Apple powerbook g4 12 inch 1 33ghz User Manual

							
 

PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33 GHz) Troubleshooting
 Symptom Charts
 
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).
 
8. Replace hard drive cable.
9. Replace hard drive.
 
Noisy hard drive
 
Some sounds such as ticking or a rotational noise are normal. Refer to Knowledge Base 
article 30593: PowerBook: Hard Drives and Noise.
 
Keyboard
 
No response from any key on keyboard
 
1. Remove any connected peripherals.
2. Boot from Software and Restore DVD to verify that it is not a software problem.
3. Turn off the computer. Disconnect the keyboard connector and inspect connectors.
4. Replace keyboard.
5. Replace logic board.
 
Keycap pops off
 
1. If the keycap is not broken, it can probably be reinstalled. To replace the keycap, refer 
to Knowledge Base article 88106: PowerBook G4: Keycap Replacement.
2. Replace keyboard.
 
Modem
 
No modem dial tone
 
1. Check that the correct modem is selected in the Network Preferences pane. In  Modem tab, check that sound is not turned off.
2. It is possible that the modem is connecting but not generating a sound. Check Internet  Connect to verify status.
3. Verify known-good analog (not digital) telephone line.
4. Verify known-good RJ11 telephone cable.
5. Verify RJ11 cable is not plugged into Ethernet port.
6. Inspect RJ11 connector and modem port for pin damage. 
7. Verify RJ11 telephone cable is  firmly installed in the modem port.
8. To verify system function, in Modem tab, deselect “Wait for Dial Tone Before Dialing.” 
						

							
 

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PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33 GHz) Troubleshoot- Symptom Charts
9. Verify modem 2-pin connector is plugged into modem correctly.
10. Replace the RJ11 modem cable and port. 
11. Replace modem.
Related article:
106592: Mac OS X: How to Use Modem AT Commands
 
Cannot send fax
 
1. Check that Network connection in System Preferences is set to Internal Modem.
2. Refer to Knowledge Base article 25746: Mac OS X 10.3: Fax doesnt send.
 
Cannot receive fax
 
Check that Receive faxes on this computer is selected in the Print & Fax area of System 
Preferences.
Related articles:25731: Mac OS X 10.3: Receiving faxes and connecting to the Internet
25596: Mac OS X 10.3: About Receiving Faxes.
 
Modem drops connection
 
1. Try known-good phone line.
2. Refer to Knowledge Base article 106748: Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a dial-up/PPP Internet connection.
 
Optical Drive
 
The optical drive does not accept CD or DVD disc (mechanical failure)
 
1. Verify disc is not warped.
2. Verify disc is correct size. The computer will accept only 120 mm round disc. Refer to article 58641: Macintosh: Using Nonstandard Discs in CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drives.
3. Replace optical drive.
 
The disc icon does not show up on the desktop, or a dialog box appears to 
initialize disc
 
1. Verify the correct type of disc is being used.
2. Try cleaning the disc. It may not mount if dirty or scratched.
3. Try a different disc.  
						

							
 

PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33 GHz) Troubleshooting
 Symptom Charts 4. Create new Mac OS X user and log in as that user. (So that the customer does not 
question the new user, remove the user once disc is veri fied.)
5. Reseat optical drive cable.
6. Replace optical drive cable. 
7. Replace optical drive.
 
The optical drive does not eject CD or DVD disc
 
1. Verify disc is not in use by quitting any applications that may be using the disc.
2. Press and hold Media Eject key at top right corner of keyboard. If that does not work,  hold down Function (fn) key and Media Eject key.
3. Drag disc icon to trash or select it and press Command-E.
4. Choose Restart from Apple menu while holding down trackpad button.
5. Refer to Take Apart to remove the stuck disc and replace the optical drive. Related article:
106752: Macintosh: How to Eject a Disc When Other Options Do Not Work
 
Ports
 
FireWire or USB port not recognizing devices; or device not recognized by 
computer
 
Note:
 
 If you are trying to use a serial device with a USB/Serial adapter, check with the 
manufacturer of the adapter for compatibility.
1. Completely shut down, then press the power button to start the computer.
2. Use Software Update in Mac OS X system preferences to verify that the latest  software is installed.
3. Use Apple System Pro filer to verify that the computer is recognizing the device.
4. For USB, test ports with a known-good Apple keyboard or mouse. Try different USB  device on same port.
5. For FireWire, test by connecting another computer in FireWire Target Disk Mode.  Refer to article 58583: How to Use FireWire Target Disk Mode.
6. If a camera, turn on the camera before opening the video application.
7. Verify current driver for the device is installed. Verify that drivers are installed properly  for third party, if needed.
8. Create new Mac OS X user and log in as that user. (So that the customer does not  question the new user, remove the user once disc is veri fied.)
9. Try other port if available. 
						

							
 

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PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33 GHz) Troubleshoot- Symptom Charts
10. Try a different cable. (Cable noise could be a problem.)
11. Try known-good device.
12. Eliminate chain by plugging in only one peripheral.
13. If self powered make sure that the power supply is connected and devices LED 
indicates that it is getting power.
14. Reset the power manager by pressing key combination Control-Option-Shift-power. 
 
