K
Service Source
PowerBook G3 Series
M4753
K
Service Source
Hot Issues
PowerBook G3 Series
Hot Issues Overview - 1
Overview
This chapter is designed to highlight unique or highpriority product issues that you should be aware of before
servicing the PowerBook G3 Series computers.
This chapter alerts you to important issues and provides
links to other areas in the manual where more complete
information can be found. This chapter is not intended to
replace other parts of this manual; it merely provides a
pointer to pertinent information in those chapters.
To familiarize yourself with a new product family, always
read the Basics chapter in its entirety.
Hot Issues Overview - 2
PowerBook G3 Series: Identifying PowerBook
G3 Series Circuit Boards
Discussion:
boards it is very important to check the ID codes to verify
that you are ordering the correct part.
The ID codes listed below can be found within the serial
numbers that are attached to the circuit boards. They are
not part of the whole unit serial number that is attached to
the bottom of the PowerBook.
These serial numbers can be located in the following
locations.
• Microprocessor Board: Follow the instructions in Service
Source for removing the microprocessor card. With the
card removed, look at the serial number/bar code label
on the SODIMM conector on the bottom side of the card.
When replacing PowerBook G3 Series circuit
Hot Issues Overview - 3
• I/O Logic Board: This serial number label is viewable
from the opening for the PC Card slots. You don’t need to
disassemble the PowerBook. Gently push in the PC Card
slot doors and look inside the opening. You should see the
serial number/bar code label. You may need to use a
small flashlight to see the lettering on the label.
The ID codes are printed in one of two ways:
– Either the next-to-last three characters in the serial
number. For example, if the serial number is
*CK8xxxxxyyyx* then the ID code would be “yyy”.
– Or within the last 5 characters of the serial number.
For example, if the serial number is
*KC8xxxxxxyyyxx* then the ID code would be “yyy”.
This type of serial number label has Singapore printed
directly after the serial number.
Hot Issues Overview - 4
Exchange Parts Like for Like
Unless directed otherwise in the Service Parts Database,
exchange parts like for like. Refer to the following table for
the listing of ID Codes.
Microprocessor Board
Description Service
ID Code
Part #
233 MHz/0 cache 661-2035 BKF
233 MHz/512K cache 661-2089 DW3, ERN
250 MHz/1 M cache 661-2036 BKE
266 MHz/1 M cache 661-2097 EE8
292 MHz/1 M cache 661-2021 BAD
300 MHz/1 M cache 661-2088 DW4
Hot Issues Overview - 5
.
I/O Logic Board
Description Service
Part #
2 MB SGRAM, no TV out 661-2058 BKG,
2 MB SGRAM, TV out 661-2094 DW6
ID
Code
DGK,
DFL
Hot Issues Intermittent Video with 13.3” Display - 6
Intermittent Video with 13.3” Display
Customers may describe symptoms related to intermittent
video when using PowerBook G3 Series computers
configured with the 13.3* display. Reported symptoms may
include one of the following:
• intermittent vertical lines
• flickering of the video
• the screen may fade to white.
These symptoms may be caused by an intermittent
connection between the internal display cable and the
connector it attaches to on the display. If the customer
experiences one of these symptoms the unit should be
dispatched for replacement of the display cable.
Replacement of the I/O logic board or the display are not
necessary.
Hot Issues Intermittent Video with 13.3” Display - 7
Service Providers are asked to contact Apple to arrange for
the unit to be dispatched to Apple’s Central Product Repair
Center. If customers wish, they may contact Apple to
arrange this dispatch themselves.
K
Service Source
Basics
PowerBook G3 Series
Basics Product Overview - 1
Product Overview
The PowerBook G3 Series is
the first PowerBook to offer
build-to-order options that
include a choice of
microprocessor speed,
internal hard disk, on-board
RAM, and display size and
type.
Note:
The PowerBook G3
Series can be distinguished
from other PowerBooks by
its physical design and the
family marketing number
M4753 on the bottom
product label.
Basics Product Overview - 2
Features
The PowerBook G3 Series includes
• PowerPC G3 microprocessor running at clock speeds of
233, 250, 266, 292, or 300 MHz
• Backside L2 cache of up to1 MB of fast static RAM
• Two standard SO-DIMM expansion slots for SDRAM
modules and 32 MB minimum of SDRAM installed,
Click the icon above to
see a 360-degree view
and some of the exterior
features of the PowerBook
G3 Series.
expandable to 192 MB total
• Built-in hard disk drives of 2 to 8 GB
• Choice of 13.3 or 14.1-inch TFT display with XGA
resolution (1024 x 768 pixels), or 12.1-inch STN or
TFT display with SVGA resolution (800 x 600 pixels)
• Standard VGA video connector for external video monitor
with XGA resolution, or S-video connector that supports
PAL and NTSC video monitors
• Either 2 MB or 4 MB of video SGRAM
• Built-in 2D and 3D graphics acceleration via video
Basics Product Overview - 3
circuits
• Two expansion bays for batteries, floppy disk drive, CDROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, and other IDE or PCI devices
• Two CardBus slots that accept one Type III or two Type II
CardBus cards or PC Cards
• Built-in Ethernet port with a 10BaseT connector
• Infrared link for up to 4 Mbit-per-second IrDA data
transfer
• Built-in modem with 56 kbps data rate in some
configurations (optional)
• Built-in microphone and speakers as well as a line-level
stereo input jack and a stereo headphone jack
• New keyboard design with an embedded numeric keypad
and inverted-T arrow keys
• New compact 45 watt AC adapter
Basics System Configurations - 4
System Configurations
At introduction in May, 1998, six basic configurations of
the PowerBook G3 Series computer were available. With
build-to-order options, customers may customize their
PowerBook G3 Series computers in a variety of ways.
In September, 1998, five new configurations were
introduced that feature three new processor cards and
support resolution switching of the display. An additional
configuration was added October 1. To determine whether the
unit you are looking at is one of these later configurations,
check the Apple System Profiler to see if the unit has a clock
speed of 233 MHz with 512K cache, 266 MHz, or 300 MHz.
For more details on these configurations and on the buildto-order-options, see the Data Sheet at the end of the
Specifications chapter of this manual.
Basics System Configurations - 5
PowerBook G3 Series configurations introduced May, 1998
M6359LL/A M6477LL/A M6481LL/A
Display
Processor Speed
Backside L2 Cache
Memory (SDRAM)
Video (SGRAM)
Hard Disk Drive
Floppy Drive
CD-ROM Drive
K56flex Modem
S-video Out
12.1 STN 12.1 STN 13.3 TFT
233 MHz 233 MHz 233 MHz
No No No
32MB 32MB 32MB
2MB 2MB 4MB
2GB IDE 2GB IDE 2GB IDE
No Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
No Yes No
No No Yes
Basics System Configurations - 6
PowerBook G3 Series configurations introduced May, 1998 (cont.)
M6357LL/A M6484LL/A M6541LL/A
Display
Processor Speed
Backside L2 Cache
Memory (SDRAM)
Video (SGRAM)
Hard Disk Drive
Floppy Drive
CD-ROM Drive
K56flex Modem
S-video Out
13.3 TFT 14.1 TFT 14.1 TFT
250 MHz 233 MHz 292 MHz
1MB No 1MB
32MB 32MB 64MB
4MB 4MB 4MB
4GB IDE 2GB IDE 8GB IDE
Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Yes No Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Basics System Configurations - 7
PowerBook G3 Series configurations introduced September, 1998
M7229LL/A
M6359LL/A M6477LL/A
Display 12.1 STN 12.1 STN 12.1 TFT
Processor Speed 233 MHz 233 MHz 233 MHz
Backside L2 Cache No No 512K
Memory (SDRAM) 32MB 32MB 32MB
Video (SGRAM) 2MB 2MB 2MB
Video Controller ATI Rage LT ATI Rage LT ATI Rage LT PRO
Hard Disk Drive 2GB IDE 2GB IDE 2GB IDE
CD-ROM Drive Yes Yes Yes
K56flex Modem No Yes No
S-video Out No No Yes
(October 1, 1998)
Basics System Configurations - 8
PowerBook G3 Series configurations introduced September, 1998 (cont.)
M7109LL/A M7110LL/A M7111LL/A
Display 14.1 TFT 14.1 TFT 14.1 TFT
Processor Speed 233 MHz 266 MHz 300 MHz
Backside L2 Cache 512K 1MB 1MB
Memory (SDRAM) 32MB 64MB 64MB
Video (SGRAM) 4MB 4MB 4MB
Video Controller ATI Rage LT PRO ATI Rage LT PRO ATI Rage LT PRO
Hard Disk Drive 2GB IDE 4GB IDE 8GB IDE
CD-ROM Drive Yes Yes No
DVD-ROM Drive No No Yes
K56flex Modem Yes Yes Yes
S-video Out Yes Yes Yes
Basics DVD-Video PC Card Option - 9
DVD-Video PC Card Option
The DVD-Video PC card is an
option that was introduced in
July, 1998 for the
PowerBook G3 Series.
Together with its software,
the DVD-Video PC card
provides DVD-Video
playback capabilities for
PowerBook G3 Series
computers equipped with a
DVD-ROM expansion bay
module.
DVD discs are similar to
music CDs and CD-ROM
Basics DVD-Video PC Card Option - 10
discs, but they can hold up to 25 times the amount of data.
This greater capacity allows an entire movie to be stored on
a single disc, usually with extra storage space left over.
Some DVD-Video discs use the additional storage space for
different language tracks, extra video clips, and director’s
notes.
Click the icon above for
the DVD-Video PC Card
operation and installation
manual.
Important:
Audio and video quality varies extensively
among DVD-Video disc titles. Symptoms that suggest a DVDVideo PC card failure could actually be caused by a damaged
or poorly manufactured DVD-Video disc. To avoid needless
DVD-Video PC card replacement, we suggest testing at least
two DVD-Video disc titles to see if the symptom persists. For
troubleshooting procedures, refer to “DVD-Video PC Card”
in the Troubleshooting chapter.
For DVD specifications refer to the DVD data sheet that
follows the Specifications chapter in this manual.
Basics Repair Strategy - 11
Repair Strategy
In the US only, refer to the latest program notice for special
service considerations. Beginning September 1, 1998,
parts for the PowerBook G3 Series will be available for
order through the Service Price Pages and the AppleOrder
and ARIS systems. Except for the displays, Apple Authorized
Service Providers in the US can now repair PowerBook G3
Series systems. In Canada, Apple Authorized Service
Providers can also repair displays.
Because of the complexity of the repairs, we are limiting all
PowerBook G3 Series display repairs, except for repairing
the latch, to the Central Product Repair Center (CPRC). This
includes the 12.1" STN display. On PowerBook G3 Series
12.1” STN displays, the EMI shield is prone to tearing and
may not fit correctly after reassembly (refer to the
Additional Procedures chapter for more information).
Basics Repair Strategy - 12
Service the PowerBook G3 Series computers through module
exchange and parts replacement. Customers can request onsite service from an Apple Authorized Service Provider Plus
(AASP+), Apple Assurance (US only), or Apple Canada
Technical Answerline (Canada only). They can also choose
carry-in service from an AASP.
Ordering
Apple Service Providers planning to support the computer
systems covered in this manual may purchase Service
modules and parts to develop servicing capability. To order
parts, use the AppleOrder (US only) or ARIS (Canada only)
system and refer to the PowerBook G3 Series “Service
Price Pages.”
Large businesses, universities, and K-12 accounts must
provide a purchase order on all transactions, including
Basics Repair Strategy - 13
orders placed through the AppleOrder (US only) or ARIS
(Canada only) system.
US Ordering
US Service providers not enrolled in AppleOrder may fax
their orders to Service Provider Support (512-908-
8125) or mail them to
Apple Computer, Inc.
Service Provider Support
MS 212-SPS
Austin, TX 78714-9125
For US inquiries, please call Service Provider Support at
800-919-2775 and select option #1.
Basics Repair Strategy - 14
Canadian Ordering
In Canada, all service parts (including the displays) are
available through ARIS. Refer to the Service Price Pages or
Service Source Online for part numbers and pricing.
Canadian Service Providers not enrolled in ARIS may fax
their orders to Service Provider Support in Canada (1800-903-5284). For Canadian inquiries, please call
Service Provider Support at 905-513-5782 and select
option #3.
Basics Warranty/AppleCare/ARIS - 15
Warranty/AppleCare/ARIS
US Only
The PowerBook G3 Series computers are covered under the
Apple One-Year Global Limited Warranty. The AppleCare
Service Plan is also available for these products. Service
Providers are reimbursed for warranty and AppleCare
repairs made to these computers. For pricing information,
refer to “Service Price Pages.”
Canada Only
The PowerBook G3 Series computers are covered under
first-year AppleCare. The Extended AppleCare Service Plan
is also available for these products. Service Providers are
reimbursed for warranty and AppleCare repairs made to
these computers. For pricing information, refer to “Service
Price Pages.”
Basics Repair Issues - 16
Repair Issues
Prevent Cosmetic Damage
The outside plastics of the PowerBook G3 Series computers
are vulnerable to scratches and finger marks from skin oil.
To prevent cosmetic damage to a customer’s PowerBook, do
not wear jewelry when handling the computer, and wear
gloves if you have them available. Wipe fingerprints from
the outside plastics with a damp cloth.
Install Microprocessor Board Securely
The microprocessor board can be partially inserted and the
computer will still function. However, over time, heat will
cause the microprocessor board to lose contact and can cause
the system to have intermittent problems such as no booting.
Basics Repair Issues - 17
Therefore, verify proper installation by pressing on the
microprocessor board connector a second time to make sure
the board is fully seated.
Verify Parts Before Placing Orders
The PowerBook G3 Series computers offer build-to-order
features. For this reason, it is mandatory that you either see
the part you are replacing, or use diagnostics to identify the
part, before you place a parts order. Misidentification of
parts may occur if this step is not performed first.
Exchange Parts Like for Like
Unless directed otherwise in the Service Parts Database,
exchange parts like for like. Refer to the following table for
special part considerations.
Basics Repair Issues - 18
PowerBook G3 Series Part ID Codes
Part Description
Microprocessor
Board
I/O Logic Board 2 MB SGRAM, no TV out, ATI Rage LT
Modem 56K, Americas, GV
Battery Bottom and side shims
233 MHz/0 cache
233 MHz/512K cache
250 MHz/1 M cache
266 MHz/1 M cache
292 MHz/1 M cache
300 MHz/1 M cache
2 MB SGRAM, TV out, ATI Rage Pro
4 MB SGRAM, TV out, ATI Rage Pro
4 MB SGRAM, TV out, ATI Rage LT
K56flex/V.90, North America/Asia
Bottom shim only
Service Part
Number
661-2035
661-2089
661-2036
661-2097
661-2021
661-2088
661-2058
661-2094
661-2087
661-2019
661-1504
661-2098
661-2069
661-2069
ID Code or
Characteristic
BKF
DW3, ERN
BKE
EE8
BAD
DW4
BKG, DGK, DFL
DW6
DW7
B9B, DGL, DFM
white insulator
E3J
AXW or E7L
E3W or E7M
Basics Repair Issues - 19
Note:
ID codes are in the last five digits of the serial number
on the component or part. To see the I/O logic board serial
number, turn the top of the unit toward you, push in on the
PC Card door, and look down at the bottom case.
I/O Logic Board Identification
There are two I/O logic boards with both TV out and 4 MB of
SGRAM. Look for these differences to differentiate them:
• 661-2019 has components at locations U8 and U9 on the
top of the board under the microprocessor board, and an
ATI Rage LT chip on the bottom of the board.
• 661-2087 has no components at locations U8 and U9 on
the top of the board under the microprocessor board, and
has an ATI Rage Pro chip on the bottom of the board.
Basics Repair Issues - 20
Microprocessor and I/O Logic Board Compatibility
I/O logic boards and microprocessor boards shipped in early PowerBook G3
Series computers are not compatible with those shipped later and should not
be used together. Refer to the chart below to check compatibility when
replacing these parts.
Table 1: Microprocessor—I/O Logic Board Compatibility Chart
661-2019 661-2058 661-2087 661-2094
661-2021 yes yes no yes
661-2035 yes yes no yes
661-2036 yes yes no yes
661-2088 no no yes no
661-2089 no no yes no
661-2097 no no yes no
Basics Hard Disks and HFS Plus - 21
Hard Disks and HFS Plus
PowerBook G3 Series hard disks use a new, improved file
format called Mac OS Extended format (HFS Plus). HFS Plus
has two benefits: it increases the number of files that can be
stored on the hard disk, and it lets the computer work with
data more efficiently than previous formats.
Disk Utilities
Some disk utility and disk locking programs manufactured
by companies other than Apple are incompatible with HFS
Plus.
Using an incompatible disk utility or disk locking program
could result in hard disk corruption and loss of all data on
the hard disk. Check the documentation that came with the
program or contact the manufacturer or the vendor of the
Basics Hard Disks and HFS Plus - 22
program before attempting to use it. Apple recommends
using the utility Disk First Aid, which is included on the
system software CD that ships with the PowerBook G3
Series.
Norton Utilities
Warning:
on your hard disk can result in hard disk corruption and loss
of all your data.
Norton Utilities version 3.5.1 and earlier is not compatible
with Mac OS Extended format. See the Symantec Web site at
http://www.symantec.com/nu/num-hfs.html for more
information on Norton Utilities and Mac OS Extended format.
Using Norton Utilities version 3.5.1 or earlier
Basics Hard Disks and HFS Plus - 23
SCSI Disk Mode
To use a PowerBook in SCSI disk mode, the computer you are
connecting to must be running Mac OS 8.1 or later. If the
computer is running an earlier version of system software,
no user files will be visible on the PowerBook hard disk.
Basics Expansion Bay Modules - 24
Expansion Bay Modules
The expansion bays in the PowerBook G3 Series are not the
same as those in the PowerBook G3 and PowerBook 3400
computers. Expansion bay modules designed for earlier
PowerBook computers will not fit in the expansion bays of
the PowerBook G3 Series.
The left expansion bay accepts both floppy drives and
PowerBook G3 Series batteries. The right expansion bay
accepts PowerBook G3 Series batteries and the wider 5.25inch CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, and Zip drives. When
a smaller device is inserted, the expansion bay flip door
covers the empty part of the bay.
Expansion bay modules may be removed while the
PowerBook is turned on, in sleep, or shut down. Modules
should not be swapped while the computer is starting up.
Basics Battery Information - 25
Battery Information
The PowerBook G3 Series uses Lithium Ion (LiIon) batteries
that charge whenever the external AC adapter is connected.
LiIon batteries have battery level indicator lights that tell
whether the battery is fully charged, three-fourths
charged, one-half charged, one-fourth charged, or empty. If
the battery lights blink, there is a problem with the
battery. To check the battery charge, press the status button
located next to the status lights.
Battery Handling Guidelines
Warning:
should not be thrown out with household or office trash.
Review battery handling and disposal instructions in Safety
Information in Bulletins/Safety.
LiIon batteries contain hazardous chemicals and
Basics Battery Information - 26
The following are guidelines for properly handling the
PowerBook G3 Series batteries:
• Handle the battery carefully. Do not drop, puncture,
disassemble, mutilate, or incinerate it.
• Do not leave a battery in the computer for longer than a
week without plugging in the power adapter.
• Do not short the battery contacts.
• Do not leave the battery in hot locations (such as the
trunk of a car).
• Do not leave a battery in storage for longer than six
months without recharging it.
• Never get batteries wet.
• Recharge batteries only as described in the user’s manual
and only in ventilated areas.
Basics PC Card Handling - 27
PC Card Handling
The PowerBook G3 Series has two PC Card slots that can hold
two PC cards simultaneously. Both slots hold Type I (3.3
mm) and Type II (5 mm) cards, but only the lower slot
holds a Type III (10.5 mm) card. When a Type III PC Card is
inserted in the lower slot, the upper slot cannot be used.
The lower PC Card slot has circuitry for handling video
signals (zoom video) and DVD-Video PC cards. Although a
zoom video card is a Type II card, it can only be used in the
lower slot.
The following are guidelines for properly handling PC Cards:
• Use only cards that are compatible with the PC Card unit.
Refer to the compatibility information that came with the
PC Card. If you cannot find the compatibility information,
contact the card vendor.
Basics PC Card Handling - 28
• Do not insert anything other than a PC Card into the card
slots.
• The computer must be on or off in order to eject a PC
Card. When the computer is in sleep mode, a PC Card
cannot be ejected.
• Before you eject a card, make sure nothing is blocking
the card’s slot.
• If you want to use the card again immediately, pull it out
about an inch more, wait eight seconds, and then push it
back in. If you don’t follow this procedure and try to push
the card back in to use it again, the card will not engage
properly.
• Do not pull on a PC Card before it has been ejected out of
the slot. Forcing a PC Card out of the slot may damage the
computer or the card.
Basics View of Front and Right Side - 29
View of Front and Right Side
The front of the computer includes the: microphone, sleep
indicator, brightness control, power button, contrast
control (FSTN displays only), volume control (non FSTN
displays), PC Card eject buttons, mute button, trackpad,
trackpad button, and right expansion bay release lever.
The right side includes the security slot and the right
expansion bay.
The front of the computer is shown on the following page.
Basics View of Front and Right Side - 30
Contrast Control
(non-active
matrix Displays)
Volume Contol
(active matrixDisplays)
Mute Button
Speaker
Trackpad
Trackpad
Button
Left Media Bay
Release Lever
Right media Bay
Release Lever
PowerBook G3 Series Front View
Display Latch
Microphone
Brightness
Control
Sleep indicator
Power button
Speaker
Security Slot
Media bay
CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM
Drive Inserted
Basics View of Rear and Left Side - 31
View of Rear and Left Side
The rear of the computer includes the: microphone, printer/
external modem port, ADB port, Sound input port, sound
output port, power adapter port, ethernet port, SCSI port,
external TV out port (optional), external monitor port, and
infrared.
The left side includes the PC Card slots, internal modem port
(optional), and the left expansion bay.
Note:
The PowerBook G3 Series does not have a hardware
reset switch. To reset, press Shift-Fn-Ctrl-Power.
The rear of the computer is pictured on the following page:
Basics View of Rear and Left Side - 32
PowerBook G3 Series Rear View
Basics Boards and Cards - 33
Boards and Cards
The PowerBook G3 Series features a modular architecture
with four boards and three cards (or four if an internal
modem is installed) that support all the necessary functions.
The three main boards—I/O Logic Board, Microprocessor
Board, and PMU Board—are discussed on the following pages.
Basics Boards and Cards - 34
r
I/O Logic Board
Fan
Connector
Modem Card
Connector
Expansion Bay
Connector
Display Data
Cable
Connector
PC Card
Cardcage
Connector
Display Inverter
Cable
Connector
Sound
Card
Connector
Microprocessor
Board
Connector
Hard Drive
Connector
PMU Board Connecto
Power Supply Card
Connector
Expansion Bay
Connector
The I/O logic board includes
all the I/O interfaces, video
and display support, and
expansion bays. The PC Card
cardcage mechanism
(CardBus slots) is a
separate part that connects
to the I/O logic board.
The I/O logic board also
includes two I/O controller
ICs that integrate most of the
standard Macintosh I/O
controllers such as SCSI,
SCC, IDE, floppy disk,
sound, Ethernet, and VIA.
Basics Boards and Cards - 35
Microprocessor Board
The microprocessor board
contains the high-speed
components: the
microprocessor, backside
cache, main memory,
system ROM, and the IC that
contains the memory
controller and the PCI bus
bridge.
The Microprocessor board
has two memory card slots.
The top slot is the userreplaceable slot. The slot on
the underside of the board is
used by the factory.
Microprocessor
Board
RAM
Card Slot
I/O Logic Board
Connector
(Underside
of Board)
Basics Boards and Cards - 36
Trackpad
Cable
Connector
Backup
Battery
Connector
PMU Cable
Connectors
PMU Board
Keyboard Cable
Connector
Control
Buttons
Cable
Connector
PMU Board
The PMU board controls the
sleep and power on and off
sequences, power to the
other ICs, and brightness of
the display.
Basics - 37
Internal Hardware Locator
RAM Card
Microprocessor
PC Card Ejector
I/OLogic Board
Modem Card
(Internal)
Battery
Charge Card
Board
Switch
Power Supply Card
Trackpad
Inverter
Board
Sound Card
Hard Drive
PMU Board
CD-ROM Drive
*
* Location
varies with
each display
size.
K
Service Source
Specifications
PowerBook G3 Series
Specifications Introduction - 1
Introduction
Specifications information for this product can be found in the SpecDatabase, which you can
access at Service Source Online (http://service.info.apple.com) or on Service Source CD.
Spec Database at Service Source Online
From the Service Source Online home page, click Troubleshoot and Repair to access the main
repair procedures page. Then click either Apple Spec in the navigation table in the upper
right corner of the page, or click Apple Spec Database from the list of reference tools below.
Spec Database on Service Source CD
Open the CD and double-click the Apple Spec Database alias located at the
top level of the CD.
Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series
At first glance, you’ll be struck by the style of these computers. On closer
examination, you’ll find their advanced features and outstanding flexibility
even more striking. Most impressive of all, though, is their performance.
These innovative notebook systems outperform comparable Pentium and
Pentium II processor–based notebook and desktop systems.* Simply put,
the Apple Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series sets new standards for portable
design, performance, and value.
The Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series truly offers “something for everyone”—from creative professionals to educators and students to business
professionals. Built around the high-performance PowerPC G3 processor with
performance-boosting backside level 2 cache—the same innovative chip that
sparked the success of Apple’s current line of desktop systems—these notebook systems provide the power to handle even the most demanding tasks.
To complement their power, the PowerBook G3 notebook systems
incorporate the impressive multimedia capabilities that are a must for today’s
educators and business professionals. And since Apple understands that individual needs are just that—individual—these systems offer flexible configuration options. Each system includes either a high-speed CD-ROM drive or a
DVD-ROM drive for the latest storage technology. And with the DVD-Video
PC Card that comes with the DVD-ROM drive, you can play the latest DVD
movies. PowerBook G3 systems also include built-in video output, as well as
S-video output for connecting to a TV.
The innovative design of these computers is as functional as it is attractive, with features such as two hot-swappable expansion bays for multiple
storage options and lithium-ion batteries, and a flip-up keyboard for fast,
easy access to memory expansion and the removable hard disk drive.
The PowerBook G3 systems’ communications offerings include built-in
Ethernet—a requirement in most educational environments as well as in
business. And an internal 56-Kbps modem lets you tap into your organizational network or the Internet***.
The Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series: Truly versatile portable systems
that give you unmatched performance, style, and capabilities to meet your
needs at a price you can afford.
Features
Astounding performance
• Features the PowerPC G3 processor, for the
fastest performance ever in a notebook computer
• Incorporates performance-boosting backside
level 2 cache
• Uses SDRAM and SGRAM for the fastest
memory architecture available
• Supports two lithium-ion batteries for up to
7 hours of normal use
• Offers flexible configuration options to meet
your needs and your budget
Advanced multimedia
• Features a high-quality 12.1- or 14.1-inch
(diagonal) active-matrix (TFT) display
• Includes up to 4MB of video memory, for
displaying millions of colors on an external
monitor
• Provides resolution scaling and outstanding
2D/3D graphics acceleration through the integrated ATI RAGE LT PRO graphics controller
• Includes a high-speed CD-ROM drive or a
DVD-ROM drive and DVD-Video PC Card for
the latest breakthrough in storage and video
playback
• Allows you to connect an external monitor,
video projector, or TV
Striking style
• Features an award-winning design that combines aesthetics and functionality
• Includes two expansion bays for a variety of
storage and battery options
• Provides easy access to memory expansion
and the removable hard disk drive through its
flip-up keyboard
• Accommodates CardBus cards and PC Cards
for additional networking, storage, dualmonitor support, and DVD-Video playback
capabilities
Integrated communications
• Includes built-in 10BASE-T Ethernet
• Includes internal modem that supports K56flex
and V.90 standard
• Comes with built-in 4-Mbps IrDA technology
for easy, wireless LAN access and file sharing
*Based on BYTEmark integer index.
**Based on Apple internal testing using MacBench 4.0
processor performance scores. Actual performance on
applications will vary. MacBench is a subsystem-level
benchmark that measures the relative performance of
Mac OS–based systems.
***Data speeds up to 56 Kbps, fax speeds up to 14.4 Kbps.
Actual download speeds vary with line conditions and your
Internet service provider’s modem capabilities. FCC regulations limit ISP transmission speeds to 53 Kbps in the U.S.
G3 Series at 300
with 1MB level 2 cache
G3 Series at 266
with 1MB level 2 cache
G3 Series at 233
with 512K level 2 cache
G3 Series at 233
without level 2 cache
1052
941
764
Based on MacBench Processor Scores**
3400c/240
333
445
1400c/166
155
Macintosh PowerBook
Performance Comparisons
Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series
Technical Specifications
Processor and memory
• 233-, 266-, or 300-MHz PowerPC G3 processor
• Up to 1MB backside level 2 cache on processor
module; 117-, 133-, or 150-MHz dedicated 64-bit
backside bus
• 66-MHz system bus
• Integrated floating-point unit and 64K on-chip
level 1 cache (32K data and 32K instruction)
• 32MB or 64MB of RAM (3.3-volt, unbuffered,
64-bit wide, 144-pin, running at more than
100 MHz, 10-nanosecond cycle time); two
SO-DIMM slots support up to 192MB
Storage
• Internal 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB IDE hard disk drive
• Two expansion bays for CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
drive, optional floppy disk drive, and third-party
storage solutions
• 20x-speed (maximum) CD-ROM drive for use
in expansion bay*
• 1.5x-speed (maximum) DVD-ROM drive for use
in expansion bay; supports CD-ROM discs at
up to 12x speed*
Interfaces
• Connectivity
— Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) port
— SCSI port for connecting as many as seven
external devices
— High-speed serial (RS-422) port compatible
with LocalTalk cables
— Power adapter port
• Communications
— Built-in 10BASE-T Ethernet connector (10 Mbps)
— RJ-11 modem port for K56flex and V.90 standard
modem
— Infrared technology port (4-Mbps IrDA)
• PC Card and CardBus expansion
— Support for two Type I or Type II cards or one
Type III card
— Support for Zoomed Video PC Cards in the
lower slot
• Video
— S-video output port
— 24-bit video output port (VGA-style connector)
• Sound
— 16-bit CD-quality stereo input/output
Video and graphics support
• 2MB or 4MB of SGRAM video memory supports
millions of colors on up to 20-inch external
displays
• Built-in 2D/3D graphics acceleration through an
integrated ATI RAGE LT PRO graphics controller
• With Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video PC Card
(included with DVD-ROM drive), supports DVDVideo playback*
Display
• 12.1-inch (diagonal) built-in TFT SVGA activematrix display; supports millions of colors at
800- by 600-pixel resolution; supports resolution
scaling to 640- by 480-pixel resolution
• 14.1-inch (diagonal) built-in TFT XGA activematrix display; supports millions of colors at
1,024- by 768-pixel resolution; supports
resolution scaling to 640- by 480-pixel or
800- by 600-pixel resolution
Sound
• Two built-in stereo speakers
• Internal omnidirectional microphone
Battery
• 49-watt-hour lithium ion
• Provides up to 3.5 hours with one battery, and up
to 7 hours with two batteries, based on normal use
Security
• Kensington cable lock slot
Keyboard
• Built-in full-size keyboard with 76 (U.S.)
or 77 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys,
4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement), and
embedded keypad
Apple trackpad
• Solid-state Apple trackpad provides precise
cursor control; supports tap, double-tap, and
drag capabilities
Electrical requirements
• Line voltage: 100 to 240 volts AC
• Frequency: 50 to 60 Hz
Environmental requirements
• Operating temperature: 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C)
• Storage temperature: –13° to 140° F (–25° to 60° C)
• Relative humidity: 20% to 80% noncondensing
• Operating altitude: 0 to 10,000 feet (0 to 3,048 m)
• Maximum storage altitude: 15,000 feet (4,572 m)
Size and weight
• Width: 10.4 inches (26.4 cm)
• Height: 12.7 inches (32.3 cm)
• Depth: 2.0 inches (5.1 cm; 5.3 cm for the
14.1-inch model)
• Weight (varies by configuration; examples listed
below include modem, battery, and CD-ROM
module)
— 12.1-inch model: 7.2 lb. (3.3 kg)
— 14.1-inch model: 7.8 lb. (3.5 kg)
*Available in some configurations; see Configurations
chart for product details.
Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series
Macintosh PowerBook G3 computers Display 12.1-inch TFT 14.1-inch TFT
Processor speed 233 MHz 233 MHz
Backside level 2 cache 512K 512K
Backside bus speed 117 MHz 117 MHz
Memory (SDRAM) 32MB 32MB
Video memory (SGRAM) 2MB 4MB
Graphics controller ATI RAGE LT PRO ATI RAGE LT PRO
System bus speed 66 MHz 66 MHz
Hard disk drive 2GB IDE drive 2GB IDE drive
CD-ROM drive module Yes Yes
DVD-ROM drive with DVD-Video playback — —
Ethernet Built-in 10BASE-T Built-in 10BASE-T
Modem (supports K56flex and V.90) Yes Yes
S-video output Yes Yes
Order no. M7110LL/A M7310LL/A M7111LL/A
Display 14.1-inch TFT 14.1-inch TFT 14.1-inch TFT
Processor speed 266 MHz 300 MHz 300 MHz
Backside level 2 cache 1MB 1MB 1MB
Backside bus speed 133 MHz 150 MHz 150 MHz
Memory (SDRAM) 64MB 64MB 64MB
Video memory (SGRAM) 4MB 4MB 4MB
Graphics controller ATI RAGE LT PRO ATI RAGE LT PRO ATI RAGE LT PRO
System bus speed 66 MHz 66 MHz 66 MHz
Hard disk drive 4GB IDE drive 8GB IDE drive 8GB IDE drive
CD-ROM drive module Yes Yes —
DVD-ROM drive with DVD-Video playback — — Yes
Ethernet Built-in 10BASE-T Built-in 10BASE-T Built-in 10BASE-T
Modem (supports K56flex and V.90) Yes Yes Yes
S-video output Yes Yes Yes
Configurations Order no. M7229LL/A M7109LL/A
© 1998 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, LocalTalk, Mac, Macintosh, and PowerBook are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S.A.
and other countries. The Apple Store is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, used under license therefrom.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. Mention of non-Apple products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of these products. All understandings,
agreements, or warranties, if any, take place directly between the vendors and the prospective users. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
October 1998 L02838G
Apple Computer, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 996-1010
www.apple.com
For detailed information about currently available
configurations, see the chart below. All models
also include a built-in keyboard and trackpad; all
necessary cables, such as an Ethernet cable, modem
cable, power adapter, S-video to composite adapter,
and VGA-to-Macintosh adapter; Mac OS 8.1 (which
includes Internet access software); third-party software (FAXstf, Now Contact & Up•to•Date, and
WebWhacker); complete setup, learning, and
reference documentation; and limited warranty.
Build-to-order (BTO) options
You can order a 14.1-inch-based custom-configured
PowerBook computer from the online Apple Store.
This allows you to select the processor speed,
amount of RAM, hard disk drive capacity, modem,
and expansion bay modules such as a floppy disk
drive and an additional lithium-ion battery.
For more information
For more information about these products, or
to find out where to buy Apple products, visit
www.apple.com on the World Wide Web or call
1-800-538-9696. To purchase these products
from the Apple Store, go to www.apple.com/store.
Accessories Order no.
PowerBook G3 Series Power Adapter M6384LL/A
PowerBook G3 Series Power Adapter (for Europe and U.K.) M6548G/A
PowerBook G3 Series Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery M6385G/A
PowerBook G3 Series Floppy Disk Drive Expansion Bay Module M6396G/A
Apple HDI-30 SCSI Disk Adapter for SCSI disk mode M2539LL/A
Apple SCSI Peripheral Interface Cable for SCSI-to-SCSI connection M0207
Apple HDI-30 SCSI System Cable for PowerBook-to-SCSI connection M2538LL/A
Ordering Information
Macintosh PowerBook
DVD-Video Kit
Features
Complete DVD solution
• DVD-ROM drive (CD compatible)
• DVD-Video PC Card
• DVD Player software
Stunning playback of digital movies
• Provides superb digital video and audio
• Lets you view movies on an external monitor
or television
Access to popular DVD and CD formats
• Lets you use CD-ROM, audio CD, Photo CD,
CD-R, and CD-i discs in addition to DVD-ROM
and DVD-Video discs
• Accesses CD-ROM discs at up to 12x speed
and DVD discs at up to 1.5x speed
Easy-to-use video control software
• Provides easy access to all DVD movie functions
• Lets you quickly select different audio tracks,
movie formats, subtitles, or captions (when
subtitles and captions are provided on the disc)
• Permits slow-motion, high-speed, and freezeframe playback
• Supports the Motion Picture Association of America
(MPAA) rating system for controlling access to
viewing movies
Vivid digital video. Crystal-clear digital audio. Massive storage capacity for data and multimedia.
The world is moving to DVD technology, and you can catch the excitement with the Macintosh
PowerBook DVD-Video Kit.
Unlike consumer DVD players, this complete PowerBook-based solution retains your access
to current CDs while adding DVD-ROM and DVD-Video capability. So you can enjoy today’s
hottest movies as well as multimedia titles, educational materials, games, and your other
favorite discs.
The Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video Kit contains a PowerBook G3 Series DVD-ROM
Expansion Bay Module, a Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video PC Card, and Apple DVD Player
software. The DVD-ROM expansion bay module is an extremely versatile drive that can play
CD-ROMs, audio CDs, and other types of CDs in addition to DVD discs. The PC Card adds the
ability to play DVD movies (discs formatted to the DVD-Video specification). And the software
provides an intuitive interface for easily controlling DVD movies.
Because the DVD-Video Kit is designed especially for Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series
computers, you can enjoy the benefits of DVD and CD access wherever you are—such as on
long airplane flights. If you’re near a larger computer monitor or a TV, you can even view discs
on one of those devices instead of on the built-in PowerBook display. Similarly, you can listen
to movies on the stereo speakers built into your PowerBook, or connect the computer to an
external stereo or Dolby Pro Logic surround sound system for an enhanced audio experience.
A superior CD and DVD solution for every user
The Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video Kit offers solid benefits for business, education, and
home users.
The huge capacity of DVD discs makes them ideal for distributing massive amounts of businessrelated information. Comprehensive sales information including text, graphics, and videos of
products in action could be put on a DVD disc for use by mobile personnel, giving them instant
access to vital sales information wherever they are. For service and support organizations, a
single DVD disc could potentially contain all relevant manuals with animations and videos of
maintenance, diagnostic, and repair procedures. And because the Apple DVD drive can also
play CDs, you’ll retain access to your commercial and custom CD-based materials.
In education, the DVD-Video Kit will allow students and faculty to continue to enjoy CDs while
adding exciting new capabilities, such as putting an entire curriculum on a single disc.
Macintosh PowerBook
DVD-Video Kit
2
Home users will enjoy the superb video and audio of the movies now being released on
DVD-Video discs. And as more educational and entertainment titles become available on DVD
discs, you and your children will be able to view more exciting multimedia adventures than
ever before.
About DVD technology
Whether you need the benefits of high-capacity DVD-ROM storage or want to enjoy your
favorite DVD movies wherever you are, the Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video Kit brings
you the best of the exciting new DVD technology.
DVD (which stands for “digital video disc” or “digital versatile disc”) technology offers a
dramatic increase in storage capacity over CD technology. In fact, a single DVD disc can
hold the same amount of data that would fill as many as 25 CD-ROMs.
DVD-Video is the exciting offspring of the laserdisc format long favored by movie buffs,
educators, and multimedia professionals. It makes it possible to put outstanding video
and audio on discs the size of standard CD-ROMs. DVD-Video discs feature state-of-the-art
MPEG-2–encoded video and Dolby Digital audio.
A DVD-Video disc not only can play back movies as a VCR does, but can also provide advanced
features such as subtitles, captions, audio tracks in different languages, a director’s narration,
multiple viewing angles, and scene preview functions. And different locations on a DVD movie
disc can be accessed immediately, unlike with videotape.
Some DVD-Video discs even contain versions of the movie in both pan-and-scan (full screen)
and letterbox (original theatrical aspect ratio) viewing formats. Some have a director’s cut
version with footage not contained in the original theatrical release. On discs that support
MPAA rating codes, parents and teachers can limit access to films at or below a certain rating.
Apple DVD Player software
Apple DVD Player software, based on Apple’s award-winning QuickTime 3 technology, gives
you easy access to basic functions like start, stop, and play, in addition to advanced features
such as progressive slow motion, step frame, language preferences, subtitles, and multipleangle viewing. You can access these features via an intuitive, orb-shaped on-screen controller,
menu commands, or keyboard shortcuts.
The Apple DVD Player also allows you to pick up right where you have left off in a movie if you
need to take a break. Simply put your PowerBook into sleep mode or select Stop and then Quit
from the DVD Player menu. You can even shut your system down. When you start the DVD
Player later, just select Play and you’re right back at the scene where you left off.
Specification Sheet
Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video Kit
3
Apple Computer, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 996-1010
www.apple.com
© 1999 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Macintosh, PowerBook, and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer,
Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The Apple Store is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. AC-3, Dolby, and Pro Logic are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. Mention of non-Apple
products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard
to the selection, performance, or use of these products.All understandings, agreements, or warranties, if any, take place directly between the vendors
and the prospective users. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.
January 1999 L03098D
Technical Specifications
PowerBook G3 Series DVD-ROM
Expansion Bay Module
• Disc formats supported: DVD-ROM, DVD-Video,
ISO-9660, CD-ROM, audio CD, Photo CD, CD-R,
and CD-i
• Access speeds: CD-ROM discs at up to 12x speed,
DVD discs at up to 1.5x speed
Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video PC Card
• Interface: 16-bit Type II Zoomed Video PC Card
(placed in the lower PC Card slot)
• Power: 1.5W maximum, 3.3V
• Video decoding standard: MPEG-2
• Video format: NTSC or PAL interlaced
• Display output resolution: 720 by 480 pixels
at 30 Hz
• Frame rate: 30 frames per second
• DVD compatibility: Universal Data Format (UDF)
and ISO-9660
• Audio format: Dolby Digital 5.1 (AC-3) mixed to
two-channel Dolby Pro Logic surround sound
• Audio output channels: Two
Apple DVD Player software
• Information display options: Status, title number,
chapter number, elapsed time, remaining time
• Forward playback speeds: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1x, 2x, 8x,
and freeze frame
• Backward playback speeds: 2x, 8x
• Disc access controls: Based on MPAA ratings
(G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17)
• Copy protection controls: Content Scrambling
System (CSS) disc authentication and Macrovision
support
• DVD-Video disc region compatibility: Player’s code is
set to the region code of the first CSS-protected disc
played; allows four code resets
System requirements
To use the Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video Kit,
you need:
• A Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computer
• At least 32MB of RAM
• Mac OS 8.1 or later
• QuickTime 3 software (automatically installed
with Apple DVD Player software)
• One of the following display options:
— PowerBook with built-in active-matrix TFT
display*
— Monitor connected to the PowerBook VGA
video output connector
— NTSC- or PAL-compatible television with
composite or S-video input. Connection to
the PowerBook system is through the S-video
output port on most models.
*If you have a PowerBook G3 Series computer with a passive-matrix
(STN) display, we recommend that you view DVD-Video discs on an
external monitor.
Ordering Information
Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video Kit
Order No. M7164LL/B
• PowerBook G3 Series DVD-ROM Expansion
Bay Module
• Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video PC Card
for the PowerBook G3 Series
• Apple DVD Player software
For More Information
For more information about this product, or
to find out where to buy Apple products, visit
www.apple.com on the World Wide Web or call
1-800-538-9696. To purchase this product from
the Apple Store, go to www.apple.com/store.
Apple stands behind its products with world-class
service and support. Offering quality parts, extended
hardware service options, phone support, and
support via the Internet, we provide you with support
choices that meet your needs. For more information,
visit www.apple.com/support.
Specification Sheet
Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video Kit
K
Service Source
Troubleshooting
PowerBook G3 Series
Troubleshooting General - 1
General
In each product manual on Service Source, you will find
Flowcharts and/or Symptom Charts designed to help you
diagnose and repair Apple computers.
If you have narrowed the problem down to a particular
symptom, start with the Symptom Charts. Because cures are
listed in the order of most likely solution, try the first cure
first. Verify whether or not the product continues to exhibit
the symptom. If the symptom persists, try the next cure.
If you are not sure what the problem is, or if the Symptom
Charts do not resolve the problem, refer to the Flowcharts.
If you require additional assistance, contact Apple Technical
Support.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Startup - 2
Symptom Charts
Startup
RAM failure occurs
(breaking glass sound
after startup chord)
1 Remove top RAM SO DIMM (if present) and restart computer.
If startup sequence is normal, replace RAM SO DIMM and
retest.
2 Replace bottom RAM SO DIMM and retest.
3 Replace microprocessor board.
4 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Startup - 3
Hardware failure
occurs (four-tone
error chord sequence
sounds after startup
chord)
1 Turn off the computer and disconnect any external devices.
2 Reset PRAM (during startup, hold Command-Option-P-R
keys until the second startup tone is heard).
3 Remove expansion module from left expansion bay and restart
computer. If startup sequence is normal, insert expansion
module and retest.
4 Remove expansion module from right expansion bay and
restart computer. If startup sequence is normal, insert
expansion module and retest.
5 Disconnect hard drive connector and restart computer. If
startup sequence is normal, reconnect cable and retest.
6 Replace hard drive connector board.
7 Replace hard drive.
8 Replace I/O logic board.
9 Replace microprocessor board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Power - 4
Power
Computer won’t
power up
1 If sleep LED is continually on, backup battery power has been
interrupted. Restart computer by holding down Shift-FN-
Control and power on key. Wait 5 seconds and press power on
key. If computer doesn’t restart, repeat 3–4 times.
2 Try known-good power adapter.
3 Try known-good, firmly seated, charged battery. Repeat once.
4 Connect power adapter and restart computer in 3–4 minutes.
5 Verify PMU cable is fully seated on I/O logic board.
6 Disconnect internal keyboard and try powering up unit. If unit
powers up, replace keyboard.
7 Verify that microprocessor card is seated firmly in connector.
8 Replace sound card.
9 Replace power supply card.
10 Replace PMU card.
11 Replace I/O logic board.
12 Replace microprocessor board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Power - 5
Screen is blank;
backlight isn’t on;
computer doesn’t
respond
1 If sleep LED is continually on, backup battery power has been
interrupted. Restart computer by holding down Shift-FN-
Control and power on key. Wait 5 seconds and press power on
key. If computer doesn’t restart, repeat 3–4 times.
2 Restart computer.
3 Disconnect power adapter, remove battery, and restart
computer in 3-4 minutes.
4 Check power adapter cable.
5 Try known–good, charged battery.
6 Try known-good power adapter.
7 Disconnect backup battery for 2 minutes.
8 Check all I/O logic board cables and connections.
9 Replace sound card.
10 Replace microprocessor board.
11 Replace power supply card.
12 Replace PMU card.
13 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Power - 6
After you remove
battery, some Control
Panel settings are
different
Power adapter is
plugged in, but
Control Strip doesn’t
indicate adapter is
connected
1 Connect power adapter to unit for 24 hours to see if backup
battery is just depleted. (It takes approximately 48 hours to
fully charge the backup battery.)
2 Check backup battery cable and connections.
3 Replace backup battery.
4 Replace PMU card.
5 Replace cable from PMU to I/O logic board.
6 Replace I/O logic board.
1 Verify that power adapter is connected correctly and the
power cord is plugged solidly in the adapter.
2 Verify that there is power at the outlet.
3 Try known-good power adapter.
4 Replace sound card.
5 Replace PMU card.
6 Replace PMU cable.
7 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Power - 7
Computer runs when
plugged into wall
outlet but not on
battery power
1 Reset power manager (shift-Fn-Ctrl-Pwr button).
2 Check battery shims (refer to Additional Procedures
chapter.)
3 Reseat battery to make sure battery is mating with contacts
on I/O logic board.
4 Try battery in opposite expansion bay.
5 Try known-good, firmly seated, charged battery. Repeat once.
6 Try known-good power adapter.
7 Replace charge card.
8 Replace PMU board.
9 Replace power supply card.
10 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Power - 8
Premature lowpower warning
appears
1 Try known-good, charged battery.
2 Try known-good power adapter.
3 Replace sound card.
4 Replace PMU board
5 Replace PMU cable.
6 Replace power supply card.
7 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Power - 9
Battery won’t charge 1 Reset power manager (shift-Fn-Ctrl-Pwr button).
2 Try battery in opposite expansion bay.
3 Verify EMI shield has no contact with outer shield of the
power adapter (refer to Additional Procedures, “Right I/O
Wall EMI Shield”).
Caution:
will not make contact with the outer shield of the AC power
adapter. Otherwise when the power adapter is plugged in, the unit
will not charge the battery during use.
4 Try known-good battery. Repeat once.
5 Replace charge card.
6 Replace PMU board.
7 Replace power supply card.
8 Replace I/O logic board.
When reinstalling the top case, ensure the EMI shield
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Power - 10
Battery will not
charge unless unit is
in sleep mode or shut
down
1 Ensure power adapter connected.
2 Verify EMI shield has no contact with outer shield of the
power adapter (refer to Additional Procedures, “Right I/O
Wall EMI Shield”).
Caution:
will not make contact with the outer shield of the AC power
adapter. Otherwise when the power adapter is plugged in, the unit
will not charge the battery during use.
3 Try known-good battery. Repeat once.
4 Replace charge card.
5 Replace PMU board.
6 Replace power supply card.
7 Replace I/O logic board.
When reinstalling the top case, ensure the EMI shield
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Video - 11
Video
Note:
A certain number of defects are inherent in display
technology and vary by many factors, including type of technology.
If you suspect that your display contains an abnormal number of
defects, call Apple Technical Support.
Caution:
cables, or shorting could result. Use a plastic or nylon tool.
Do not use a metal screwdriver to reseat the display
Partial or full row of
pixels is always on or
never comes on in an
active matrix display
1 Check display cables and connections.
2 Replace data display cable (international only).
3 Replace display (international only).
4 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Video - 12
Display is very light
or totally white
An external monitor
connected to the
PowerBook shows no
video
1 Adjust screen contrast (FSTN units only) and brightness
settings.
2 Verify data cable to I/O logic board connection, inverter
board connection, and I/O logic board connections.
13.3” displays only, replace data cable and ensure that the
cable is bent at the scored line.
3 Replace inverter board (international only).
4 Replace display (international only).
5 Replace I/O logic board.
1 Verify external monitor has power.
2 Try another video adapter.
3 Try another monitor.
4 Restart unit and reset PRAM.
5 Replace I/O logic board.
Note:
For
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Video - 13
No display, but
computer appears to
operate correctly
Note:
If sleep light is blinking and computer is not in sleep
mode, reset power manager.
1 Insert disk into floppy drive and press Command–E (eject
disk) to verify that computer is working.
2 Adjust screen brightness setting.
3 Verify display cable, inverter board, PMU connections, and
I/O logic board connections.
4 Verify inverter cable.
5 Connect power adapter.
6 Replace inverter board.
7 Replace display.
8 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Video - 14
Backlight doesn’t
operate
13.3” screen flickers
or shows intermittent
vertical lines
1 Adjust screen brightness setting.
2 Verify that backlight cable connection is secure.
3 Check display cable, inverter board, and I/O logic board
connections.
4 Verify that inverter cable is properly connected and that
cable is good.
5 Verify that cables are not pinched or severed.
6 Replace inverter board (international only).
7 Replace display (international only).
8 Replace I/O logic board.
Carefully squeeze the upper left side of the display bezel. If the
problem disappears, dispatch unit for display cable replacement
(13.3” displays only). Do not replace I/O logic board or display.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Sound - 15
Sound
No sound from
speaker(s)
1 Verify that mute mode is not enabled.
2 Verify that volume setting in Control Panel is above 0.
3 Verify no external speakers or headphones are plugged in.
4 Make sure speaker cable is plugged into sound card.
5 Replace sound card.
6 Replace speaker(s).
7 Replace I/O logic board
.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Floppy Drive - 16
Floppy Drive
Audio and video
present, but floppy
drive in expansion
bay does not operate
Read/write/copy
error
1 Verify the floppy disk is inserted squarely in the drive. Push
the disk in from the center edge.
2 Try floppy drive in opposite expansion bay.
3 Start the system with extensions off.
4 Try known-good floppy disk.
5 Make sure floppy drive is properly seated in expansion bay.
Try reseating it one more time to verify connection.
6 Try floppy drive in opposite expansion bay.
7 Replace floppy drive.
8 Replace I/O logic board.
1 Try known-good floppy disk.
2 Restart with extensions off.
3 Try to format a floppy disk.
4 Replace floppy drive.
5 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Floppy Drive - 17
Disk does not eject 1 Verify the floppy disk is inserted squarely in the drive. Push
the disk in from the center edge.
2 Try floppy drive in opposite expansion bay.
3 If floppy drive is in the right expansion bay, switch off
system and hold down command shift 1 while you restart.
4 If floppy drive is in the left expansion bay, switch off system
and hold down command shift 2 while you restart.
5 Eject disk manually by carefully inserting opened paper clip
into hole near floppy drive slot.
6 Replace floppy drive.
7 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Floppy Drive - 18
Disk initialization
fails
1 Verify the floppy disk is inserted squarely in the drive. Push
the disk in from the center edge.
2 Try floppy drive in opposite expansion bay.
3 Try known-good floppy disk.
4 Restart with extensions off.
5 Replace floppy drive.
6 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Hard Drive - 19
Hard Drive
Internal hard drive
does not spin
1 Make sure power adapter is connected.
2 Disconnect external SCSI devices.
3 Check hard drive connection.
4 Check connectors for cracks and replace if damaged.
5 Replace hard drive.
6 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/CD-ROM Drive/DVD-ROM Drive - 20
CD-ROM Drive/DVD-ROM Drive
Drive does not accept
disk
Volume control does
not operate correctly
Macintosh cannot
mount drive
1 Verify that Apple CD extensions are on.
2 Replace disc (if dirty or damaged).
3 Reinsert drive.
4 Replace drive.
5 Replace I/O logic board.
1 Check Control Panel Sound setting.
2 Verify that mute mode is not enabled.
3 Verify the setting of volume control button.
4 Reinsert drive.
1 Reinsert drive.
2 Check software drivers for the drive and replace if needed.
3 Replace drive.
4 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/CD-ROM Drive/DVD-ROM Drive - 21
Audio and video
present, but drive in
expansion bay does
not operate
1 Verify that Apple CD extensions are installed.
2 Try known-good disc.
3 Replace drive.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/PC Card Module (PCMCIA) - 22
PC Card Module (PCMCIA)
PC Card won’t eject 1 Make sure computer is not in sleep mode.
2 Make sure PC Card slot is not blocked.
3 Drag PC Card to trash can.
4 Turn the computer off and then try PC Card eject buttons.
5 Insert straightened paper clip into hole next to slot.
6 Remove top case and gently push down on PC Card while
ejecting.
7 Verify that PC Card is not warped or damaged in any way; if
so, replace with new card.
8 Replace PC Card cardcage
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/PC Card Module (PCMCIA) - 23
PC Card is inserted
but doesn’t appear on
desktop
Note:
Modem and communication cards may not appear on
desktop.
1 Try PC Card in the other slot.
2 Verify that correct software for that PC Card is installed.
3 Replace PC Card.
4 Replace PC Card cardcage.
5 Replace I/O logic board.
Note:
place of card name in PCMCIA Eject control panel, card is damaged
or computer does not have software required to support it. Eject
card.
If “defective card” or “unrecognizable card” appears in
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/PC Card Module (PCMCIA) - 24
PC Card can’t be
inserted
PC Card flies out of PC
Card cardcage when
ejected
1 Wait 8 seconds after a soft eject for PC Card cardcage to
reset.
2 Push PC Card in from center of the exposed edge, not off
center.
3 Try a different PC Card.
4 Try the other slot.
5 Replace PC Card cardcage.
1 Try different PC Card.
2 Use alignment procedure to ensure PC Card cardcage is
installed so that PC Card tracks are parallel.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/DVD-Video PC Card - 25
DVD-Video PC Card
DVD-Video PC Card is
inserted, but icon
does not appear on
desktop
DVD video disc will
not play
1 If a generic PC Card icon (without the word “DVD”) appears
on desktop, reinstall software from Apple DVD Software CD.
Use Extensions Manager to ensure that DVD extensions are
enabled (select All On).
2 Ensure DVD-Video PC Card is fully inserted in lower PC Card
slot.
3 Shut down PowerBook and manually eject DVD-Video PC Card.
Wait 15 seconds and insert card again.
4 Try another PC Card in lower slot. If it works, replace DVD-
Video PC Card.
5 Replace PC Card cardcage.
1 Ensure DVD-Video PC Card is fully inserted in lower PC Card
slot and DVD PC Card icon is visible on desktop.
2 Ensure DVD video disc appears on desktop.
3 Check that Parental Controls setting is set to “on.” Select an
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/DVD-Video PC Card - 26
MPAA rating at the same level or higher than the title being
viewed.
4 Check region code for DVD video title. (Warning message
appears.)
Note:
Some DVD video discs can only play in a specific
geographical region. For example, discs from Region 1 (US and
Canada) cannot be played by a card purchased in Region 4 (Mexico
and South America).
Movie plays, but
special features (such
as director’s notes,
other languages, etc.)
unavailable
1 Not all DVD titles offer special features. Check the liner notes
included with the disc for a list of features available.
2 If both the picture and sound are okay, then DVD-video PC
Card is functional. This means either the software or the
movie title (DVD video disc) is the source of the symptom.
Try playing another title to determine if the disc is the cause.
If the software is the cause, reinstall software from Apple
DVD Software CD.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/DVD-Video PC Card - 27
Poor performance of
DVD video disc (poor
sound or picture)
1 Check the DVD video disc for scratches.
2 Ensure Virtual Memory is set to “off.”
3 Check that Energy Saver control panel has advanced settings
for “Power Cycling” and “Reduced Processor Speed” not
selected.
4 Use Extensions Manager to disable extensions except for the
standard Apple extensions and DVD extensions. Restart the
PowerBook.
5 For an audio problem, try playing a regular audio CD. If
problem persists, refer to the “Sound” symptom chart in
this chapter.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Infrared Communication - 28
Infrared Communication
Infrared
communication is not
working
1 Clean infrared window with soft lint-free cloth.
2 Make sure units are spaced greater than 3 feet but less than 6
feet and at less than a 20 degree angle.
3 Verify infrared signal is being received by host computer.
4 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Modem - 29
Modem
No dial tone 1 Verify known-good analog (not digital) telephone line.
2 Verify cable is not plugged into Ethernet. Modem is located on
the left side of unit, in front of PC card doors.
3 If using Apple Remote Access 3.0, select Ignore Dial Tone in
the modem control panel. If the modem connects with this
setting selected, try another phone line. If using a terminal
or communications program, enter atx1 to disable tone
detection. To reset the modem back to the factory settings,
enter atz.
4 Replace modem.
No internal modem
selection available
1 Verify unit has modem (under door on left side of unit).
2 Remove keyboard and verify modem is properly connected.
3 Verify correct modem software is installed and selected.
4 Replace modem.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Modem - 30
Modem reports an
error when dialing
out
Modem is having
trouble connecting to
Online site
1 Use the Modem Country Selector utility to make sure the
modem is set to the correct country.
2 Make sure the correct driver is installed and the correct CCL
is selected and that they are not corrupted. If necessary,
reinstall the driver and/or CCL.
3 Try another cable and phone jack.
4 If problem persists, reinstall system and modem software.
1 Use the Modem Country Selector utility to make sure the
modem is set to the correct country.
2 The phone line may have too much noise. If the user has a
second line, try that one. The user should contact their local
phone company and request their line be checked.
3 Check to make sure the TCP/IP control panel is correctly
configured for the user's Internet Service Provider. If the
TCP/IP control panel is not configured correctly, it may
connect but won’t be able to access any sites.
4 Sometimes online services use different servers for dial-up/
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Modem - 31
authentication and for services. If one server is down, users
may be able to login but not access any services. Contact the
online service for help.
The dialup software
will not initiate a
connection
Modem is dropping its
connection
1 Use the Modem Country Selector utility to make sure the
modem is set to the correct country.
2 Make sure dialup software is fully installed and all required
extensions are enabled. If necessary, reinstall the dialup
software and provide the necessary information for setup.
1 Use the Modem Country Selector utility to make sure the
modem is set to the correct country.
2 Try another cable and phone jack.
3 The phone line may be too noisy to handle the higher modem
speeds. Try connecting at a slower speed or use a generic CCL
file. (If you are familiar with the CCL script language, you
can edit the modem script to force a connection at a lower
speed.) If the problem continues, contact the phone company
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Modem - 32
to report the bad phone line.
4 Verify that the user has call waiting on that phone line. With
call waiting active, an incoming call can interrupt the
connection. Disable call waiting using AT commands placed in
the init string of the dialup application. Usually the string is
*70.
5 There may be a problem with the server to which you are
connecting. Servers sometimes develop problems that
disconnect users without explanation. Try calling back later
or use an alternate number if one is available.
6 Check with the Internet Service Provider.
7 Reseat the modem. If the problem persists, replace the
modem.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Peripherals - 33
Peripherals
After you connect
external SCSI device,
computer does not
boot
1 Verify that device and SCSI chain are terminated correctly.
2 Switch on external SCSI device before starting computer.
3 Check cable connections.
4 Try known-good SCSI cable.
5 Verify that SCSI ID select switch setting on external device is
unique.
6 Try known-good external SCSI device.
7 Try known-good external SCSI device without terminator.
8 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Peripherals - 34
Serial device such as
digital camera not
recognized by
computer
Cursor does not move
when you are using
trackpad
1 Update Serial DMA extension to version 2.1 or higher.
2 Make AppleTalk inactive in the AppleTalk control panel under
options and restart unit.
3 Turn on camera after initiating download with camera
application.
4 Try different serial device on same port.
5 Replace I/O logic board.
1 Shut down computer, unplug adapter, and remove battery. Let
computer sit for 1 minute before restarting.
2 Reset power manager.
3 Connect low power mouse and try to move cursor. If trackpad
does not move cursor but external ADB mouse does, replace
trackpad. If external ADB mouse also doesn’t move, replace
PMU board.
4 Check trackpad connections.
5 Check keyboard connections.
6 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Peripherals - 35
Cursor intermittently
does not move or
moves erratically
Cursor moves, but
clicking trackpad
button has no effect
Note:
User must touch trackpad 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 Reset power manager.
3 Check trackpad connections.
4 Replace trackpad.
5 Replace trackpad cable.
6 Replace PMU card.
7 Replace I/O logic board.
1 Reset power manager.
2 Check trackpad connections.
3 Replace trackpad cable.
4 Replace PMU card.
5 Replace I/O logic board.
6 Replace trackpad.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Peripherals - 36
Cursor does not move
when you are using
mouse
No response to any
key on keyboard
Note:
S-Video and ADB ports look the same; make sure you plug
the mouse into the ADB port.
1 Check mouse connection to ADB port.
2 Try a known-good low-power mouse. If the known-good
mouse works, clean mouse ball and inside of original mouse
and retest. If original mouse still doesn’t work, replace it.
3 Replace I/O logic board.
1 Verify that computer is on.
2 Reset the power manager (restart computer by holding down
shift-FN-Control-power on).
3 Check keyboard connection by disconnecting and reconnecting
keyboard cables.
4 Replace keyboard.
5 Replace keyboard cable.
6 Replace PMU card.
7 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Peripherals - 37
Known-good directconnect printer does
not print
Known-good network
printer does not print
1 Reset PRAM.
2 Verify that Chooser and Control Panel settings are correct.
(AppleTalk inactive; modem port selected if printer and
modem port appear separately.)Make AppleTalk inactive in
the AppleTalk control panel under options and restart unit.
3 Check cables.
4 Replace printer cable.
5 Try known-good printer.
6 Replace I/O logic board.
1 Reset PRAM.
2 Verify that Chooser and Control Panel settings are correct.
3 Reinstall printer drivers.
4 Check cables.
5 Attach computer directly to printer, and retest.
6 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Peripherals - 38
I/O devices are
unrecognized, or
garbage is
transmitted or
received
In disk mode,
computer does not
display SCSI icon
until host is booted,
or computer crashes
when host is shut
down
1 Reset PRAM.
2 Check cables (use Apple cables).
3 Verify that SCSI device is correctly terminated.
4 Verify that SCSI ID select switch setting on external device is
unique.
5 Check with vendor for current drivers.
6 Test device with known-good computer.
7 Replace I/O logic board.
1 Verify that computer has a unique SCSI ID.
2 Check that SCSI disk mode cable is good and that connection is
tight.
3 Make sure password security is off.
4 Replace I/O logic board.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Miscellaneous - 39
Miscellaneous
Sleep light won’t
come on
Screen goes blank and
computer shuts down
every few minutes
Application seems to
run slower after a few
seconds
Hard drive is slow to
respond, or screen
goes blank too often
1 Verify that computer is in sleep mode and not powered off.
2 Reset power manager.
3 Replace control buttons cable.
Computer is going into system sleep to conserve battery power.
Adjust sleep delays in Energy Saver Control Panel or connect
power adapter.
Computer is switching to system rest. If system rest is
interfering with operation of application, connect power adapter
or turn off processor cycling in Energy Saver Control Panel under
Advanced Settings.
Adjust sleep delays in Energy Saver Control Panel or connect
power adapter.
Troubleshooting Symptom Charts/Miscellaneous - 40
Intermittent
operating problems
such as no booting or
initialization errors
1 Verify that microprocessor board is properly installed.
2 Press on microprocessor board a second time to make sure
the board is fully seated.
Caution:
the computer will still function. However, over time, heat will
cause an partially seated microprocessor board to lose contact and
cause intermittent system problems. The connection of these
boards is checked and double-checked at the factory.
The microprocessor board can be partially inserted and
Troubleshooting Startup Problems Flowchart - 41
Startup Problems Flowchart
START
Reset the
Power Manager.
Press power button to
begin boot sequence.
Do you
hear the
startup
tones?
Yes
Are the
startup tones
normal?
Yes
Does a
gray screen
appear with
pointer?
Yes
1
No
No
No
Does any
video
appear?
Yes
1. Check the volume.
2. Check the keyboard and
display cables.
3. Replace the speaker.
4. Replace the I/O logic board.
See "Startup" in the
Symptom Charts.
1. Check display/inverter cable
connections.
2. Replace the display and
backlight cables.
3. Replace the inverter.
4. Replace the display.
5. Replace the I/O logic board.
1. Check the display cables.
2. Replace the power supply
No
card.
3. Replace the PMU board.
4. Replace the sound card.
Troubleshooting Startup Problems Flowchart (continued) - 42
Startup Problems Flowchart (continued)
1
Does
the
PowerBook continue
to boot to the
desktop?
Yes
Do the
trackpad and
keyboard
function?
Yes
Insert a known-good disk
into the floppy disk drive
and try to initialize it.
No
No
Does
the flashing
question mark
appear?
Yes
1. Reset PRAM.
2. Boot from Disk Tools.
3. If hard drive appears, reinstall system software.
4. If hard drive doesn't appear,see if Drive Setup
can reformat it.
5. Replace the hard drive connector card.
6. Replace the hard drive.
7. Replace the I/O logic board.
1. Reset PRAM.
2. Check the trackpad and
keyboard cables.
3. Replace the trackpad and
keyboard cables.
4. Replace the trackpad.
5. Replace the keyboard.
6. Replace the PMU board.
7. Replace the I/O logic board.
1. Boot with extensions off.
2. Boot with Disk Tools
No
Update Driver.
3. Replace the hard drive.
4. Replace the I/O logic
board.
Go to
Start
Does the
disk
initialize?
Yes
END
No
1. Replace the floppy drive cable.
2. Replace the floppy drive.
K
Service Source
T ak e Apart
PowerBook G3 Series
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