User profile for user: M_W_D
M_W_D Author
User level: Level 1
54 points

Vertical lines on the screen of my PowerBook G4 17” 2005

Dear Apple Support Community,


I have been trying to troubleshoot this problem for quite some time now, but I can’t seem to get this to work. I have a 2005 17” PowerBook G4 with the high resolution display. There are vertical lines on the screen and I don’t know how to fix them. I have gotten a new display cable (Because there was a piece missing!) and I thought that would fix it, but it did nothing. I know it isn’t a graphics chip problem, as it produces a perfect signal to a monitor. I know this is quite an old computer to be asking about, but does anyone know how to fix this problem? Is it the logic board, display or something else? Please help!


Thank you for your time,


Mark Daniell

PowerBook

Posted on Mar 5, 2021 10:27 AM

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User profile for user: K Shaffer
K Shaffer
User level: Level 8
35,962 points

Mar 6, 2021 3:34 AM in response to M_W_D

Could be the inverter, &/or cables. For some, maybe what had been known as 'reed-switch'

in other portable Macs. Among other parts that affect the display ~ and whose wear could

cause odd effects with position of display, when moved. Some of parts are nearer keyboard,

and some are behind the LCD display panel.


This site has some Parts lists (several are shown 'no longer available'..) plus Mac repair guides.

http://www.powerbookmedic.com/Powerbook-G4-Aluminum-17-167GHz-G4-m-208.html


There's also a lookup page, uses most identifying numbers; better for older Macs.

https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php


Other sources for DIY ideas, include various named 'fix-em' sites..

Maybe look to 'everymac's ultimate lookup' for old macs specs?


User manuals instruction manuals (Mac User Guides) everymac

PowerBook G4 17-inch (Double-layer SuperDrive) user guide (manual) from everymac archive:

https://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/0/MA114/en_US/PowerBookG4_17in_DblLayerSuperDrive.pdf


Portable Macs with these kinds of issues, years ago (after 2010) had

been sent to AASPs for repair. ~ Independents who've have gone out

of business; or their parts streams have dried up by now. One that I'd

had serviced was iBook G3 White first model, replaced a reed-switch

& inverter cable; 'wegenermedia' was good for that, back in the day.


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Vertical lines on the screen of my PowerBook G4 17” 2005

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