Apple ibook g4 14 inch mid 2005 User Manual

							
 
6 -   
iBook G4 (14-inch Mid 2005) Troubleshooting  Symptom Charts
10. Replace modem.
Related article:
106592: Mac OS X: How to Use Modem AT Commands 
Cannot send fax
 
1. Check that Network connection in System Preferences is set to Internal Modem.
2. Refer to Knowledge Base article 25746: Mac OS X 10.3: Fax doesnt send. 
Cannot receive fax
 
Check that Receive faxes on this computer is selected in the Print & Fax area of System 
Preferences.
Related articles: 25731: Mac OS X 10.3: Receiving faxes and connecting to the Internet
25596: Mac OS X 10.3: About Receiving Faxes 
Modem drops connection
 
1. Try known-good phone line.
2. Refer to Knowledge Base article 106748: Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a dial-up/PPP  Internet connection. 
Optical Drive
 
The optical drive does not accept CD or DVD disc (mechanical failure)
 
1. Verify disc is not warped.
2. Verify drive slot has no foreign object in channel.
3. Verify disc is properly seated in the carrier.
4. Replace optical drive. 
The disc icon does not show up on the desktop, or a dialog box appears to 
initialize disc
 
1. Verify the correct type of disc is being used.
2. Try cleaning the disc. It may not mount if dirty or scratched.
3. Verify media is positioned correctly: data side down.
4. Try a different disc. 
5. Listen to verify that the disc spins. 
						

							
 iBook G4 (14-inch Mid 2005) Troubleshooting - 
 
7
 
 Symptom Charts 6. Reseat optical drive cable.
7. Verify the logic board connection by trying a known-good optical drive and disc.
8. Replace optical drive cable.
9. Replace optical drive. 
The optical drive does not eject CD or DVD disc
 
1. Verify disc is not in use by quitting any applications that may be using the disc.
2. Press and hold Media Eject key at top right corner of keyboard. If that does not work,  hold down Function (fn) key and Media Eject key.
3. Drag disc icon to trash or select it and press Command-E.
4. Choose Restart from Apple menu while holding down trackpad button.
5. Refer to Take Apart to remove the stuck disc and replace the optical drive. Related article:
106752: Macintosh: How to Eject a Disc When Other Options Do Not Work 
The combo drive does not write at maximum speed
 
Refer to Knowledge Base article 86186: PowerBook G4, iBook: Combo Drive Does Not 
Write CD-R Media at Maximum Speed. 
Ports
 
The FireWire or USB port is not recognizing known devices
 
1. Completely shut down, then press the power button to start the computer.
2. Use Software Update in Mac OS X system preferences to verify that the latest  software is installed.
3. Use Apple System Pro filer to verify that the computer is recognizing the bus.
4. For USB, test ports with an Apple keyboard or mouse.
5. Verify USB port provides power to USB device.
6. For FireWire, test by connecting another computer in FireWire Target Disk Mode.  Refer to article 58583: How to Use FireWire Target Disk Mode.
7. Verify that drivers are installed properly for third party, if needed.
8. Try other port if available.
9. Try a different cable.
10. Try known-good device. 
						

							
 
8 -   
iBook G4 (14-inch Mid 2005) Troubleshooting  Symptom Charts
11. If self-powered make sure that the power supply is connected and devices LED 
indicates that it is getting power.
12. Replace logic board. 
A USB device not recognized by computer
 
Note:  
 If you are trying to use a serial device with a USB/Serial adapter, check with the 
manufacturer of the adapter for compatibility.
1. Completely shut down, then press the power button to start the computer.
2. Try known-good Apple USB keyboard or mouse to verify the port is working properly.
3. Verify current driver for the device is installed.
4. If a camera, turn on camera after initiating download with camera application.
5. Try the other USB port.
6. Try known-good cable.
7. Try different USB device on same port.
8. Eliminate chain by plugging in only one peripheral.
9. Replace logic board. 
Sound
 
Distorted sound from speakers
 
1. Verify sound is correct with external speakers/headphones. If sound is correct, replace  top case.
2. Verify speaker cables are inserted correctly, and check cables for damage.
3. Check balance in System Preferences: Sound: Output.
4. Compare same sound with two different units to make sure that sound is actually  distorted.
5. Replace top case.
6. Replace logic board. 
No sound from speaker(s)
 
1. Reset PRAM (Press the power button, then hold down the Option-Command-P-R  keys until you hear the startup chime at least one additional time after the initial 
startup chime).
2. Verify that the speaker cable is connected properly to logic board, and check cable for  damage. 
						

