PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Troubleshooting - 15
Hardware Symptom Charts
Startup

The computer will not power on (no fan movement, hard drive spin up and

display is not lit)

1. Remove any connected peripherals and eject any PC card.
2. Check that the battery has enough charge to start the computer by pressing the button
next to the LEDs on the battery. At least one LED must light solid (not flashing).
3. Connect a known-good Apple 65W Portable Power Adapter (661-1798) and power
cord or plug to a known-good power outlet; make sure the DC plug is firmly inserted.
The DC plug should light up, if not, replace DC-in board.
Important: The Apple 65W Portable Power Adapter is highly recommended to be
used with the PowerBook G4 (17-inch) computer. The adapters can be identified by
65W in the name and markings, and the metal securing-stud on the plug connector.
Although previous 45W power adapters (see Knowledge Base article 88231
PowerBook and iBook: Apple Power Adapter) are plug compatible with the
PowerBook G4 (17-inch), it may not provide sufficient power during some activities
and power may be drawn temporarily from the battery.
4. Try powering up without the battery installed (only works with 65W power adapter).
5. Perform the keyboard PMU reset procedure described in the Troubleshooting Aid
section.
Warning: Resetting the power manager will permanently remove a RAM disk, if
present, and all of its contents. You will also need to reset the date and time
(using the Date & Time system preference pane).
6. Press Caps Lock key to see if key light comes on. If it does, hold power button down
for six seconds to shut down the computer and restart.
7. If it still doesn’t start, verify power button cable is connected properly to top case flex
cable assembly and that the flex cable is connected correctly to the logic board, if
power button is not functioning correctly or damaged, replace the top case.
8. Disconnect keyboard completely. Inspect connectors. Restart with keyboard
disconnected.
9. Remove any additional RAM.
10. Remove AirPort Extreme Card.
11. Verify DC-in board cable is securely connected.
12. Try known-good DC-in board.
13. Replace logic board.