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Macola · Jan 5, 2005, 01:19 PM

A few months ago, I started having problems with my 12" Rev A PB, which is now about 2 years old. The battery was not recognized (got the "x" in the menu bar indicator). After resetting the PMU, it would be recognized for a while and start charging, but then the problem would come back. I've reset the PMU, reset through Open Firmware, recalibrated the battery, and everything else that I could imagine related to power management and battery settings.

This week, I finally bought a new battery, hoping it would fix the problem. It worked for a few hours, but then the problem came back. This would indicate it's not a battery problem.

I don't have AppleCare...has anyone had the charging board replaced? This seems to be the next step, I guess.

Macola · Jan 16, 2005, 06:35 PM

Update: I tried the hardware test CD--no errors. I even wiped the drive and reinstalled 10.3.7 but the problem is still there. Any suggestions?

himself · Jan 17, 2005, 02:55 AM

Originally posted by Macola:
Update: I tried the hardware test CD--no errors. I even wiped the drive and reinstalled 10.3.7 but the problem is still there. Any suggestions?

I had this problem as well, and I thought it was due to the two failing 3-year old batteries that came with my powerbook... the problem disappeared after the 10.3.7 update. Maybe re-installing that update (repair permissions, restart, install update, repair permissions, restart - just to be safe and thorough!) will set things straight for you.

Macola · Jan 17, 2005, 09:52 AM

Thanks for the tip. I had essentially done that becasue I wiped the drive clean, installed 10.3 and applied the combo updater, but I'll try it again to see if it helps.

iREZ · Jan 17, 2005, 07:30 PM

My cousin is also having this problem with this Rev A 17" PB (out of Applecare). If you find a solution can you please let me know. I fixed his for about a week by turning off Bluetooth (odd) and resettign PMU and PRAM but it started again the other day.

Macola · Jan 18, 2005, 06:01 PM

I've posted on the Apple discussion forum too and no responses other than what I've already tried. Resetting the PMU or zapping PRAM fixes it only for a short while. I guess I just have to live with it since I don't have AppleCare.

iREZ · Jan 18, 2005, 06:19 PM

I'll make a deal with you. If I find a cure I'll post here but if you find one before me you make sure to post here too. Deal?

Macola · Jan 18, 2005, 07:53 PM

The latest voodoo/magick incantation that I'm trying: Create a new user. Shut down, reset PMU, start up and login as new user. Unplug the PB and allow the battery to run down. Plug in and charge up, then log in to regular account.

I'll see if it works...

iREZ · Feb 3, 2005, 05:37 PM

Thought I'd see if you've found a cure.

jamil5454 · Feb 3, 2005, 05:46 PM

Could it maybe be the physical connection between the PB and the battery?

Macola · Feb 3, 2005, 08:24 PM

No, still suffering with it. I don't think it's the physical connection, either. I've cleaned the contacts and tried two different batteries now.

My routine is now to reset the PMU and charge it up before I take it anywhere it will run on battery. It runs off the battery just fine, even though the system claims that there is "no battery available". Of course, the downside is that I never know when the battery is going to run out...luckily, I also have a spare power adapter.

iREZ · Feb 4, 2005, 01:23 AM

This sucks!!!!!

dkanarek · Feb 6, 2005, 06:59 PM

I had exacly the same problem with my 17" Powerbook. Did all possible resets with little or no results. The problem is not in PMU or NVRAM it is in a small conector located next to the memory modules. All you need to do is make sure the connector which connects the battery terminals to logic board is set in firmly - mine got loose and it created 'no battery' syndrome. Let me know if it works for you.

iREZ · Feb 6, 2005, 08:38 PM

Got any pics or can you find disassemble pics and show us which connector your talking about. Please!!!! I'll still check till I find it. Thanks for your help.

dkanarek · Feb 6, 2005, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by iREZ:
Got any pics or can you find disassemble pics and show us which connector your talking about. Please!!!! I'll still check till I find it. Thanks for your help.

Unfortunatelly I can not post images in this group. Send me a private post where I can email you the pic.

* If you open the cover next to the battery, you'll clearly see the wires coming out of battery terimnals to the conector.

Macola · Feb 7, 2005, 11:15 AM

I suspect my PB has a different problem, since I can consistently fix it by resetting the PMU (even if it lasts only for a short while). I guess it's worth checking, though.

iREZ · Feb 8, 2005, 04:35 PM

PM sent.