Bruce A
Level 3 (689 points)
Mac OS X

Q: screen dies randomly - HELP !

Good evening.

 

My G4 PowerBook 1.67 screen dies randomly without warning .

 

Sometimes it seems to be related to the angle of the screen.

 

Sometimes it relates to moving the computer.

 

It usually resolves itself by touching any key - and the screen fires up for a while.

 

Sometimes it dies again after firing up.

 

ANY IDEAS?

PowerBook G4 (15-inch Double Layer SD), Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Feb 18, 2014 4:03 PM

by Bruce A,Solvedanswer
Bruce A Bruce A
Level 3 (689 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Solution was to open the computer up and reseat all visible connectors, including the ambiant light sensors.

 

Problem resolved.

 

(PS: iFixit procedures were very accurate)

Posted on Mar 31, 2014 1:27 PM

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Bruce A

Q: screen dies randomly - HELP !

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  • Helpful answers

  • by K Shaffer,Helpful

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Feb 19, 2014 3:55 AM in response to Bruce A
    Level 6 (14,224 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 19, 2014 3:55 AM in response to Bruce A

    Could be one of a few display support components, such as the display inverter, among others. The parts may vary somewhat depending on the build model series PowerBook G4 15" you have. There are several models listed at iFixit.com so you'd need to further detail to identify the correct one before looking serious to compare components, & methods of troubleshooting may be a little different when the parts vary. Not so much, to an expert.

     

    There may be more than one issue behind the existing symptoms; at times, going into a portable computer to DIY fix one thing may create new problems.

     

    In the aluminum series, there are two 1.67GHz models...

    http://www.ifixit.com/Device/PowerBook_G4_Aluminum_15%22

     

    Most portable Macs eventually may get a winking screen or fluctuation in brightness when the display is moved at different angles, as they age. Some were better made to compensate for wear, others maybe not so much. Plus components on the board that do not move, also may be acting up.

     

    So that would a be place to look, in addition to sites such as everymac.com, and a few other specialist sites where they offer repaired older Macs, most parts, and perhaps have a complete modern service facility.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by Bruce A,Solvedanswer

    Bruce A Bruce A Mar 31, 2014 1:27 PM in response to Bruce A
    Level 3 (689 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 31, 2014 1:27 PM in response to Bruce A

    Solution was to open the computer up and reseat all visible connectors, including the ambiant light sensors.

     

    Problem resolved.

     

    (PS: iFixit procedures were very accurate)

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Mar 31, 2014 3:00 PM in response to Bruce A
    Level 6 (14,224 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 31, 2014 3:00 PM in response to Bruce A

    Glad you were able to make the connections snug again,

    so as to make the issues go away. The same kind of effort

    can be done to help restore some lost wi-fi access when a

    card's connectors wiggle loose over time due to movement.

     

    Thanks for the insightful reply to your DIY repair.

    Good luck & happy computing!