larsom2

Q: compatible powerbook parts

hey, i have a 15" powerbook g4 1.5 hz processor model A1106. Recently it has been having issues turning on, i took it in to a service center and they supposedly replaced the motherboard. Computer is still not working, i don't want to buy another laptop, i need to fix this one. I've tried resetting a few things and just dont know what or how to test parts. any help would be great! i also started looking for other Macs in my area that i could take parts from to save money, so if anyone knows what parts are compatible between powerbooks that would also be very helpful.

PowerBook

Posted on May 16, 2011 7:48 PM

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Q: compatible powerbook parts

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  • by old comm guy,

    old comm guy old comm guy May 16, 2011 10:21 PM in response to larsom2
    Level 4 (2,244 points)
    May 16, 2011 10:21 PM in response to larsom2

    What exactly goes on when you turn it on? 

     

    • Do you hear the boot tone (chime)?
    • Do you get to the gray screen with apple in the middle?
    • Do you show a progress gear in the gray screen?
    • Do you get to a blue screen at all?
    • Do you see the "loading MacOS in the blue screen?
    • Does the LED in the caps-lock key come on when you press it?
  • by Texas Mac Man,

    Texas Mac Man Texas Mac Man May 17, 2011 6:39 AM in response to larsom2
    Level 8 (46,611 points)
    May 17, 2011 6:39 AM in response to larsom2
    it has been having issues turning on

     

    Does nothing happen when you press the power button or does it start the boot up but not complete?

     

    Will it boot using your Install/Restore DVD?

     

    I've tried resetting a few things

     

    What resets have you tried?

     

    dont know what or how to test parts

     

    There's really no way for you to test individual parts/assemblies. If you can get it to boot, there are some RAM test apps. If you have your Install/Restore DVD, there is an Apple Hardware Test app on it. Put the DVD in your disc drive & depress the Option key at startup. The AHT will be one of the icons you can select to start the AHT.

     

     Cheers, Tom

     

    anim-appleguy.gif

  • by larsom2,

    larsom2 larsom2 May 17, 2011 2:33 PM in response to larsom2
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 17, 2011 2:33 PM in response to larsom2

    ok im sorry for not being very discriptive originaly. A couple months ago i turned on my laptop and the screen flicered and i couldnt see anything but the whole screen was grey. I turned off the computer and let it sit for a while. When i came back to turn it on nothing happend. No sounds, lights, or actions, no leds light up. I tried while plugged in with a brand new apple power cord that is a direct fit for this g4, i tried with just a battery hooked up that is brand new. I followed apple instructions to reset the internal battery where you hold the power button or whatever and nothing has helped. That is what i did, then decided to take it in to a repair shop that is apple certified. 350$ for a new motherboard and they said it should work but they noticed possible issues with the top case and harddrive. When i got it home from that shop it didnt work, called them to complain and havent heard back from them, im still workin on getting a hold of them. In the meantime i figured i would get online and try for some help. I have replaced the internal battery and topcase recently with parts from eaby that were in good working order. Still nothing. This is the reason why i ask if there are parts that can be tested to see if they are good or bad? Any help anyone could give would be great, i am able to do most of the repairs myself i just dont know what else it could be? unless i did something wrong? idk please help, i dont want to take this thing in to apple beacuse of money, but i might have to

  • by Braby,

    Braby Braby May 17, 2011 3:28 PM in response to larsom2
    Level 4 (1,795 points)
    May 17, 2011 3:28 PM in response to larsom2

    If you've paid $350 to have a "new" logic board fitted then I think you really need to pursue your issue with the place that was meant to have fixed it. I don't think you have helped your case by then replacing some parts yourself, but what's done is done. I've been there too, though I did get my money back and ended up changing the logic board myself. A word of warning though. You (or any repair place) are highly unlikely to get hold of a new logic board for your PowerBook. Almost all replacements are now reclaimed used parts with all the risks that entails. Also don't be tempted to buy one of a different processor speed - the logic boards vary and are not necessarily interchangeable. Above all though before you spend another cent I would follow the advice already given and try to get a proper diagnosis of the fault. You may have to accept that your machine is beyond economic repair.