Apple PowerBook G4 (12-inch) 03-01 Service Manual
Service Source
PowerBook G4 (12-inch)
January 20, 2003
© 2003 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
Service Source
Take Apart
PowerBook G4 (12-inch)
© 2003 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
General Information
Overview
Some of the key features that distinguish this computer from earlier notebook models
include:
• 12-inch active-matrix display in aluminum alloy enclosure
• built-in Bluetooth
• slot load optical drive
• optional AirPort Extreme Card and Base Station
New Procedures
If you are familiar with taking apart notebook computers, you will notice some differences
with this model:
• Memory card is easily accessible from the bottom of the computer.
• Optional AirPort Extreme Card is accessed from the battery bay.
• The number and types of screws differ from earlier models.
• Additional parts that are offered for replacement include Bluetooth and the subwoofer.
General Information
PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart -
1
Tools
Most of the tools required for taking apart this computer are the same as for earlier
notebook models; however, there are two new tools:
• 1.5 mm hex driver (small hex head screwdriver) used for the top case and the display
housing
• 4 mm socket wrench or needlenose pliers used for the DC-to-DC board
The following tools are recommended for this computer:
• Coin
• ESD wriststrap and mat
• Small soft cloth
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flat-blade tool)
• #0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)
• #1 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)
• Jeweler’s flat-blade screwdriver
• 1.5 mm hex driver
• 4 mm socket wrench or needlenose pliers
Important:
compartments (such as a plastic ice cube tray). If doing a complete disassembly, note the
screws removed from each location in the computer.
To organize the screws y ou remo ve from the computer, use a tra y with divided
Serial Number Location
The serial number is located in the battery bay.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
General Information
Battery
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Soft cloth
• Coin
Part Location
Battery
Preliminary Steps
Warning: Always shut down the computer before opening it to avoid damaging its
internal components or causing injury. After you shut down the computer, the
internal components can be very hot. Let the computer cool down before
continuing.
PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart -
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Procedure
Warning:
performing this procedure.
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Unplug the power adapter and phone cord.
3. Turn over the computer and place it on a soft cloth.
4. Use a coin to release the battery lock.
5. Lift the battery out of the battery bay.
If the computer has been recently operating, allow it to cool down before
6. Install the replacement battery, and reassemble and test the computer.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Battery
Memory Door and Memory Card
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Soft cloth
• #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flat-blade tool)
Part Location
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the battery.
Procedure
Warning:
performing this procedure.
Memory Door and Memory Card
If the computer has been recently operating, allow it to cool down before
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5
1. Place the computer upside down on a soft cloth.
2. Remove the four identical screws from the memory door.
3. Use a black stick to lift off the memory door.
4. If a memory card is already installed, release it by spreading apart the tabs in the
expansion slot from the notches in the card. Allow the card to pop up slightly, and pull
it out of the memory slot.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Memory Door and Memory Card
5. Insert the replacement memory card into the expansion slot at a 30-degree angle.
6. Make sure the memory card is fully inserted. Check that the notches in the card clear
the tabs as you press down on the sides of the card to lock it into place.
7. Install the memory door back onto the bottom case, and reassemble and test the
computer.
Memory Door and Memory Card
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AirPort Extreme Card
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flat-blade tool)
Part Location
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the battery.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
AirPort Extreme Card
Procedure
Warning:
performing this procedure.
1. Touch a metal surface inside the battery bay to discharge static electricity built up on
If the computer has been recently operating, allow it to cool down before
your body.
2. Open the door to the AirPort slot.
3. If an optional AirPort Extreme Card is already installed, use a black stic k to un-loop the
pull tab.
AirPort Extreme Card
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9
4. Gently disconnect the AirPort antenna cable.
5. Use the pull tab to pull out the card.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
AirPort Extreme Card
6. Slide the replacement AirPort Extreme Card into the slot, as shown.
7. Connect the end of the antenna cable to the card.
8. Loop the clear plastic tab over and under the card so that the tab secures the antenna
cable and tucks into the slot. Close the AirPort door.
9. Reassemble and test the computer.
AirPort Extreme Card
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Keyboard
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flat-blade tool)
Note:
To organize the screws you remove from the computer, use a tray with divided
compartments (such as a plastic ice cube tray).
Part Location
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the following:
• Battery
• Memory door and memory card
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Keyboard
Procedure
1. With the computer upside down on a soft cloth, remove the single screw from the
memory card bay.
