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Q: 15in Aluminum PowerBook G4 PRAM battery replacement?

I recently traded a bunch of Apple junk for a PowerBook G4. I am aware of all the PowerPC limitations and blah, I've been in the PPC scene a few years now. I got this PowerBook in top condition, it looks like its been in the box since 2005. But of corse, things do age and the hard drive and PRAM battery need to be replaced. The hard drive does still work and isn't failing but it is slow and I do plan on using this a lot.

Now for the main thing, the PRAM battery. I need to replace it but do not know the exact steps or what to look for. Every time I try to search for this it only shows for the Titanium G4 or the 12in PowerBook G4. Again, I have a 15 inch 1.67GHz 2005 PowerBook G4. If anyone could give me the steps and or link a video and the correct battery I'd have to buy, it'd be greatly appreciated.

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 15in G4 1.67GHz CPU

Posted on Jun 7, 2015 8:47 PM

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Q: 15in Aluminum PowerBook G4 PRAM battery replacement?

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  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Sep 4, 2015 5:24 PM in response to SpottyFox
    Level 6 (14,244 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 4, 2015 5:24 PM in response to SpottyFox

    The process of elimination may require studying the repair aspects to see which

    is more difficult and of them, what may be most beneficial. As an occasional DIY

    fixit person, I sometimes venture into places I've wished I'd not. Usually before I

    can complete an arduous task, someone interrupts me for hours on end.

     

    The repair guide for your G4 PowerBook model may  yield a few clues, in that

    in some instances the PRAM battery may be disconnected or removed, if new

    one cannot be located. But not in all models; and better for desktop situations

    where the computer remains plugged into the mains power, and also has a

    backup battery such as a desktop computer may use to condition AC power.

     

    https://www.ifixit.com/Device/PowerBook

     

    The odd system profile report where power and battery, among others, all show

    the same numbers is a bizarre situation. The reset of PRAM-NVRAM was best

    guess, in that situation. Of course a PMU reset may also help since power and

    management relate to that one. Link to read about Power Management Unit:

    • Resetting PowerBook and iBook Power Management Unit (PMU) - Apple Support

     

    A problem with second guessing what parts may need replacement, may lead to

    an extreme; to find a shop that repairs and tests older Apple portable hardware is

    a better method if possible, but even they may be wrong. And the issue could be

    a logic board; so the less costly DC-in Board &/or PRAM battery are DIY firsts.

    Not sure if you can find a suitable PRAM battery replacement, or any other one of

    equal power that may work in place of original replacement quality.

     

    Sorry to not be of much help in this matter; and I just happened across your post

    while browsing ASC discussions. I do not have email notifications enabled here.

     

    Hopefully you can find some lucky dice to roll, that know what to do next!

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