Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

iBook issues...need suggestions!

I started having problems with my 12 inch iBook over the summer. Around September/October it finally died. The battery wouldn't hold a charge and then it go to a point where the power cord wouldn't even light up and try to charge it. Unfortunately it took me all this time until today to get a new battery. I fully charged the new battery and it seems to be working well. However, after using about 15% of the full charge, I tried plugging in my power cord just to see what would happen...remembering the problems I had 6 months ago. Well, now when I plug in the power it won't light up at all and attempt to charge the battery.

I've replaced power cords in the past but I'm not so sure that's the problem. Any suggestions??

iBook G4 12 inch, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Apr 6, 2010 12:36 PM

Reply
8 replies

Apr 6, 2010 6:36 PM in response to axumchick

I don't know if the hardware test would pick up a failed or failing DC-in board.

Will the computer run on AC power? If so, it certainly won't hurt to run the extended hardware test to see if any issues are found. Take a look at the original install discs for the computer; one of them will have the instructions for the hardware test.

I recommended replacing the DC-in board as this part has a fairly high failure rate with iBooks that are A) used frequently and B) have the power adapter connected & removed often. Another user here (by the alias of spudnuty), explained that the connections inside the DC-in board can wear away with excessive use, causing the problems you're seeing.

~Lyssa

Apr 6, 2010 6:40 PM in response to Lyssa

Unfortunately for me, it won't run on AC power. It seems as if the power adapter is dead but, obviously, it charged the battery earlier. I read a post elsewhere that described what was happening before all of this started and that person replaced the DC-In board and it fixed the problem. So I'll probably just suck it up and do it. Thanks again!

Apr 6, 2010 7:29 PM in response to axumchick

Hey ax,
it won't run on AC power. It seems as if the power adapter is dead

Well maybe it is. Can you lay hands on a known good power adapter? Any of the G3, G4 iBook and PowerBook adapters will work.
Usually when these DC in boards fail it's a contact problem. The soldering of the input socket will fail and the connector will flash on and off green and amber as you jiggle it.
Richard

Apr 7, 2010 9:12 AM in response to spudnuty

Richard,
I've had problems with chargers for about 2 years now. The problem I had before I purchased my current adapter (about a year ago) was that the connector was flashing green to amber off and on and then when it got really bad I would have to adjust the plug perfectly to get it to charge and if I so much as breathed as I typed it would stop charging. At the time I thought it was the charger, so I replaced it. I didn't have many problems with the new charger for a short while. Now I'm here. So, I truly wouldn't be surprised that it's the DC-In board. I just didn't know anything about it until checking out these boards.
I must know someone with a good adapter. I'll try that first.

Thank you guys for all the help!

Apr 7, 2010 12:07 PM in response to axumchick

Hey ax,
was that the connector was flashing green to amber off and on and then when it got really bad I would have to adjust the plug perfectly to get it to charge and if I so much as breathed as I typed it would stop charging.

Well that sure sounds like a bad DC in board. I've actually repaired these if the fault is in the socket to board solder joint. More than likely however it's in the interior contactors that are inside the barrel of the socket. You can see them if you look down the barrel. If I was doing the repair I have good DC boards laying around that I'd swap in there to verify the diagnosis.
Richard

iBook issues...need suggestions!

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.