Keyboard
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2. Open the computer, and locate the following keys:
•F1
•F2
• F11
• F12
3.
Important:
of each key. The keys are easily removed from the left side without damaging the
keyboard.
Using a black stick, carefully pry up each of the four k eys from the left side
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Keyboard
4. Use a black stick or flat-blade screwdriver to lift off the two round stickers that are
located between the two key mechanisms. Reserve the stickers for replacement.
5. Remove the screw under each of the stickers.
Keyboard
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6. Lift up the top two corners of the keyboard, and move the k e yboard to w ard the displa y
to clear the tabs at the bottom of the keyboard.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Keyboard
7. Flip the keyboard over and lay the keyboard flat on the trackpad.
8. Use a black stick to carefully remove the aluminum tape that covers the keyboard
connector. You will need to reuse the tape when reassembling the computer.
9. Peel up the keyboard cable from its adhesive. Using a black stick, pry up the tabs at
the ends of the connector, and then pull the cable straight up to disconnect it.
Keyboard
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10. Install the replacement keyboard. Make sure you
• Install the foil tape in the recessed area over the keyboard connector.
• Set the tabs at the bottom of the keyboard into the slots in the top case.
• Press the keyboard into place, and install the screws and round stickers.
• Install the function keys:
– Position the key directly over the scissor mechanism.
– Press the key onto the scissor.
– Check the operation of the key.
• Close the display and install the final screw in the memory bay.
11. Reassemble and test the computer.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Keyboard
Top Case
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flat-blade tool)
• Hex 1.5 mm screwdriver
Note:
To organize the screws you remove from the computer, use a tray with divided
compartments (such as a plastic ice cube tray).
Part Location
Top Case
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the following:
• Battery
• Memory door and memory card
• Keyboard
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Procedure
1.
Warning:
angle. Be careful not to strip the screws.
Note:
screws. You might want to cover part of the housing with a soft cloth as you
remove screws.
With the computer upside down on a soft cloth, remove the three screws from
the bottom case at the battery bay.
The screws in the battery bay require holding the screwdriver at an
Avoid scratching the external housing by using care when removing the
2. Remove the screws near the display hinge.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Top Case
3. Open the display, and with the computer upright, remove the following 13 screws from
the top case:
• one Hex, 16.5 mm long screw at upper right corner near power button
• one Hex, 7 mm long screw at upper left corner near microphone
• one #0 Phillips, 15 mm long screw in keyboard well
• four #0 Phillips, 4.5 mm long screws in keyboard well
• six #0 Phillips, 2.5 mm long screws in keyboard well
Top Case
4. Remove two screws from the front right side of the top case.
5. Remove two screws from the front left side of the top case.
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6. Carefully remove the f oil tape from the keyboard w ell that cov ers the microphone cable
and power cable. You will need to reuse the tape when reassembling the computer.
7. Use a black stick in the small openings to disconnect the two cables.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Top Case
8. Remove the screw near the cables.
9. Carefully remove the foil tape over the trackpad cable. You will need to reuse the tape
when reassembling the computer.
Top Case
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10. Use the pull tab to release the trackpad cable.
11. Use a black stick running along the edge of the top case to lift up the top case from the
bottom case. Use equal pressure at the front, left, and right corners.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Top Case
12. The top case includes the following:
• Microphone cable
• Trackpad and trackpad cable
• Power button and cable
• Tape
• Welded EMI strips
Top Case
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13. Before installing a replacement top case, check the cable routing of the
• Microphone cable
• Trackpad cable
• Power button cable
Make sure the cables are routed correctly and cannot be pinched when
installing the top case.
14. Install the replacement top case, and reassemble and test the computer.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Top Case
Reed Switch Board and Cable
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Phillips #0 screwdriver
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flat-blade tool)
Part Location
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the following:
• Battery
• Memory door and memory card
• Keyboard
• Top case
Reed Switch Board and Cable
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27
Procedure
1. Remove the screw from the reed switch board.
Warning:
longer screw could scratch the optical media.
2. Tilt the board up and away from the tab at the battery area.
3. Lift up the tape from the corner of the optical drive, and disconnect the 3-pin connector
from CN4 at the DC-to-DC board.
When replacing the board, make sure you use the same screw. A
4. Install the replacement reed switch board and cable, and reassemble and test the
computer.
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PowerBook G4 (12-inch) Take Apart
Reed Switch Board and Cable
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