How do I start up dead PowerBook G3 (Firewire/Pismos)?

Question

How do I start up dead PowerBook G3 (Firewire/Pismos)?

The PowerBook's battery is completely dead and will not recharge when plugged in to a socket. However, the PowerBook will not start up even when plugged in.

About one year ago, I checked this Community and learned how I could start up my computer and was in fact able to do so, which means that the power cord is not defective.

However, I have been unable to locate the discussion that explained how to do it.

Can anyone help me?

Thanks in advance!

Patrick

Posted on Mar 27, 2013 8:19 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Mar 27, 2013 8:41 AM in response to Patrick Berry

Hello,

I wonder if your referring to resetting the Power Management Unit (PMU)

If so here I a link to help you reset it. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1431

Best of luck

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Answer 2

Mar 27, 2013 9:31 AM in response to Knucklesmac

Thank you, Knucklesmac.

Unfortunately, resetting the PMU via the instructions in the link did not work.

I recall that it was a bit more complicated to accomplish; it definitely involved removing the keyboard and doing something else which I did (successfully) but cannot remember.

Sincerely,

Patrick

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Answer 3

dalstott

Level 4

2,639 points

Mar 27, 2013 11:03 AM in response to Patrick Berry

You can try to disconnect or remove the PRAM battery.

A dead or dying PRAM battery can prevent a Mac from booting or cause erratic behavior. Sometimes plugging in the computer and letting it sit for 30-60 minutes can recharge the battery enough to permit booting.

http://mac.bigresource.com/MacBook-Pro-Dead-PRAM-Battery-causing-failed-startup- -alIX0HdA7.html

http://cubeowner.com/kbase_2/index.php?article=32

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Answer 4

Mar 27, 2013 11:16 AM in response to dalstott

Thank you, Dalstott.

Unfortunately, the only reference I saw to PowerBook G3's in the first link take you to a demonstration of how to disconnect a the PRAM battery in an iMac.

But I do believe this is what I did a year ago.

Are you aware of any other links showing how to replace the PRAM battery?

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Patrick

Reply

Answer 5

dalstott

Level 4

2,639 points

Mar 27, 2013 11:19 AM in response to Patrick Berry

Are you aware of any other links showing how to replace the PRAM battery?

Try this link.

http://www.ifixit.com/Device/PowerBook_G3_Pismo

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Answer 6

Mar 27, 2013 1:02 PM in response to dalstott

Here's what a user named ""wedgie" wrote in the link provided by dalstott::

Feb 12, 2007, 01:49 AM

No need to even replace the backup battery. Remove the keyboard & right hand slot device (DVD/CD usually) and there is a battery in there (your backup battery). Simply unplug the battery from the logic board, plug in the power adapter and press the power button. Should boot up (did when I had this problem a year ago) and then you should plug back in the connection on the backup battery and leave the machine on for a while so as to recharge the battery.

Guess what? I followed the instructions and within 45 seconds my PowerBook G3 is working again!

Thank you Dalstott for following up!

Sincerely,

Patrick

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