PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Troubleshooting - 37
Hardware Symptom Charts
Misc. Symptoms

The Date and Time settings reset all the time

Note: Resetting the power manager or PRAM resets the date and time.
1. Do a backup battery test:
• Set the date and time.
• Perform a Shut Down from the Apple menu.
• Remove the main battery and disconnect the power adapter for 10 minutes.
• Connect the power adapter, insert the battery, and power on the computer.
• If the date and time were lost the backup battery may be dead or discharged.
• Remove the main battery from the unit and leave the PowerBook plugged in for at
least 5 hours.
Note: If a discharged main battery is installed in the computer, recharging the backup
battery may take up to 48 hours to completely charge. It is okay to use it while it is
charging.
• If the date and time still reset, replace the backup battery flex cable.
2. Replace backup battery board.
3. Replace the logic board.
Note: For main and backup battery part numbers, refer to Knowledge Base article 11751:
Macintosh Family: Batteries and Part Numbers.

Feet came off the bottom case

1. Replace the bottom case.

Sleep LED does not come on when lid is closed

1. Put the computer to sleep using the menu option. If the sleep LED goes on, there is a
problem with lid sensing. If not skip to step 3.
2. Put a small low-power magnet over the trackpad and move it around. If the unit sleeps,
replace the top case. If not replace the display panel assembly.
3. Check that the sleep LED is plugged into the sound board.
4. Connect a USB mouse. Short the power on pads on the logic board to boot the
system and use the mouse to sleep from the menu. Measure the voltage at the LED
connector. If power is present, replace bottom case.
5. Shut down system.
6. Check the sound board flex cable is properly connected to the sound and logic
boards. Make sure the connectors on the flex cable are not damaged. Check the sleep
LED.
7. Replace the sound board flex cable.