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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Notebooks > iBook G3 500 Won't charge or use ac

iBook G3 500 Won't charge or use ac
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Avenger2ser
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Join Date: Jan 2006
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Apr 19, 2006, 06:02 PM
 
I bought a dual usb 500mhz iBook last week off some crook on ebay, and its acting weird. When I plug in the ac, it lights up orange but it won't charge the battery or use the AC (tried 3 different adapters) as a power source. The battery was charged when it shipped so I was able to boot it up (don't know what I'm gonna do when it runs dry!). When booted up, the battery indicator in osx will switch randomly from charging to "running on battery".

I've reset the PMU and zapped the Pram, still nothing. I doubt I'll be able to get my money back from this guy without going through ebay fraud protection, so I'de like to get it working. Anyone have an idea??
     
seanc
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Apr 20, 2006, 09:45 AM
 
Push down gently on the plug that goes into the laptop when it's plugged in. My iBook 500 does this and I think it's a bad connection on the DC board that could be fixed by re-soldering. Mine works fine until you pull the cord up slightly then it goes green but i'm not sure if it keeps charging.
     
Avenger2ser  (op)
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Apr 20, 2006, 02:28 PM
 
depending on how I angle the cord, it does change status to "charging" but it only lasts for a few seconds then goes back to using the battery, then switches back to charging and so on. I ordered a new dc board for $20, and I can test it by taking the bottom of the ibook apart. Replacing the actual board looks pretty involved tho.
     
seanc
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Apr 20, 2006, 02:31 PM
 
There are good guides at ifixit.com for dissasembly. Good luck.
     
eeeaa
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: New Jersey, USA
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Apr 20, 2006, 06:26 PM
 
The link below takes you to a current post on MacNN (in this forum) for a similar issue. I posted the iFixIt guide for replacing the DC-In board there, and it should be the same guide for your model, if the DC-In board is the problem.

http://forums.macnn.com/69/mac-notebooks/293175/ibook-charging-light/
Dennis R. Metzcher
MyMacBlog.com: My experiences with the Mac OS, a switcher's point of view. With a new Mac tip each week day.
     
   
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