							
 
iBook G4 (14-inch Mid 2005) Troubleshooting -   
9
 
 Symptom Charts 3. Use the Software Update control panel to verify that the latest audio update has been 
installed.
4. Press the F3 key (with the fn key pressed and not pressed) to verify that mute mode is  not enabled.
5. Press the F4 or F5 key (with the fn key pressed and not pressed) to check the volume  setting.
6. Verify no external speakers or headphones are plugged in.
7. Shutdown computer and restart.
8. Replace top case.
9. Replace logic board
Related article: 58463: iBook: Sound Capabilities 
Startup
 
The computer will not power on
 
1. Remove any connected peripherals.
2. Try known-good power outlet.
3. Try known-good power adapter and power cord.
4. Remove battery.
5. Press Caps Lock key to see if light on key comes on. If it does, hold power button  down for six seconds to shut down the computer and restart.
6. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift- power.   
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).  
7. Reset PRAM (Press the power button, then hold down the Option-Command-P-R  keys until you hear the startup chime at least one additional time after the initial 
startup chime).
8. Disconnect keyboard completely. Inspect connectors. Restart with keyboard  disconnected.
9. Remove any additional RAM. 
10.  
Important:  
 The AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth card has speci fic handling precautions.  
						

							
 
10 -   
iBook G4 (14-inch Mid 2005) Troubleshooting  Symptom Charts
Make sure you review the section AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card in the Take Apart 
chapter before continuing.
Remove AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth card.
11. Try known-good DC board.
12. Verify cable connections and check cables for damage.
13. Verify power button is connected properly to logic board, if power button is not  functioning correctly or damaged, replace the top case.
14. Replace logic board. 
At startup, a dialog box comes up stating “kernel panic” in Mac OS X
 
1. If a RAM card is installed in the expansion slot, remove it and restart. • If symptom repeats, replace logic board.
• If symptom does not repeat, replace RAM card with known-good RAM card an\
d restart.
2. If no RAM card is installed, replace logic board.
Related article:  111772: iBook (Dual USB): Beeps Are Heard at Startup (one to four bee\
ps) 
Display
 
No display, or dim display, but computer appears to operate correctly (if dim, 
display shows startup icon and/or desktop)
 
1. Remove any connected peripherals.
2. Try known-good power outlet, power adapter and power cord.
3. Press F2 (with the fn key pressed and not pressed) to increase the screen brightness  setting.
4. Reboot the computer—hold down the Control and Command keys and press the  Power button, or press and hold the Power button for 5 to 10 seconds to shut down the 
computer, then press the Power button to restart.
5. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift- power.   
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel). 
						

							
 
iBook G4 (14-inch Mid 2005) Troubleshooting -   
11
 
 Symptom Charts 6. Reset PRAM (Press the power button, then hold down the Option-Command-P-R 
keys until you hear the startup chime at least one additional time after the initial 
startup chime).
7. Connect an external display, and check for video on external display. • If video is fine on external display, troubleshoot LCD panel and verify \
cable connections to inverter and LCD.
• If video symptom is same on external display, replace logic board.
8. Verify backlight cable and LVDS cable connections are seated properly and that the  cables are not damaged (refer to display assembly replacement instructions).
9. Replace LCD panel.
10. Verify cable connections and check cables around the hinges for damage.
11. Replace logic board. 
When displaying a single color over the screen area, the LCD panel shows one 
or more pixels that are not properly lit
 
Active-matrix LCD technology uses rows and columns of addressable locations (pixels) 
that render text and images on screen. Each pixel location has three separate subpixels 
(red, green, and blue) that allow the image to be rendered in full color. Each subpixel has a 
corresponding transistor responsible for turning the subpixel on or off.
There are typically millions of these subpixels on an LCD display. For example, the LCD 
panel used in the Apple Cinema HD display is made up of 2.3 million pixels and 6.9 million 
red, green, and blue subpixels. Occasionally, a transistor does not work perfectly, which 
may result in the affected subpixel being turned on (bright) or turned off (dark). With the 
millions of subpixels on a display, it is quite possible to have a low number of faulty 
transistors on an LCD. Therefore, a certain number of subpixel anomalies is considered 
acceptable. Rejecting all but perfect LCD panels would signi ficantly increase the retail 
price for products using LCD displays. These factors apply to all manufacturers using LCD 
technology—not just Apple products.
To determine whether or not the display has an acceptable number of pixel anomalies, 
follow the steps below:
1. Set the display image to one of the following colors: all-white display, all-red display,  all-green display, or all-blue display.
2. Using a jeweler’s loupe, pocket microscope, or other magnifying device, identify and  count each subpixel anomaly:
• Bright subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always on
• Dark subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always off 
						

							
 
12 -   
iBook G4 (14-inch Mid 2005) Troubleshooting  Symptom Charts
3.
 
Important:  
 Check the number of subpixel anomalies with the following chart:
4. If the number of subpixel anomalies exceeds the acceptable number listed in the  chart, replace the LCD panel.
5. If the number of subpixel anomalies is acceptable, explain to the customer that the  pixel anomalies are within speci fications, and no repair is necessary.   
Important:  
  Do not release the specifications to customers. Instead, inform them t\
hat 
a certain number of subpixel anomalies is considered acceptable, and these factors 
apply to all manufacturers using LCD technology—not just Apple products. 
Scrambled or distorted video
 
Check for video on external display.
• If video is fine on external display, replace LVDS cable.
• If video is scrambled or distorted on external display, replace LCD pane\
l. 
Video (S-Video and Composite adapter)
 
No video on an external device
 
1. Make sure you are using the S-Video and Composite adapter cable.
2. Verify TV or VCR is set up properly with correct source.
3. Try different TV or VCR. Check owner’s manual for TV or VCR.
4. Replace adapter cable.
5. Replace logic board.  
The display is rolling (PAL instead of NTSC)
 
1. Make sure you are not using Apples A/V Video Cable.
2. Make sure you are using the S-Video and Composite adapter cable.
3. In Mac OS X, go to the Displays system preference to change the setting.
4. Try a different TV or VCR.
5. Try a different adapter cable
6. Replace logic board.  
LCD Size 
(inches) Acceptable Number of Subpixel 
Anomalies Replace the LCD Panel 
Bright Dark Combination BrightDark  Combination
12.1 to 15.2 up to 3 up to 5 up to 7 4 or  more 6 or more 8 or more 
						

							
 
iBook G4 (14-inch Mid 2005) Troubleshooting -   
13
 
 Symptom Charts 
Display shows ghosting (signal re flection) 
 
1. Verify that cables are correctly installed and  firmly seated. Check cables for damage.
2. Replace video adapter. 
Video (VGA adapter)
 
No video on an external device
 
1. Verify monitor that is used in testing is known-good and is supported by this computer.
2. Try known-good VGA adapter.
3. Replace logic board.
4. Replace VGA adapter cable.
5. Replace logic board.  
Display shows ghosting (signal re flection) 
 
1. Verify that cables are correctly installed and  firmly seated. Check cables for damage.
2. Replace video adapter. 
Misc. Symptoms
 
The computer runs with battery, but not with the power adapter plugged into 
wall outlet
 
1. Try known-good power outlet. 
2. Try known-good power adapter and power cord.   
Note:  
 Verify that power adapter connector glows amber or green. If the power \
adapter light is green, turn over the computer and press the battery but\
ton. The 
battery lights should glow green and stay on if the power adapter is ope\
rating 
correctly.
3. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift- power.   
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).  
4. Replace the DC-in board and verify connection to the logic board. 
5. Replace logic board. 
Related article: 88133: iBook (Dual USB): Using PowerBook G4 Adapter 
						

							
 
14 -   
iBook G4 (14-inch Mid 2005) Troubleshooting  Symptom Charts 
The computer runs when plugged into a wall outlet but not on battery power
 
1. Reseat battery to verify battery is seated correctly with battery lock engaged.
2. Try known-good charged battery.
3. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift- power.   
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).  
4. Verify connection and cables on battery transfer board.
5. Replace battery transfer board.
6. Replace logic board. 
The cursor does not move when you are using trackpad
 
1. Verify that no USB device is connected.
2. Boot from a Mac OS system CD to verify that it is not a software problem.
3. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift- power.   
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).  
4. Check trackpad cable and connection to the logic board (see separate Top Case  replacement instructions for location under RAM shield).
5. Replace top case.
6. Replace logic board. 
The cursor intermittently does not move or moves erratically
 
Note:  
 User must touch with the surface of only one  finger at a time and point directly down 
on the trackpad surface.
1. Clean trackpad surface (with computer off, using a non-static-inducing material).
2. Completely shut down, then press the power button to start the computer. 
						

							
 
iBook G4 (14-inch Mid 2005) Troubleshooting -   
15  
 Symptom Charts 3. Reset the power manager by pressing the key combination Control-Option-Shift-
power.   
Warning: Make sure you do not hold down the fn key when resetting the 
power manager.
Warning: Resetting the power manager means you will also need to reset the 
date and time (using the Date & Time control panel).  
4. Reset PRAM (Press the power button, then hold down the Option-Command-P-R  keys until you hear the startup chime at least one additional time after the initial 
startup chime).
5. Remove and reseat memory card.
6. Try unit on battery power. If problem goes away, replace power adapter.
7. Place a Mac OS system CD in the optical disc drive, press the start button and hold  down the “C” key. Check the cursor movement, to see if the problem is software.
8. Check trackpad cable and connection to the logic board (see separate Top Case  replacement instructions for location under RAM shield).
9. Replace top case.
10. Reseat the heatsink if it is not properly secured.
11. Replace logic board. 
The microphone is not working
 
1. Check the signal level and level meter and adjust the gain.
2. Reset PRAM (Press the power button, then hold down the Option-Command-P-R  keys until you hear the startup chime at least one additional time after the initial 
startup chime).
3. Verify microphone cable connection to logic board, and check cable for damage.
4. Replace microphone cable.
5. Replace logic board. 
The latching mechanism that holds the display closed is not working
 
Note:   
As the display closes against the top case, a hook in the top of the display housing 
should be magnetically pulled down into a slot in the top case, and secured. When the 
latch button is pushed, the hook should release and retract into the display housing, 
allowing the display to open.
1. Verify hook operation by exercising the latch mechanism. 
2. If the hook does not operate properly, replace the display assembly.
3. If the latch or latch button does not operate properly, replace the top case assembly.