ttalley23

Q: My Ibook G3 is shutting off

Hello guys,

 

  My Apple Ibook G3 (not sure if it is a G3, but the model number is A1007 and is from 2002) hasn't been working for a while and I recently stumbled upon it and wanted to fix it. I have heard that my problem occurred a lot in G3 and G4 models of Ibook. My problem was the screen would randomly turn black or blue and freeze up and I would have to restart it and loose any progress in work, which later made me switch to a Dell PC desktop. (I am now back with apple). I was wondering if anyone could help me as in telling me what is wrong, how to fix it, and what parts I need. (Also if I can take it into an Apple store). Please tell me if anyone else has been having this problem with their G3/G4 Ibook PC. I am very appreciative of any help as I very much wish to restore my favorite ever PC.

 

*SIDE NOTE

Does anyone else's smell very pleasant, kind of like a nice plastic? I find it very pleasing.

(Sorry for the weird uncalled for side note, not trying to be weird)

 

 

Thank you so very much,

 

  TristanWIN_20151206_20_43_00_Pro.jpg



Info off of the back:

 

 

Designed by Apple in California

Assembled in Taiwan

Model Number A1007

Rated 24Vdc

1.875A Max

Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications

TM and *Copyright symbol 2002 Apple Computer, Inc

All rights reserved

 

(I don't know why it complies with Canadian version of the FCC even though the device was purchased in the USA)

 

 

 

Posted on Dec 6, 2015 6:47 PM

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Q: My Ibook G3 is shutting off

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  • Helpful answers

  • by ttalley23,

    ttalley23 ttalley23 Dec 6, 2015 7:07 PM in response to ttalley23
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 6, 2015 7:07 PM in response to ttalley23

     

  • by JimmyCMPIT,

    JimmyCMPIT JimmyCMPIT Dec 7, 2015 6:50 AM in response to ttalley23
    Level 5 (7,607 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 7, 2015 6:50 AM in response to ttalley23

    reset the SMC and proceed to reset the NVRAM before proceeding

    Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

     

    Make sure you are using the original power adapter provided by Apple, plug directly into the wall and do not use any adapters and do not use another adapter that "fits" for any reason. The battery may be past any life expectancy that it can hold a charge for more than a few minutes.

     

    The "smell" could be a foreign contaminant in the computer, an overheating issue or generally something bad. Do the fans sound like they are engaging? Does the smell get worse as you use the computer? If the smell is exacerbating you probably should abandon using this computer until you figure out what the cause.

     

    if the screen in turning black it could be an issue with the display cable from the logic board to the display. Try using an external VGA monitor and seeing if the problem is inherent to the computer as a whole or just to the built in display. Most flat screen TV's have VGA inputs if you don't have a dedicated computer monitor.

  • by ttalley23,Solvedanswer

    ttalley23 ttalley23 Dec 7, 2015 12:56 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 7, 2015 12:56 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT

    I don't know if I still have the original charger/adapter, and my computer is completely dead. Can I possibly take it to an apple store and have them do it for me?

  • by JimmyCMPIT,Helpful

    JimmyCMPIT JimmyCMPIT Dec 7, 2015 12:56 PM in response to ttalley23
    Level 5 (7,607 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 7, 2015 12:56 PM in response to ttalley23

    what are you using to charge it now?

    the specs for this model mac are as follows:

    Input: 100-240V (Worldwide)

    Output: 24V 1.875A

    Power: 45W

    under powering or overpowering could cause damage to the system.

     

    see also

    Troubleshooting portables that won't turn on or start up

  • by ttalley23,

    ttalley23 ttalley23 Dec 7, 2015 12:57 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 7, 2015 12:57 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT

    All I should do is to try to power it up? And if not do the reset, and if that doesn't work what do I do?

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Dec 7, 2015 3:29 PM in response to ttalley23
    Level 6 (14,367 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 7, 2015 3:29 PM in response to ttalley23

    The computer model is way too old for an Apple Store genius to help

    you with because those models are outdated and they haven't any

    parts; also they are dissimilar to newest ones they know very well...

     

    An authorized independent Apple service (who may also be a reseller)

    should be able to give you some ideas on what course of action that

    are available to you in the local area. There are companies at some

    distance and perhaps not so far from your location, who repair portable

    Apple computers for a living. At a distance, places such as powerbook

    medic.com, wegenermedia.com and others can do a variety of repairs.

     

    iFixit repair guides for iBook G3 (early white and colors version)

    https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iBook_G3

     

    Some of these offer repaired older models for about the cost of a repair.

    Probably fewer ancient ones, though. Not as much demand, and the

    cost to repair any computer runs about the same in labor.

     

    You are better off considering a different model if the cost to repair adds

    up to being more than a model such as MacBook (early 2006 to 2010.)

     

    If you have vintage software and want to run that, including old games,

    then you may have to consider restoring the computer; you can still

    buy replacement batteries for some models and power adapters for

    them. If the unit is in otherwise nice condition, it may be worth paying

    to restore the machine if you like it. The same money could buy later

    model gear, with their newer issues, answers, and software.

     

    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by ttalley23,

    ttalley23 ttalley23 Dec 7, 2015 7:04 PM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 7, 2015 7:04 PM in response to K Shaffer

    So I will try a replacement battery on it and try to do the reset.

    Thanks

     

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Dec 8, 2015 12:33 AM in response to ttalley23
    Level 6 (14,367 points)
    Desktops
    Dec 8, 2015 12:33 AM in response to ttalley23

    Another part that may have contributed to the issue, involving power and charging,

    is the DC-in Board that is inside the computer; and that is a chore to remove & to

    replace. The iFixit repair guide of the correct version for your computer series has

    instruction to open and replace the part. And it is very tedious, there also are some

    tiny wires and several varying sizes of screws involved in opening the case. This is

    one of those items where a qualified technician with training on these models may

    be helpful. Or someone who has owned a few and done this job successfully at home.

     

    There are two versions of the iFixit guide for white G3 dual USB model portables in

    the link provided in earlier post, so match up the guide that is your model and look.

     

    Your model number indicates a 14-inch display, if yours is an A1007 or M8413...

    The 12-inch model is an A1005 or M6497, as their parts are different inside, too.

     

    DC-in Board for 12-inch white G3 iBook dualUSB:

    https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iBook+G3+12-Inch+DC-In+Board+Replacement/134

     

    DC-in Board for 14-inch white G3 iBook dualUSB:

    https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iBook+G3+14-Inch+DC-In+Board+Replacement/150

     

    You may be able to use a battery similar to those the white G4 (12-in for 12-in.) in

    your G3 white; be sure to read carefully. The battery spec varies between the 14-in

    and the 12-in model and also the charger that shipped with 14-in has higher output.

     

    This company offers correct fit spec replacement batteries for the 12-inch and 14-in

    iBook models, each has their own part number so be sure to match them up:

    • 12-inch G3/G4 white: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/BAPIB1V54RS/

    • 14-inch G3/G4 white: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple_laptop/batteries/iBook_G3_14

     

    Hopefully you can get the vintage iBook G3 white dualUSB unit to work correctly...