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).
 
15. Replace logic board.
 
Sound
 
Distorted sound from speakers
 
1. Verify sound is correct with external speakers/headphones. If sound is correct, replace  top case.
2. Verify speaker cables are inserted correctly, and check cables for damage.
3. Check balance in System Preferences: Sound: Output.
4. Replace rear panel assembly with attached speakers. 
5. Replace subwoofer. 
6. Replace logic board.
 
No sound from speaker(s)
 
1. Use the Software Update preference pane to verify that the latest software updates  have been installed.
2. Press the F3 key to verify that mute mode is not enabled.
3. Press the F4 or F5 key to check the volume setting.
4. Verify no external speakers or headphones are plugged in.
5. In the Sound preference pane con firm that only one device is listed in the Output tab.
6. Shut down computer and restart.
7. Reset PRAM (Press the power button, then hold down the Option-Command-P-R  keys until you hear the startup chime at least one additional time after the initial 
startup chime).
8. Verify that the speaker cable is connected properly to logic board. 
						

							
 

PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33 GHz) Troubleshooting
 Symptom Charts 9. Replace top case.
10. Replace logic board.
 
Startup
 
The computer will not power on
 
1. Make sure that power adapter connector is fully inserted.
2. Remove any connected peripherals.
3. Try known-good power outlet.
4. Try known-good power adapter and power cord.
5. Remove battery.
6. Press Caps Lock key to see if light on key comes on. If it does, hold power button 
down for six seconds to shut down the computer and restart.
7. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift- power. 
 
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).
 
8. Reset PRAM (Press the power button, then hold down the Option-Command-P-R keys until you hear the startup chime at least one additional time after the initial 
startup chime).
9. Remove any additional RAM 
10. Remove AirPort Card.
11. Try known-good DC board.
12. Verify cable connections and check cables for damage.
13. Verify power button is connected properly to logic board, if power button is not  functioning correctly or damaged, replace the top case.
14. Replace logic board.
 
The computer freezes during startup or a  flashing question mark appears
 
1. If using Classic in Mac OS X, check for incompatible extensions:
• Turn off system extensions in Classic by opening System Preferences, cli\
cking Classic, clicking the Advanced tab, and choosing Turn Off Extensions. Cl\
ick 
Restart Classic.
• If turning off extensions appears to solve the problem, identify and eli\
minate or  
						

							
 

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PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33 GHz) Trouble- Symptom Charts
reinstall the extension that is causing the problem. Open the Extensions\
 Manager 
control panel, and turn off the extensions that you suspect are causing \
the 
problem. Restart Classic with the extensions turned on again.
2. From the Software Install and Restore disc, use Disc Utility. 
3. Reinstall the computer’s system software.
 
Display
 
No display, or dim display, but computer appears to operate correctly
 
1. Press F2 to increase the screen brightness setting.
2. Remove any connected devices. Allow the battery to charge to at least 10 percent  before plugging in external devices.
3. Try known-good power outlet, power adapter and power cord.
4. Reboot the computer—hold down the Control and Command keys and press the  Power button, or press and hold the Power button for 5 to 10 seconds to shut down the 
computer, then press the Power button to restart.
5. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift- power. 
 
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).
 
6. Reset PRAM (Press the power button, then hold down the Option-Command-P-R keys until you hear the startup chime at least one additional time after the initial 
startup chime).
7. Connect an external display, and check for video on external display. • If video is fine on external display, replace LCD panel.
• If video symptom is same on external display, replace logic board.
8. Verify backlight cable and LVDS cable connections are seated properly and that the  cables are not damaged (refer to display assembly replacement instructions).
9. Replace display assembly.
10. Verify cable connections and check cables around the hinges for damage.
11. Replace logic board. 
						

							
 

PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33 GHz) Troubleshooting
 Symptom Charts
 
When displaying a single color over the screen area, the LCD panel shows one 
or more pixels that are not properly lit
 
Active-matrix LCD technology uses rows and columns of addressable locations (pixels) 
that render text and images on screen. Each pixel location has three separate subpixels 
(red, green, and blue) that allow the image to be rendered in full color. Each subpixel has a 
corresponding transistor responsible for turning the subpixel on or off.
There are typically millions of these subpixels on an LCD display. For example, the LCD 
panel used in the Apple Cinema HD display is made up of 2.3 million pixels and 6.9 million 
red, green, and blue subpixels. Occasionally, a transistor does not work perfectly, which 
may result in the affected subpixel being turned on (bright) or turned off (dark). With the 
millions of subpixels on a display, it is quite possible to have a low number of faulty 
transistors on an LCD. Therefore, a certain number of subpixel anomalies is considered 
acceptable. Rejecting all but perfect LCD panels would signi ficantly increase the retail 
price for products using LCD displays. These factors apply to all manufacturers using LCD 
technology—not just Apple products.
To determine whether or not the display has an acceptable number of pixel anomalies, 
follow the steps below:
1. Set the display image to one of the following colors: all-white display, all-red display, 
all-green display, or all-blue display.
2. Using a jeweler’s loupe, pocket microscope, or other magnifying device, identify and  count each subpixel anomaly:
• Bright subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always on
• Dark subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always off
3.
 
