Apple powerbook g4 12 inch 1 5ghz User Manual

							 
PowerBook G4 (12 1.5 GHz) Troubleshooting - 
 
15
 
Display Symptom Charts
 
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 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.
 
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  
						

							 
16 - 
 
PowerBook G4 (12 1.5 GHz) TroubleshootingDisplay Symptom Charts
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 
						

							 
PowerBook G4 (12 1.5 GHz) Troubleshooting - 
 
17
 
Video (S-Video and Composite adapter) Symptom 
 
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. 
						

							 
18 - 
 
PowerBook G4 (12 1.5 GHz) TroubleshootingTrackpad Symptom Charts
 
Trackpad
 
Trackpad works intermittently
 
The trackpad operation can be affected by hand lotion, humidity, dangling jewelry, and the 
use of more than one finger on the trackpad. 
1. Check for environmental factors such as humidity, hand lotion, or jewelry.
2. Clean the trackpad with a clean, dry lint-free cloth. 
3.
 
If the pointer moves as you type because you accidentally brush the trac\
kpad, 
select Ignore accidental trackpad input in the Keyboard & Mouse pane o\
f 
System Preferences. 
 
Related articles:
17228: Portables: Jumpy or Erratic Trackpad Operation
58389: PowerBook and iBook: Trackpad Does Not Respond
 
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.  
						

							 
PowerBook G4 (12 1.5 GHz) Troubleshooting - 
 
19
 
Trackpad Symptom Charts
 
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.
8. Check trackpad cable and connection to the logic board (see separate Keyboard and  Top Case replacement instructions for location under top case).
9. Replace top case.
10. Reseat the heatsink if it is not properly secured.
11. Replace logic board.
 
Tracking is very slow when using Apple Hardware Test.
 
With the new trackpad design, the trackpad performance is different under Open Firm 
Ware (the operating environment for Apple Hardware Test). If it is dif ficult to use the 
trackpad, use an external wired mouse or keyboard shortcuts, shown below:
  
KK KK
eeee
yyyy
ssss
AAAA
cccc
tttt
iiii
oooo
nnnn
arrow up or 
arrow down Pick a language to use
Return or Enter Select a language to use
Tab Cycle through the tabs (Hardw

are Test, Hardware Profile, 
Apple)
g or Shift-G Start the Quick Test
e or Shift-E Start the Extended Test
Shift-R Restart
Shift-S Shut down
Command-period Stop the testing 
						

							20 - PowerBook G4 (12 1.5 GHz) Troubleshooting
Sudden Motion Sensor (SMS) Symptom Charts
Sudden Motion Sensor (SMS)
System Profiler shows Sudden Motion Sensor is “disabled.”
Note: In some locations you may see the Sudden Motion Sensor referred to as the Mobile 
Motion Module. Both names refer to the same feature.
1. Put the computer to sleep. Pick up the computer, and set it on a steady table top.  Wake up the computer, and refresh System Pro filer window under View menu (or use 
command-R). 
• If the setting changes to enable, try a few more sleep-wake-refresh sequ\
ences to  verify the circuit.
• If the setting is still disabled, launch the Terminal application found \
in the Utilities  folder.  Note: You will need the system password. At the command line, enter the 
command: sudo pmset -a ams 1
Now, refresh System Profiler and check if it is enabled. If so, the Sudd\
en Motion 
Sensor was manually turned off. The hardware is fine. 
2. If after issuing the command there is a problem with the Sudden Motion Sensor,  replace the main logic board. 
Dropped frames or sound elements when recording audio or video
Occasionally the Sudden Motion Sensor technology may be activated by ext\
ernal 
vibrations at a time when the PowerBook is writing data intensively, suc\
h as recording 
video or audio. 
Apple has adjusted this feature carefully to provide the best balance between protecting 
the hard drive and preventing unwanted activation of the Sudden Motion Sensor. Most 
PowerBook G4 users will never need to turn this feature off, and Apple suggests that you 
not modify the settings unless absolutely necessary.
In some environments, such as live concert halls, recording studios, or dance clubs, 
external vibrations may be major enough to cause the sensor to unexpectedly park the 
hard drive heads, resulting in interrupted sound or video playback. In these situations, you 
may find that you want to disable the feature temporarily.
To disable the Sudden Motion Sensor:
1. From the Finders Go menu, choose Utilities.
2. In the Utilities folder, open Terminal.
3. When the command line appears, type pmset -g # and press Return. This command queries the computer for the current setting of the Sudden Motion Sensor. The default 
setting is 1 (turned on).
4. If the above command returns 1, you can disable the Sudden Motion Sensor by  typing sudo pmset -a ams 0 and pressing Return (changing the setting to a zero  
						

