Powerbook wont run at all (190cs)

Question

Powerbook wont run at all (190cs)

I have recently ran into a problem where my powerbook 190cs wont start up at all off of a battery or the power adapter. I have tried the reset button on the back, no drive in the bay, just about everything. When i start it up all i get is a faint pphhhh noise from the speaker that normally indicates a dead battery, but the power adapter is also plugged in. It seems as if the plug doesnt work at all anymore. I have read where some powerbook 5300's which are the more powerful sibling to the 190 series laptops, that some of them end up losing the ability to charge due to a loose soldering point where the plug meets the motherboard/logic board. Can some please help clarify if this may be it or if i have to try something else.

Thanks Nick

iMac G3 Rev. D, Mac OS X (10.3.9), PowerMac G3 400Mhz Desktop, Workgroup Server 6150/66, PowerBook 190cs

Posted on Jul 27, 2006 5:49 PM

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Answer 1

jpl

Level 7

28,285 points

Jul 27, 2006 7:32 PM in response to Nick.GraphiteDesign

Nick,

I would first try this procedure:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58462

You may also be correct regarding a failed solder joint at the power port. This is a quote from an Apple moderator some time ago.

------------quote------------

This sounds like a classic symptom from the PowerBook 5300/190 REA
Program. It is caused by the AC adapter port breaking loose from the
logic board and cuasing intermittent connections. When you don't realze
this is happening it will drain your battery and then shut down. It
usually confuses the power manager in the bargain. The clicking sound or
green light may also appear. You need to pull the battery and AC adapter
and hold the reset button in, sometimes a few times until the clicking
from the speaker goes away. Then leave the battery out and put the AC
adapter in. With gentle side pressure (you will have to experiment which
direction) on the AC adapter plug at the back of the PowerBook, try to
start it up. You may be successful, and able to do some work before you
send it in for repair. (I have one running with a rubberband to give it
the side pressure, until I get around to sending it in) If you are not
successful in starting it up, there is nothing o do in the interim. You
need to get hold of an Apple-authorized service provider and have this
serviced under the program.

--------------close quote---------------

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Answer 2

Jul 27, 2006 8:06 PM in response to jpl

thanks for the info. ill have to have it sent in, the power manager reset didnt work for long. thx again, nick

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Answer 3

Jul 28, 2006 1:01 PM in response to jpl

well now my only question is how to i have it sent in?

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Answer 4

Jul 28, 2006 1:29 PM in response to Nick.GraphiteDesign

Most people will not pay the very high price to have Apple service a Mac that old. Apple wants to install new parts, which have likely been discontinued, so they may not be geared up to help you. They may refer you to a third-party service provider, or may simple decline to fix it.

If you want to pursue service from Apple, back up the main "Support" page and follow the links there.

Options include talking to telephone support, taking it to an Apple store, and seeking an authorized Apple service provider.

There are also several online powerBook repair companies that can be turned up with a simple search. I have never dealt with them, but several have good reputations, Perhaps other readers will pitch in with their experiences.

For the cost of paying someone to perform this repair, you could have a much newer old PowerBook.

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