Important:
 
 Check the number of subpixel anomalies with the following chart:
4. If the number of subpixel anomalies exceeds the acceptable number listed in the  chart, replace the LCD panel.
5. If the number of subpixel anomalies is acceptable, explain to the customer that the  pixel anomalies are within speci fications, and no repair is necessary. 
 
Important:
 
  Do not release the specifications to customers. Instead, inform them t\
hat 
a certain number of subpixel anomalies is considered acceptable, and these factors 
apply to all manufacturers using LCD technology—not just Apple products.
 
LCD Size 
(inches) Acceptable Number of Subpixel 
Anomalies Replace the LCD Panel
 
Bright
Dark Combination BrightDark  Combination
12.1 to 15.2 up to 3 up to 5 up to 7 4 or  more 6 or more 8 or more 
						

							
 

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PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33 GHz) Trouble- Symptom Charts
 
Video (S-Video and Composite adapter)
 
No video on an external device
 
1. Make sure you are using the S-Video and Composite adapter cable.
2. Verify TV or VCR is set up properly with correct source.
3. Try different TV or VCR. Check owner’s manual for TV or VCR.
4. Replace adapter cable.
5. Replace logic board. 
 
The display is rolling (PAL instead of NTSC)
 
1. Make sure you are not using Apples A/V Video Cable.
2. Make sure you are using the S-Video and Composite adapter cable.
3. Go to Displays preference pane; change resolution from PAL setting to NTSC setting. 
4. Try a different TV or VCR.
5. Try a different adapter cable
6. Replace logic board.
 
Display shows ghosting (signal reflection) 
 
1. Verify that cables are correctly installed and  firmly seated.
2. Replace video adapter.
 
Video (RGB adapter)
 
No video on an external device
 
1. Make sure RGB adapter cable is fully seated.
2. Click Detect Displays button to verify that monitor is being recognized in the Displays  preference pane, and is known-good and supported by this computer.
3. Try known-good RGB adapter.
4. Replace logic board.
5. Replace RGB adapter cable.
6. Replace logic board. 
 
Display shows ghosting (signal re flection) 
 
1. Verify that cables are correctly installed and  firmly seated.
2. Replace video adapter. 
						

							
 

PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33 GHz) Troubleshooting
 Symptom Charts
 
Bluetooth
 
Bluetooth not recognized when ADC monitor connected
 
1. Disconnect all devices except the monitor.
2. Restart the computer.
3. If Bluetooth is still not recognized, refer to Bluetooth topic articles in the Knowledge 
Base for the latest information on optimizing Bluetooth performance.
 
Misc. Symptoms
 
The computer runs with battery, but not with the power adapter plugged into 
wall outlet
 
1. Try known-good power outlet. 
2. Try known-good power adapter and power cord. 
 
Note:
 
 Verify that power adapter connector glows amber or green. If the power \
adapter light is green, turn over the computer and press the battery but\
ton. One to 
five lights glow to show the battery’s level of charge. One blinking \
light indicates that 
the battery does not have sufficient charge to turn on.
3. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift- power. 
 
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).
 
4. Replace DC-in board 
5. Replace DC-to-DC board.
6. Replace logic board. 
 
The computer runs when plugged into a wall outlet but not on battery power
 
1. Reseat battery to verify battery is seated correctly with battery lock engaged.
2. Try known-good charged battery.
3. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift-power. 
 
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the  
						

							
 

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PowerBook G4 (12-inch 1.33 GHz) Trouble- Symptom Charts
 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).
 
4. Replace DC-to-DC board.
5. Replace logic board.
 
The cursor does not move when you are using trackpad
 
1. Verify that no USB device is connected.
2. Boot from a Mac OS system CD to verify that it is not a software problem.
3. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift-
power. 
 
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).
 
4. Check trackpad cable and connection to the logic board (see separate Keyboard and Top Case replacement instructions for location under top case).
5. Replace top case.
6. Replace logic board.
 
The cursor intermittently does not move or moves erratically
 
Note:
 
 User must touch with the surface of only one  finger at a time and point directly down 
on the trackpad surface.
1. Clean trackpad surface (with computer off, using a non-static-inducing material).
2. Completely shut down, then press the power button to start the computer.
3. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift- power. 
 
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).
 
4. Reset PRAM (Press the power button, then hold down the Option-Command-P-R keys until you hear the startup chime at least one additional time after the initial 
startup chime).
5. Remove and reseat memory card.
6. Try unit on battery power. If problem goes away, replace power adapter.
7. Place a Mac OS system CD in the optical disc drive, press the start button and hold  down the C key. Check the cursor movement, to see if the problem is software.