What To Replace? Screen Black, HD spins, Optical Drive Silent

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What To Replace? Screen Black, HD spins, Optical Drive Silent

Hello,

I seem to have semi-killed my Powerbook G4, 17", 1.5GHz during a hardware repair and need to know what part to replace.

After pressing the power button, I get the usual chime, and the HD spins up. The optical drive does not make the usual noise, and the screen remains totally black (no back light issue).

Before that, I had a brief phase in which everything worked just fine when the case was fit loosely but not screwed fast. Once the screws were in, startup stopped at the grey screen with the apple, spinner moving forever.

I have reset the PMU and the PRAM, to no avail, so I guess I killed some hardware part. But which part would that be and what would it cost to replace it?

Thanks,

fb

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8), G4 17" 1.5GHz

Posted on Feb 28, 2012 8:00 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 28, 2012 1:51 PM in response to freebitser

There's not enough info to know what the problem is, but I suspect its a bad connection - RAM, Processor, cable - somewhere. Go back and reseat & reconnect cables. The small cable wires going to the lid could be "pinched" or cut in the hinge area.

Troubleshooting portables that won't turn on or start up

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA25686?viewlocale=en_US

Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1367

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 2

freebitser Author

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Feb 29, 2012 8:12 AM in response to Texas Mac Man

Thank, Tom!

I have now taken everything apart except the lid, the fans and the main logic board. This covers all connectors outside the lid. The cables to the lid all look OK.

Then I reassembled everything carefully -- same behavior as before.

Guess I really have to give up on this machine. :-((

fb

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Answer 3

Feb 29, 2012 10:45 AM in response to freebitser

Try to connect an external screen, TV or projector. If you can make that work, then the main logic board should be ok (as indicated by the chime). Go to the display control panel and see if it recognizes your screen. Is the screen completely dead or is it only the back light perhaps?

Having a display may help you to circle in on the problem with system profiler, utility software etc.

Good luck!

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Answer 4

freebitser Author

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Mar 1, 2012 7:33 AM in response to Ingmar Hemsen

Thanks, Ingmar

The external display remains black as well. I guess I give up on this machine, the time it takes is probably worth more than buying a used replacement.

Thanks for your helpfulness!

fb

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