AC adapter replacement program for M4402

Question

AC adapter replacement program for M4402

Hi everone, me again. Miss me?

Given that my Pismo works absolutely fine now, the reason I am posting relating to the power pack is an obscure one. I recently stumbled across a page in the PowerBook G3 support area about replacing the M4402 power adaptors for G3 'Books. And I have just that adaptor.
The article:
http://depot.info.apple.com/exchange/
details that the M4402 packs, with two-prong power connectors, carry a danger of overheating. This would make my adaptor a candidate for replacement; it's a 1998 adaptor, and the article applies to PowerBooks manufactured between 1998 and March 2000.
However, I've discovered that my PowerBook was purchased on the 8th of March 2000, which puts it's manufacture dte at roughly 4th March (these things sold quickly!). The AC adaptor is most likely older than the laptop, but it's not being accepted as a replaceable item. Surely if there's a risk of the adaptor leaving a burn mark in my carpet or on my desk, then that risk should be removed? There've been six reported cases of just this happening.

Any input into this would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Rob Johnson

PowerBook G3 Pismo, 400MHz 1MB Cache, 192MB RAM, 6GB Hard Drive, DVD-ROM, Mac OS X (10.4.6), Bye bye Microsoft! I've got a PowerBook now! Ha ha ha!

Posted on May 31, 2006 4:00 AM

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Answer 1

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

May 31, 2006 7:25 AM in response to mypublicselfdestruction

Rob:

A couple of questions:

1. Do you notice any overheating of the power supply?
2. Have you actually contacted Apple about this and got a "no" answer?

Good luck.

cornelius

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Answer 2

May 31, 2006 2:16 PM in response to cornelius

Hi cornelius,

Well, in a nutshell,

1. no, not real overheating. The power pack does run a little hot, but I don't know what you'd class as overheating.

2. Yes, sort of. I phoned Apple, and the guy said he'd pass the case upwards, and that he'd phone back today if it was a candidate for replacement, which didn't happen.

I'll admit this is a trivial, unnecessary matter, but I've read about other manufacturer's power packs actually catching fire, and, well, slight paranoia. The last thing I want is for my powerpack (and room) to go up in smoke.

Your input is greatly valued.
Rob Johnson

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Answer 3

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

May 31, 2006 6:34 PM in response to mypublicselfdestruction

Rob:

I have yo-yo's on both my Pismos and they stay plugged in all the time, except, of course, when I am traveling. The yo-yo is warm to the touch, but not hot. I suspect that is normal. If yours is warm I wouldn't worry too much.

I would call Apple again in a few days and remind them, instead of waiting for their call.

Good luck.

cornelius

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Answer 4

cavenba

Level 1

60 points

Jun 1, 2006 12:25 PM in response to cornelius

I had an old adapter, it got really hot! I think that it shorted or something, it doesn't work anymore. I had trouble getting my adapter. It took over 2 months, about 6 calls to Apple Tech and 1 to Apple Customer Relations. The Yo-Yo adapter gets warm, but not hot. I'd say to get the YoYo just in case.

-cavenba

iMac G3 in Tangerine @ 233MHz & 128MB of RAM Mac OS X (10.3.9) PowerBook G3 @ 233MHz, DELL Dimension 2400 @ 2.4GHz, iPod Shuffle 1GB

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Answer 5

Jun 2, 2006 2:40 AM in response to cavenba

Hi everyone,

The help so far has been promising, but I've worked out why my case isn't quite valid. The M4402 is an American power supply and I'm in the UK; also, since my PowerBook was purchased in March as opposed to before it, there is apparently no problem with the later models. The guy at Apple said it was something to do with the power manager causing this problem, but I'm not convinced.

I'll try phoning again today and see what happens.
Thanks for the help,
Rob Johnson

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Answer 6

Jun 6, 2006 1:27 PM in response to mypublicselfdestruction

Good news everyone (been watching Futurama),

The technician didn't phone back, but after I phoned them again, made a point and provided the serial number of the adaptor, they gave in. I'm seriously surprised that this program is still running; in any case, they're going to replace my power pack. It does run a little hot, sometimes hotter when the 'Book's off or asleep than when running! Weird.

Thanks for your help,
Rob Johnson
PS Cornelius, I hope the 'old man' comment was a joke. I'm 16 and I don't want to feel old just yet.

Reply

Answer 7

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Jun 6, 2006 8:49 PM in response to mypublicselfdestruction

Rob:

The old man comment was slang for bloke, or kid, or an number of things. 16? My goodness, I should have said kid!

In any case, I am glad that you were able to persuade Apple to come through. You did very well. Persistence pays.

Good luck, kid!

cornelius

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Answer 8

Jun 7, 2006 2:34 PM in response to cornelius

Hi cornelius,

Glad we got the age brackets sorted (ha ha). Well, the good news is that the yo-yo arrived today. The bad news? The IDIOTS (I use the term accurately) at Apple have sent me one with a TWO-PRONG POWER CABLE and I'm in the flippin' UK! I spend some considerable time arguing with technicians, and they send the wrong cable!
Fortunately for them, they sent the right yo-yo, and it works - I am, at least, graced by the presence of a ThinkPad T23 that uses the same clove-leaf power cable. But, now what do I do? It's been suggested that I cut the two-prong off and fit a UK plug, but that spoils the effect. The jiffy bag bears the 'Netherlands' address, which is a little strange to say the least.

So, what do I do now? Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks to everyone who posted,
Rob Johnson

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Answer 9

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Jun 7, 2006 4:45 PM in response to mypublicselfdestruction

Rob:

Glad for the good news, but not the bad.

You can buy adapters that will convert US two or three pin to the plugs used in other countries. I don't know who makes or sells them in the UK, but you can try shop.com. I bought a whole power converter for travel from Amazon.com, which I have used in UK, Grenada, Spain and will use in India later this month. Cost about $15 (USD). Just do a Google search for plug adapters. Maybe you need to call Apple and have them take care of that, too.

Good luck.

cornelius

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Answer 10

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Jun 7, 2006 5:04 PM in response to cornelius

Rob:

Check out this outfit and see if they have what you want.

Good luck.

cornelius

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