Comatosed G3 Powerbook

'arris · #1 04-10-2003, 03:10 PM

Hi Everybody,

I have a PowerBook G3 (Bronze Keyboard) and it appears to have slipped into a coma. I was just about to shut it down when it appeared to go into sleep mode (screen blanked out).

The usual random hitting of keys did nothing, so I tried the following:

1) Unplug and replug power supply ... then the battery.
2) Hit the reset button at the back.
3) Hit all key combos I can think of (and a few more besides)
4) Swear at it
5) Swear at strangers
6) Contemplate not having a working computer when deadlines are here.
7) Contemplate the expense of getting this fixed.

The only thing I seem to be able to get it to do is illuminate the little green light at the screen hinge by pressing the reset button (it also gets hot as if it were on, but no other signs of life).

Hitting the reset button again kills the green light and seems as good as off. Trouble is, I cannot get it to start.

I'm running on System 10.2.1.

Any ideas?????

Cheers, Rob

**Chris** · #2 04-10-2003, 05:11 PM

Do you have an external monitor that you can try the PowerBook with? Maybe it's just your LCD screen that isn't working.

**Alex** · #3 04-10-2003, 05:41 PM

I had a similar problem with a Dell laptop. The cable supplying power to the backlight broke, so the laptop seemed 'dead.'

'arris · #4 04-10-2003, 06:28 PM

... but ... wouldn't I still get a chime sound as the mac fired back up?

However, good enough to give it a go.

Unfortunately, no luck

.

It seems that the main power on button just above the keyboard does nothing. The only way I get that green light to go on or off is to hit the reset button at the back.

It goes to the shop tomorrow.

Glad I kept the old Umax now ... although it's painfully slow.

Thanks again.

**Chris** · #5 04-10-2003, 06:48 PM

I have another idea. Try resetting the Power Manager. Click here for the instructions.

'arris · #6 04-10-2003, 07:19 PM

Hi Chris,

Having read the document I can't help but think that that's where the problem lies, trouble is I can't get the machine to seemingly shut down in order to reset the power manager.

Regardless, I tried all the variables just in case, but alas, no luck.

I think it's dead.

Maybe it's time to get an AA battery, two wires and a couple of pads and see if I can make a Mac defibralator (sp?)?

Damn.

Thanks anyway.

Cheers, Rob

**Chris** · #7 04-10-2003, 07:22 PM

If your computer is already shut down, just follow the directions starting from step 2.

1. If the computer is on, turn it off.
2. Press and release the reset button on the rear of the computer. The reset button is located between the external video and modem (RJ-11) ports.
3. Wait 5 seconds.
4. Press the Power button to restart the PowerBook computer.

'arris · #8 04-10-2003, 07:42 PM

But that's the problem - it doesn't seem to want to shut down.

It's seemingly trapped between the world of electrons and the power off. It's like the terminal patient who won't die when you switch off the life support!

Very frustrating.

It would be almost tragic if it weren't just a computer.

Hmhh, I think I'm starting to lose it ....

**Chris** · #9 04-10-2003, 07:44 PM

The Mac will shut off if you take out the battery and unplug it. Are you saying that it turns back on when you press the reset button? (That shouldn't happen)

If it is turning on again because you told it to automatically restart after a power outage, hold down the power button for five seconds and it should shut off.

**Mikef** · #10 05-02-2003, 02:36 PM

You don't say what sort of PB you have, however there is a routine for the Pismo that should be applicable to other G3 PBs.

Remove both modules (battery & CDROM) from the PB. Open up keyboard and locate the internal backup battery. Disconnect the backup battery connector from the interface board.

Have a fag &/or a cup of coffee reconnect the backup battery re-insert modules and connect PB charger.

Have another fag &/or coffee, now try the PB.

This information is in the user manual but it's buried away somewhere.

pholower · #11 12-01-2003, 08:37 PM

this very same instance occured to me just the other day. It seems that because of the way the pb g3, particularly the Wallstreet, Lombard, and Pismo were built the power connection is connected underneath the logic board. the power board is not the one the batter connects to, but the same board the sound is on. Usually refered to as the sound board. If you feel up to it, do a search on google for step by step process of taking the powerbook apart. You will need to take the display off, and basicly reseed the sound board, while you are in there, just make sure all of your other boards are snug. Don't worry about opening the laptop, as far as laptops go, this powerbook series is very easy to deal with.

'arris · #12 12-01-2003, 09:17 PM

Sorry for omitting an update.

Anding up getting a Powerlogix upgrade and have had nothing but problems since. They're not very good at backing up their product and have momentarily given up the fight with the intention of buying a new ibook and then getting back at them.

Anybody else had dire experiences with Powerlogix?