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 iBook G4 shuts down when moved. Help! 
 
 
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Old 17-05-2008, 10:23 AM
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iBook G4 shuts down when moved. Help!
Hi all. I've got an iBook G4 that randomly shuts off any time I move it. I don't just mean picking it up. It just loses power even if I adjust the screen. Could this be a battery or logic board problem? I hope it's not the logic board, as I bought this iBook last year cheap.

Help and advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Edit: I've noticed it doesn't seem to happen when I have the power charger plugged in. The indicator light flashes from orange to green when I pick up or move the iBook. It only shuts down when it's drawing power from the battery.
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Old 17-05-2008, 11:14 AM
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Could be a range of things.

For starters a lose connection internally, or screws come loose (This happens over time)

It could also be the battery as stated, run the Apple Hardware Tests as supplied and see how it goes!

Wally
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Old 17-05-2008, 11:27 AM
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Thanks Wally. I'm running the hardware test now. I'll post back with the results soon.
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Old 17-05-2008, 11:36 AM
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Sounds like the DC Input board problem that used to kill G3 Powerbooks. Not saying that is what it is, but the symptoms are similar.

There is a very tight configuration of "cables" (flexible printed circuits etc) in the top right corner that is where the DC comes in and the screen gets power. I had the "disappearing screen" repaired under warranty that involved also replacing the logic board as the tech wanted to ensure that the problem would not reoccur.

cPanelฎ has some teardowns, but be warned opening iBooks is not for the ill-experienced or faint hearted.
Fixit Guide - DIY PowerBook, MacBook, & iBook Repair & Disassembly

Given the flickering orange/green suggests it could be the plug, but as you suggest its only under battery power the battery may not be seated correctly or completely dead.

If you could swap with a known working battery that would at least narrow it down some more.

Hope that helps
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Old 17-05-2008, 12:01 PM
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Okay I've run the hardware test and it passed all tests. Not sure where to go from here.

Edit: It seems to happen when I touch the bottom of the iBook around the battery area. It's like it briefly loses power. When I pick it up with the power charger plugged in, the battery indicator in the menu bar has an X in it stating the battery is not available.
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Old 17-05-2008, 12:20 PM
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Tighten the screws down there, see what happens!
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Old 17-05-2008, 12:54 PM
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Battery connection. On the motherboard there is a connecter that goes from the battery to the dc side of things. Could this be the problem?

Its good to check it anyway.

By the way, the ibook g4s are a terror to open. I suggest buying a nice pack of spludgers if you are going too.
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