PowerBook G4 15" 1.67gHz (Model A1138) won't turn on (it's not battery)

Question

PowerBook G4 15" 1.67gHz (Model A1138) won't turn on (it's not battery)

I just replaced the hard drive following instructions on ifixit.com (really great site by the way for anyone wanting step by step repairs). I did it all right, but at the moment of truth... Nothing. Power's plugged in. Green light's on. It's taking a charge. But computer won't turn on. Reset PMU already. Nothing. Wondering if I fried the board with static even though I didn't feel any ever and was cautious about touch metal before anything else (plus I wore a static bracelet). I did Vacuum the inside with a brush attachment very carefully so the vac never touched, but in hindsight maybe ******* move...

I will take it to a mac store but thought I could get a quick thought from someone first.

BY THE WAY: The drive is totally empty and I didn't put a OS DVD in the drive before I replaced. Figured I could turn it on and then hold C and stuff the disk in, but it won't go on to get there.

g5 dual 2.5/quad mac pro, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Sep 28, 2009 10:24 PM

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Answer 1

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

Sep 29, 2009 4:17 AM in response to Bait and Tackle__

Before you take it to someone, I would open it up again, and look at the cable going from the keyboard to the logic board. Sounds like it may have come unseated or is only partially connected.

Also, maybe this is just your description, however, if the green light is on the power adapter, how do you know it's taking a charge?

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Answer 2

iyacyas

Level 4

1,536 points

Sep 29, 2009 7:33 PM in response to Bait and Tackle__

After power-on... Do you get a light when you press the caps lock?

I would also agree with "BGreg" check the Trackpad/Keyboard ribbon cable.

And make sure that the RAM is fully seated.

I doubt that ESD would cause the Mac to not boot, in this case as it sounds like you took all precautions. Everyone should practice good ESD safety as it is always a possibility. Now using a bristle brush with a vacuum, well that's a different story entirely and that can zap it in a heart beat.

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Answer 3

Oct 26, 2009 4:44 PM in response to Bait and Tackle__

Just for kicks, remove your battery, unplug the power from the laptop, hold down the power button for about 5 seconds, plug the power cord back in (but not the battery, and try pushing the power button again. If it works, let me know.

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