[tsquare1956]

My Ibook G3 dual usb 800 mhz has finally died. It began when it would fail to power up at all. After punching the on/off switch enough times, it would finally power up, with no problems or video failure. This happened several times, until now it is completely dead. I don't have the money to have it repaired, so thought I might ask here for suggestions to try to fix it myself. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I've been reading this forum, and believe it must not be the famous video failure. When my book would finally power up, there were no problems except oddly if I closed the lid, it would go to sleep for a few seconds, then it would wake up again with the lid down, flashing between asleep and awake, but if I manually put it to sleep with the menu command, it would sleep normally with the lid down. These were the symptioms of my problem.

Now I can't get it to boot at all. I'm an old lady who's pretty handy, but has never worked inside a computer other than simple ram installs. I've read these forums and believe I can disassemble the computer myself. If anyone has any suggestions as to what the problem might be, where to look, or things I might try to fix it, I'd really appreciate the help. Could it simply be the on/off switch, or is it probably a full logic board failure? Any help would be much appreciated.

[imitchellg5]

It seems like the logic board is dead, sorry This is a very common problem with these iBooks.

[seanc]

It could be one or more of 3 things:
1. Duff power switch
2. Faulty DC board (the bit where the charger plugs into)
3. Dead logic board either due to the common logic board failure or something else.

If you don't need the portability of the iBook then the Mini could be a viable option for you, it's small and inexpensive compared to what a repair for your iBook would cost or a new MacBook.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[tsquare1956]

Thank you all for your replies. I've wondered if it might be the dc in board since once I got it powered up it ran perfectly with no video problems or freezes. I had run it for a couple of months without shutting it down, but unfortunately forgot it on battery for a few days and the battery ran out and shut it off. The only odd thing was flashing awake and asleep with the lid closed.

Anyway, dc in boards are pretty cheap on Ebay, so I may try one of those to see if it solves the problem. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

[romeosc]

Originally Posted by tsquare1956 

My Ibook G3 dual usb 800 mhz has finally died. It began when it would fail to power up at all. After punching the on/off switch enough times, it would finally power up, with no problems or video failure. This happened several times, until now it is completely dead. I don't have the money to have it repaired, so thought I might ask here for suggestions to try to fix it myself. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I've been reading this forum, and believe it must not be the famous video failure. When my book would finally power up, there were no problems except oddly if I closed the lid, it would go to sleep for a few seconds, then it would wake up again with the lid down, flashing between asleep and awake, but if I manually put it to sleep with the menu command, it would sleep normally with the lid down. These were the symptioms of my problem.

Now I can't get it to boot at all. I'm an old lady who's pretty handy, but has never worked inside a computer other than simple ram installs. I've read these forums and believe I can disassemble the computer myself. If anyone has any suggestions as to what the problem might be, where to look, or things I might try to fix it, I'd really appreciate the help. Could it simply be the on/off switch, or is it probably a full logic board failure? Any help would be much appreciated.

1st try removing battery & unplug from AC for 1 hour! The capacitor that holds pram charge can maintain the pram contents without ac or battery for as much as 24 hours. Then plug in AC (do not reinsert battery). Reset Pram & Power Manager and try again: IF this fails:

From Apple DataBase :
Troubleshooting portables that won't turn on or start up

[Ren Qian]

I had a logic board failure with my ibook and apple replaced it for free even though it was past warranty. I think it was a design flaw with the plastic ibook being too flexible when handled, hence the move to titanium books I guess. Anyway, it might be worth having it examined by a mac service provider to see if that is indeed the problem and if it still free to fix before you take it apart yourself. Good luck!

[tsquare1956]

Just wanted to say thank you to all who responded. Turns out it was the logic board. I tried the fixes all the way from shims to setting a fire on top of the graphics chip, but nothing helped. Fortunately, I found a used logic board for my computer on Ebay for $105 and I'm happy to report that I was able to tear the Ibook apart and rebuild it with the new board and it's back up and purring like a kitten. The board came complete with the frame, fan and heatsink, which helped alot since I've never been under the hood of a computer before. There is one more of them for sale on Ebay now (g3 dual usb 800 mhz) for $105 so if anyone else has this model and wants to pick up a steal of a deal check out Ebay right now. Again, thanks for your responses.

[Big Mac]

You're really an old lady who was able to replace a logic board? That's pretty crazy if true.

[amazing]

I am in total awe of old ladies who can take an iBook apart and replace logic boards!

May they live forever!

I'm gonna go back and re-read all of Bertie Woosters' reminiscences about his formidable maiden Aunts, they who rule the world!