to hold it with your fingers. If you need those instructions, let me know.

  • by da sly ed,Helpful

    da sly ed da sly ed Jan 16, 2014 3:51 PM in response to da sly ed
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 16, 2014 3:51 PM in response to da sly ed

    I heard some sort of clicking as if the HD was trying to boot but was not being allowed. So I tried the jiggle power input but no reaction. The PRAM Cable removal did the trick, instant on. I will be ordering another PRAM battery as you suggested.

     

    Thanks

     

    I remembered this solution from some long ago issues but failed to initiate on my own this time.