Boozbat
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: My powerbook wont start unless I press the power buton and all other buttons on my keyboard at the same time. Why?

This started happening today. I have an old Powerbook G4 (15 Inch). The powerbook no longer starts when i press on the power button. I discovered that it turns on when I press power and run my fingers all over the keyboard at the same time. I cant pinpoint what other buttons Im hitting that enables the power button. I also noticed that the battery metter on teh bottom of my powerbook are all on. I need help.

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Mar 26, 2012 1:15 PM

by John Galt,Solvedanswer
John Galt John Galt
Level 9 (50,409 points)
Mac OS X
A:

That's odd. Try this: Resetting PowerBook and iBook Power Management Unit (PMU)

 

Excerpt from the above:

 

About the Power Manager

The Power Manager is an integrated circuit (computer chip) that is usually on the logic board of the PowerBook and iBook. As the name implies, it is responsible for power management of the computer. It controls backlighting, hard disk spin down, sleep and wake, some charging aspects, trackpad control, and some input/output as it relates to the computer sleeping.

Over time, the settings in the Power Manager may become unusable, which can result in operational anomalies with the computer. Examples include not turning on, not waking from sleep, not charging the battery, or not seeing the AC Adapter, among others.

Resetting the PMU is not intended for resolution of a stall or situation in which the computer is unresponsive. A PMU reset should not be necessary except as a last resort in cases where a hardware failure of the power management system is suspected. Performing a PMU reset returns the iBook and PowerBook hardware, including NVRAM, to default settings and forces the computer to shut down.

Posted on Mar 26, 2012 1:20 PM

Close
Boozbat

Q: My powerbook wont start unless I press the power buton and all other buttons on my keyboard at the same time. Why?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Mar 26, 2012 1:18 PM in response to Boozbat
    Level 10 (271,811 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 26, 2012 1:18 PM in response to Boozbat

    You need to have it repaired.

  • by John Galt,Solvedanswer

    John Galt John Galt Mar 26, 2012 1:20 PM in response to Boozbat
    Level 9 (50,409 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 26, 2012 1:20 PM in response to Boozbat

    That's odd. Try this: Resetting PowerBook and iBook Power Management Unit (PMU)

     

    Excerpt from the above:

     

    About the Power Manager

    The Power Manager is an integrated circuit (computer chip) that is usually on the logic board of the PowerBook and iBook. As the name implies, it is responsible for power management of the computer. It controls backlighting, hard disk spin down, sleep and wake, some charging aspects, trackpad control, and some input/output as it relates to the computer sleeping.

    Over time, the settings in the Power Manager may become unusable, which can result in operational anomalies with the computer. Examples include not turning on, not waking from sleep, not charging the battery, or not seeing the AC Adapter, among others.

    Resetting the PMU is not intended for resolution of a stall or situation in which the computer is unresponsive. A PMU reset should not be necessary except as a last resort in cases where a hardware failure of the power management system is suspected. Performing a PMU reset returns the iBook and PowerBook hardware, including NVRAM, to default settings and forces the computer to shut down.