battery not charging, power supply not reliable

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Level 1

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battery not charging, power supply not reliable

For a week or so I've had trouble recharging the battery in my 12" iBook g4. I had to fiddle with the power supply connection so the computer would recognize that it was plugged in, and the power icon in the top menu bar would flip randomly between running on battery, charging, and plugged in. Often I couldn't fully charge the battery, but it discharged at a normal rate.
Tonight my iBook battery abruptly dropped to reading either 1% or 0%. I tried connecting my usual power supply, which didn't register at all. I tried another power supply and got a few seconds of operation before the computer went to sleep again. So long as it's plugged in it does the same thing whether the battery is in or out.

I'm not sure whether this is a battery problem or a more basic computer problem--the logic board? something else? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

iBook, Mac OS X (10.5), iBook g4 12"

Posted on Dec 9, 2013 6:19 PM

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Answer 1

dalstott

Level 4

2,639 points

Dec 10, 2013 9:36 AM in response to JoannaCW2

First try reseting the PMU. If no improvement then it is likely either the battery or charger at fault.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-10330118-263.html

http://my.safaribooksonline.com/book/operating-systems/9780321544872/learn-basic -troubleshooting-procedures/reset_pmu_smu_smc_nvram_or_pram

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Answer 2

jpsulisz

Level 1

5 points

Dec 13, 2013 10:07 PM in response to JoannaCW2

AH, I've basically had the same problem and found a fix! It is most likely a DC-Inboard issue with your iBook as my iBook would boot from the AC Adapter and if it did it would last a mere 20 seconds. The DC-Inboards are old now and die, the part is $10 on eBay, if you want to know for sure its the DC-Inoard plug in the Ac-Adapter and if it turns green you're good (It may be a other issue), it turns a yellow-ish color (Not ORANGE) then it is the DC-Inboard, the orange color can be both good or bad. The yellow-ish color is due to the DC-Inboard not being positive if it charging or not, and when this happens you can "Jiggle" the power cord to get it to boot (However it must stay on a desk and not move!) and if you're lucky you'll have enough time to back up any info you may have (Just for safety incase the DC-Inboard doesnt do the job!)

Here is a link for the DC-Inboard replacement- http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iBook+G4+12-Inch+1.33+GHz+DC-In+Board+Replacement/69 9

Cheers, -JP

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Answer 3

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,295 points

Dec 14, 2013 4:08 AM in response to JoannaCW2

Generally speaking, it is not unusual to find computers (both Mac and PC) that have difficulties with the DC-in jack. Merely one example is the PowerBook 190/5300 series. The problem is that solder joints at the connector work loose. Often, this can be solved by a simple resoldering operation.

So, once the DC-in-board for the iBook is out (as under the link provided by JP), and if a replacement board is not available, you may want to ask someone with basic soldering skills to have a look at it.

Jan

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