							PowerBook G4 (12 1.5 GHz) Troubleshooting - 21
Sudden Motion Sensor (SMS) Symptom Charts disables the sensor).
5. Type your administrator password when you are prompted and press Return.
6. Type the pmset -g # command again to be sure that the setting has been ap\
plied.
Any changes that you make to the Sudden Motion Sensor setting remains in effect even 
after you restart the computer. If you choose to disable the Sudden Motion Sensor, Apple 
recommends that you re-enable it as soon as possible in order to take full advantage of 
the feature.
To re-enable the Sudden Motion Sensor:
1. From the Finders Go menu, choose Utilities.
2. In the Utilities folder, open Terminal.
3. When the command line appears, type pmset -g # and press Return. If you have the  Sudden Motion Sensor turned off, the command will return a zero (0).
4. If the above command returns a zero, you can re-enable the Sudden Motion Sensor  by typing sudo pmset -a ams 1 and pressing Return.
5. Type your administrator password when you are prompted and press Return.
6. Type the pmset -g # command again to be sure that the setting has been ap\
plied.
Note:  The Sudden Motion Sensor will not prevent hard drive failures. Its primarily function 
is to prepare the hard drive for the impact of an accidental drop or severe vibration. It does 
not assist in the other ways hard drives fail.  
						

							22 - PowerBook G4 (12 1.5 GHz) Troubleshooting
Misc. Symptoms Symptom Charts
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 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-to-DC board.
5. Replace logic board.
The microphone is not working
1. In the Sound preference pane select the Input tab. Make sure that the internal  microphone device is selected in the list.
2. In the Sound preference pane select the Input tab. Make sure that the input volume is  midrange or above. 
						

							PowerBook G4 (12 1.5 GHz) Troubleshooting - 23
Misc. Symptoms Symptom Charts 3. In the Sound preference pane select the Output tab. Make sure the built-in audio 
controller is selected.
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. 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).
6. Verify microphone cable connection to logic board.
7. Replace top case (which includes the microphone).
8. Replace logic board.
The latching mechanism that holds the display closed is not working
Note:  As the display closes against the top case, a hook in the top of the display housing 
should be magnetically pulled down into a slot in the top case, and secured. When the 
latch button is pushed, the hook should release and retract into the display housing, 
allowing the display to open.
1. Verify hook operation by exercising the latch mechanism. 
2. If the hook does not operate properly, replace the display bezel.
3. If the latch or latch button does not operate properly, replace the bottom case  assembly.
Fan fails
1. Check fan cable connection, and check cable for damage.
2. Replace fan.
3. Replace logic board. 
						

							24 - PowerBook G4 (12 1.5 GHz) Troubleshooting
Misc. Symptoms Block Diagram
Block Diagram
PCI bus
I2S
I2S
12 Mbps USB
12 Mbps
USB
Mini-DVI
connector
Ethernet port FireWire 400 port
Built-in
speakers
Mid-range
enhance Audio line in
Internal
microphone
AGP4X
bus
167 MHz
Memory bus 167 MHz
MaxBus
Intrepid
memory
controller and I/Odevice
controllerPMU99
power controller
Trackpad
Keyboard
Power supply and charger
Optical drive
256MB SO-DIMM expandable up to 1.25 GB
Ultra
ATA bus
EIDEbus
Audio line out
Hard disk drive
NVIDIA
GeForce FX Go5200
graphics IC
Flat-panel display
Audio
codec
Ethernet PHY
FireWirePHY
PowerPC G4
microprocessor
(L2 cache: 512K 1:1)
256 MB SDRAM
DDR on-board
Modem port
Modem module
Bluetooth
Boot
ROM
USB 2.0 port
USB 2.0 port
PCI USB
controller
Data pump and DAA
AirPort Extreme
I2CSudden Motion Sensor