what does flashing power cord light mean? (flashes amber/green repeatedly)

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Level 2

389 points

what does flashing power cord light mean? (flashes amber/green repeatedly)

My friend's daughter's iBook G4 14" went completely dead, but eventually rebooted with a PMU reset.
But it only shows battery power, and the light on the cord is flashing alternating green and amber.
What's that the "code" for?
If she pulls the cord out of the jack partway, it turns solid green, but still doesn't work.
(i'm guessing she damaged the power jack/board, but don't know)

PowerBook G4, iMac G4, iBook G4, Pismo and MORE, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Apr 23, 2008 9:46 AM

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Answer 1

S.U.

Level 6

9,621 points

Apr 26, 2008 3:54 PM in response to lisajoy

I have heard of this happening with a bad battery. What does the System Profiler say about the battery? Also, what happens if you remove the battery and just use the power adapter alone?

Good luck!

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Answer 2

lisajoy Author

Level 2

389 points

Apr 28, 2008 4:53 PM in response to S.U.

thanks for reply... The battery in it was already near-dead, but a known-good battery from another iBook was tried... same symptom... and batteries do not show as charging, and there is no power at all without battery in.
The friend's daughter (age 12) admitted that tripping over the cord precipitated the issue, and i had to reset the PMU to get it to boot at all. I think she might have broken the jack. Any other ideas? And/or recommendations for where to find an external battery charger, as an easy alternate to taking the iBook apart to replace (presumably) the power board?

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Answer 3

S.U.

Level 6

9,621 points

Apr 28, 2008 6:32 PM in response to lisajoy

Do you have access to an Apple Store? If so, they would have a known good power adapter that you could try. An Apple authorized repair shop might also have one on hand. If you have the problem with a known good battery and a known good power adapter, then there is a problem with the DC In Board.

If you have access to another iBook, you can swap power adaptors and narrow down the possibilities in a similar fashion.

In view of the fact that the problem began after the trip over the power cord, it is likely that damaged the power adaptor tip or the DC In Board or both. The power port is a part of the DC In Board, and fairly vulnerable to damage. It is, however, something you can fix yourself if you like:

http://www.ifixit.com

You can look up the part and see what is involved.

I don't know of any external type charger other than another iBook.

Good luck!

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Answer 4

lisajoy Author

Level 2

389 points

May 14, 2008 9:55 PM in response to S.U.

We had plenty of adapters to try (i have an iBook and powerbook)...
yeah, i've worked in these and probably even have the part lying around from my dead-logic-board old one. I just hate taking these apart, they're a pain, and the screw matrix is a nightmare, and i'm looking for any excuse to not even be tempted to do it 🙂
Bummer about the eternal charger; they're avail for some other models, Newer Tech makes some. But you're right, i can't find one for iBook other than multi-port ones designed for businesses, and they cost more than the value of the iBook.
Arghhh. Her dad had warned her about leaving it on the floor...
thanks folks

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