henryj2014
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: iBook G4 non-stop random screen icons flashing

My iBook G4 has a mind of its own on start-up or soon after. Flashing sun symbol, password box automatically types continuously, and or menu items flash one by one continuously. Is this a keyboard issue?

It has an old operating system which I want to keep so I can use old software.

Please help, I love this iBook!

iBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Oct 28, 2014 5:33 PM

Close
henryj2014

Q: iBook G4 non-stop random screen icons flashing

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by spudnuty,

    spudnuty spudnuty Oct 29, 2014 8:54 AM in response to henryj2014
    Level 5 (7,097 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 29, 2014 8:54 AM in response to henryj2014

    > Is this a keyboard issue?<

    Certainly seems like it. To test that theory you'd have to disconnect the keyboard and plug in a USB keyboard.

    Hit me back with the exact size and speed. Most just unplug under the RAM shield.

     

  • by henryj2014,

    henryj2014 henryj2014 Oct 29, 2014 5:40 PM in response to spudnuty
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 29, 2014 5:40 PM in response to spudnuty

    1.42 GHz G4 with 1GB ram.

    If I jiggle the keyboard a certain way it stops flashing so going to disconnect it and use external keyboard.

    Instructions vary but looks like I have to unscrew top plate under keyboard to access where keyboard is plugged in. Should I take the battery out underneath first? Do I need to have anti-static equipment?

  • by spudnuty,

    spudnuty spudnuty Oct 29, 2014 9:59 PM in response to henryj2014
    Level 5 (7,097 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 29, 2014 9:59 PM in response to henryj2014

    >If I jiggle the keyboard a certain way it stops flashing so going to disconnect it and use external keyboard<

    The latest info I have on an iBook ( Late 2004) shows the keyboard plugged into the logic board at the top of the RAM Shield.

    You might try unplugging and replugging that connector and inspecting the connector for damage.

    >Instructions vary but looks like I have to unscrew top plate under keyboard to access where keyboard is plugged in.<

    Don't know about that. Unfortunately I had a broken 1.42 iBook but left it behind when I moved.

    >Should I take the battery out underneath first?<

    Absolutely!

    >Do I need to have anti-static equipment?,

    Not really just be sure you're grounded and touch the top shield first to discharge all static.

  • by henryj2014,

    henryj2014 henryj2014 Oct 29, 2014 11:15 PM in response to spudnuty
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 29, 2014 11:15 PM in response to spudnuty

    Will proceed as discussed. Thanks so much for your help!!!

  • by K Shaffer,Helpful

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Oct 30, 2014 12:13 AM in response to henryj2014
    Level 6 (14,587 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 30, 2014 12:13 AM in response to henryj2014

    There may be some helpful steps in regard to that matter in this

    repair guide for iBook G4 14" 1.42GHz model from ifixit:

    https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iBook_G4_14%22_1.42_GHz

     

    This unit is considered a 'Mid 2005' model, & had a companion

    1.33GHz 12-inch model sharing that build year designation...

     

    Sometimes you can find a listing for replacement new & used

    parts with vendors such as powerbookmedic.com or a call to

    wegenermedia may help locate various vintage parts or repairs.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by henryj2014,

    henryj2014 henryj2014 Oct 30, 2014 12:20 AM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 30, 2014 12:20 AM in response to K Shaffer

    Thanks!

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Oct 30, 2014 11:14 AM in response to henryj2014
    Level 6 (14,587 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 30, 2014 11:14 AM in response to henryj2014

    There are a few archives of specifications that share some information on

    the basic computer in its day, and any (then) upgrade options...

     

    Everymac.com is one of several online sources of vintage information:

     

    •iBook G4/1.33 12-Inch (Mid-2005 - Op) 1.33 GHz PowerPC 7447a (G4)

    •iBook G4/1.42 14-Inch (Mid-2005 - Op) 1.42 GHz PowerPC 7447a (G4)


    Also, you could download a database application of Apple product specs

    by the name MacTracker from their site: http://mactracker.ca for offline use.


    Since my iBook G4 is still in fairly good shape (considering now, to revert

    the OS X to its shipped version, Tiger 10.4, from Leopard 10.5.8) the main

    issue may be to find a good replacement battery. The 14-inch model does

    use a larger capacity battery than the 12-inch model. OWC may have one

    in stock for that spec model. see macsales or an example of this item here:

    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple_laptop/batteries/iBook_G4_14


    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing!