PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Troubleshooting - 23
Hardware Symptom Charts
Battery

Battery will not eject

1. Flip over the unit and slide both battery latches towards the back of the system,
exposing two orange labels. The latches should stay in an open state.
2. If the battery does not pop up, use a small plastic flat-blade tool to pry up the battery
around the battery latch.
3. Verify proper latch operation, by exercising the latch. If it does not move smoothly or
evenly, replace the bottom case.
4. If the latch does exercise correctly, verify that the customer is not installing the battery
with excessive force or the body of the battery has not been deformed around its
perimeter.
Note: The aluminum plate on the battery is a cosmetic cover. The battery is
contained within the plastic housing to which the plate is attached. If the battery is
dropped the plate can deform, especially around the edge near the metal plate. If the
metal plate is bent, use non-marring pliers to bend it back flat.
Warning: If the battery plastic housing has been damaged, or the two halves of the
plastic housing have separated, the battery is unsafe for use.
5. Try a new battery.
6. Replace bottom case.

The battery won't charge

1. Remove any externally connected peripherals.
2. Try known-good power outlet.
3. Connect known-good 65W power adapter (661-1798) and power cord or plug; make
sure the DC plug is firmly inserted. The DC plug should light up, if not, replace DC-in
board.
If the power adapter light is green, turn over the computer and press the battery
button. The battery lights should glow green and stay on if the power adapter is
operating correctly.
Important: The Apple 65W Power Adapter is highly recommended 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 to operate the system during some activities and
may draw power from the battery.