Fallout4life
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Old Hardware

Q: PowerBook 190 won't boot up

My PowerBook 190 will not boot up. I always keep it plugged in and sometimes I hear a ticking noise from the speaker. I have also heard the startup chime after it has been connected to power for 10-15 mins but I still can't see anything on the screen. The computers battery is leaking but I don't see any battery residue on the motherboard or any other internal components except for the actual battery and the space around it. I would be very happy if I could get some help with this because this is my only PowerBook and I can't afford the 140's and 170's so far please assist in this matter.

PowerBook, Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier, PowerBook 190 not 190cs

Posted on May 7, 2016 6:14 AM

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Q: PowerBook 190 won't boot up

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  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund May 7, 2016 3:48 PM in response to Fallout4life
    Level 6 (9,864 points)
    May 7, 2016 3:48 PM in response to Fallout4life

    Any difference if you try starting without the main battery in place (you should not use a faulty/leaking battery anyway)?

     

    There could be a number of reasons for a problem like this. A careful inspection of the board(s) (with a magnifying glass) may or may not reveal discoloured or cracked electronic components. Pay special attention to possibly leaking electrolytic capacitors.

     

    You may also want to use a multimeter to carry out a basic DC output voltage (approx. 24 V) test of the power adapter.

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund May 7, 2016 5:21 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 6 (9,864 points)
    May 7, 2016 5:21 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Addendum

     

    It is not unusual to find that the solder joints at the DC input jack of a PowerBook 190 or 5300 computer work loose. This could lead to intermittent/inadequate supply of power, or no power at all. If necessary, it is not too difficult to resolder the connections.