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Q: How to replace PRAM battery on an iBook G3 Clamshell?

I have recently bought an old iBook G3 Clamshell, the FireWire/Indigo/ 366Mhz model. I turned it on and it booted into Mac OS 9, and when it reached the desktop, I got a notification window from Polar Orbit Software. It says that the PRAM battery needs to be replaced. How do I do that?polarsoftware.jpg

Sorry that the photo is sideways! If you need anymore information, just ask me.

iBook, Mac OS 9.0.x

Posted on Nov 3, 2015 9:09 PM

by Macs-and-iPhones,Solvedanswer
Macs-and-iPhones Macs-and-iPhones
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A:

I have not replaced the battery. I have tried to charge it, but it doesn't hold a charge. I have tried to reset the time and date, but every time I turn it back on, it shows an incorrect date. It seems that I need to replace the main battery. Thank you!

Posted on Nov 4, 2015 9:28 AM

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Macs-and-iPhones

Q: How to replace PRAM battery on an iBook G3 Clamshell?

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  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Nov 4, 2015 6:23 AM in response to Macs-and-iPhones
    Level 6 (9,869 points)
    Nov 4, 2015 6:23 AM in response to Macs-and-iPhones

    As far as I know, the original iBook (Clamshell) does not contain a separate PRAM battery. Is the main battery OK, and has it been charged? You could set the time and date through the corresponding control panel. A sufficiently charged main battery should then preserve the settings when the computer has been switched off (and disconnected from the power adapter).

  • by Macs-and-iPhones,Solvedanswer

    Macs-and-iPhones Macs-and-iPhones Nov 4, 2015 9:28 AM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 4, 2015 9:28 AM in response to Jan Hedlund

    I have not replaced the battery. I have tried to charge it, but it doesn't hold a charge. I have tried to reset the time and date, but every time I turn it back on, it shows an incorrect date. It seems that I need to replace the main battery. Thank you!

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Nov 4, 2015 11:53 AM in response to Macs-and-iPhones
    Level 6 (9,869 points)
    Nov 4, 2015 11:53 AM in response to Macs-and-iPhones

    You may want to try resetting the power manager before replacing the battery. These were the steps according to an old Apple article (14449):

    1. If the computer is on, turn it off.

    2. Press the reset button located above the power button at the base of the display. You will need a small, blunt instrument such as a paper clip to press the button.

    3. Wait 5 seconds

    4. Press the power button to restart the iBook.

     

    Did you allow enough time for the battery to charge (perhaps something like eight hours)? It is usually not a bad idea to charge a battery under supervision.

  • by bund,

    bund bund Nov 16, 2015 1:04 PM in response to Macs-and-iPhones
    Level 3 (809 points)
    Nov 16, 2015 1:04 PM in response to Macs-and-iPhones

    the iBook has no Backup battery see Apple Knowledge Article

     

    But it has a PRAM Capacitor which -when dead- may prevent to load a newly installed battery - see