G5 blue screen = flat battery

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G5 blue screen = flat battery

Am I allowed to post a solved problem here to help others with the same problem in future?

Long story cut short: Original model G5 Powermac was showing a blue screen at start up, and wouldn't get as far as the log-in screen. It turned out to be a flat PRAM battery.

More detail: Drove me nutty for over a week! The machine would not boot the regular OS, but would boot OK in Safe Boot mode (holding the shift key). This would normally indicate it was a software problem, but not so. Eventually, the machine didn't even want to shut down without being forced.

Apple has many support pages about how to deal with a 'blue screen' failed startup. The listed solutions include various software remedies, including removal of Startup items. It does not mention the flat battery issue. I spent long hours attempting software remedies which all failed. After purchasing and installing a new half size AA 3.6v Lithium battery from the local electronics store, the machine is working fine again.

The original G5 Powermacs are approaching the age when their internal batteries will be going flat and need replacement. If anyone from Apple is reading this, it may be worthwhile to create a specific support page for G5 Powermacs and Blue Screens.

I post this message for all those wonderful people who own G5 Powermacs who may have blue screens or strange start-up issues, who will Google for an answer and find this post. I wish you well with your G5 Powermacs!!!

G5 2x2GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.11), 2.5 gigs of RAM

Posted on Mar 24, 2008 10:58 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 25, 2008 9:59 AM in response to Tofu Mouse

i have a G5 and am having problems with erratic mouse behavior, occasional crashes, and disappearing hard drive icon. i've already used applescript to to make the hd reappear but only temporarily. Are these problems associated with an internal battery failure?

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Answer 2

Tofu Mouse Author

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Mar 25, 2008 9:24 PM in response to rhobellie

In the days of the PowerMac G4, you'd know the battery had failed because the clock would show the wrong time, and the date would be from the 1970s.

However, a battery failure on the G5 seems to bring up much weirder symptoms. Who would have thought that a system that only boots in 'Safe Boot' mode would be caused by the battery? Or a blue screen caused by the battery.

I don't know if your particular problems are battery related or not, but I'd say everyone with an original G5 PowerMac should replace the battery anyway, as they are now many years old. It's cheap. It's an easy first step, before taking more radical solutions.

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Answer 3

May 12, 2008 7:49 AM in response to Tofu Mouse

Well, this is certainly timely! I also have a G5 PPC and this morning it started and immediately shut down. A restart showed the date at Dec 31, 1969 - a clear warning signal the battery was flat. Then no network connection and some FW devices wouldn't get recognized.

I ran iStat (widget) and the battery is at 45%. While that may not be 100% accurate, it's low enough for me to pop a new one in. Heck, at $5 it's not worth the headaches even if the battery still has a few weeks left.

Booting time has slowed down a bit these past few weeks as well, so it looks like a simple fix.

There is a link on the apple support pages on "how to replace your battery" but clicking on the link brings up a request for your serial # and country. Entering that info brings up another screen telling you you're not covered (unless you have Apple support paid for.) What a freakin' joke, Apple! Do you expect me to pay a "genius" $90/hour to replace a battery that costs $5 at Radio Shack? Humph!

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86790

Further down the page:

"For instructions on replacing the battery, see the Power Mac G5 Do-It-Yourself Repair & Upgrade page"

Links to:

https://selfsolve.apple.com/GetWarranty.do

Yeah, right!

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