PowerBook G4 17 original
Table of contents
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Service Source
PowerBook G4 (17-inch)
5 December 2003
© 2003 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
Service Source
Take Apart
PowerBook G4 (17-inch)
© 2003 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
General Information
Overview
Some key features that distinguish this computer from earlier PowerBook models include:
• 17-inch TFT widescreen display in aluminum alloy enclosure
• Built-in Bluetooth
• Built-in AirPort Extreme card
• Added FireWire 800 port
• Uses double-data rate (DDR) memory
• Fiber optic backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor
New Procedures
If you are familiar with taking apart notebook computers, you will notice some differences
with this model:
• The keyboard is secured with screws accessible from under the top case.
• Memory cards are easily accessible from the bottom of the computer.
• The AirPort Extreme card is not user replaceable.
• The quantity and types of screws differ from earlier models.
PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart -
1
Important Notes
• Memory from previous PowerBook models is not compatible with this computer. Do
not use older SDRAM DIMMs or SDIMMs even if they fit into the slot.
• The Bluetooth module is different from the PowerBook G4 (12-inch).
• The AirPort Extreme card assembly has a flex cable glued to the card, making it
unique and specific to this computer.
Tools
The following tools are recommended for the take apart procedures.
• ESD wrist strap and mat
• Soft cloth
• #00 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)
• #0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)
• #1 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)
• 4 mm socket wrench
• Needlenose pliers
• Torx T6 screwdriver
• Torx T8 screwdriver
• Black stick (nylon probe tool 922-5065) (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flatblade tool)
• Razor knife with straight edge blade
• 1600 watt hair dryer (for logic board replacement)
• Multi-compartment screw tray (such as a plastic ice cube tray)
• Kapton® tape
• Voltmeter (for troubleshooting)
• Small low-power magnet (for troubleshooting)
• Apple Pro keyboard and mouse (for troubleshooting)
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Serial Number Location
The serial number is located in the battery bay.
PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart -
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Zero Insertion Force Connectors
Zero insertion force (ZIF) connectors are used in several locations in the computer.
Important:
separate from the connector. When releasing a bar, use extreme care and a restrained
light pressure to move the bar only slightly.
Warning: If a locking bar breaks, you will need to replace the board.
The locking bar on the ZIF connector is extremely fragile and is not intended to
To release the flex cable
Use a flat-blade tool to move the bar on both sides.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
To connect a flex cable
Make sure the locking bar is released, then slide the end of the flex cable all the way into
the connector. Hold the cable in place, then slide the locking bar into the connector on
both sides to secure.
Important:
the metal edge on the cable as a guide to ensure the cable is straight.
Warning: If the flex cable is inserted crooked, some signals may not be connected
or signals may short together (a bad connection is shown below.)
Verify that the cable is straight. Use either the alignment mark, if present, or
Note:
If a cable is not securing properly, verify that it is inserted on the correct side of the
locking bar.
PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart -
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Feet
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Foot kit
• Tweezers or needlenose pliers
• Soft cloth
Preliminary Step
Before you begin, check the foot location that needs replacement on the bottom case, and
compare it with the images in this table. Make sure the foot you want to replace has an
intact plug on the bottom case.
Plug Area on Bottom Case Matching Foot Action
Missing plug Not available for
replacement
Case plug intact (either one) Replacement foot Continue with the
Replace the bottom
case, or send the
computer to the Apple
Repair Center for
repair.
procedure, matching
the replacement foot to
either plug on the
bottom case.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Feet
Procedure
Warning:
glue. In the event of contact, review the safety instructions at the end of this section. For
additional information, refer to the glue manufacturer:
1. Place the computer upside down on a clean, lint-free cloth or other nonabrasive
2. Make sure the plug area on the bottom case is clean. If any portion of the soft rubber
The glue used in this procedure can bond instantly to skin. Do not touch the
Elmer's Products, Inc.
Columbus, OH. 43215-3799
www.krazyglue.com
surface.
foot remains, remove it so that only the hard plastic plug is visible (as shown with both
types of plugs below).
Important:
foot, make sure the raised bump on the textured plane of the rubber foot fits into the
center hole in the plug. This ensures a balanced and level fitting.
Notice the recessed hole in the center of the plug. When positioning the
Feet
PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart -
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3.
Warning:
touch the glue at any time. Before opening the glue, review the safety instructions at
the end of this section.
GLUE IS AN EYE AND SKIN IRRITANT. BONDS SKIN INSTANTLY. Do not
Important:
seal until you are ready to use the glue. To break the seal, hold the tube upright and
away from you. Place the hollow nozzle cap on the tube and tighten it all the way
down. The tube is then ready to dispense the glue through the nozzle cap.
4. Apply one drop of glue to the plug on the bottom case. Do not spread the glue.
5. Using tweezers or needlenose pliers, carefully position the new foot so it is centered
over the plug, and its integral bumps fit into the compatible holes in the plug.
6. Using the end of the tweezers or pliers—not your finger—lightly press and hold the
foot in place for 30 seconds.
The glue tube included in the kit is sealed until first use. Do not break the
7. Before turning over the computer, allow the glue to set for at least 15 minutes.
8. Discard the tube of glue.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
INSTANTLY. Contains ethyl cyanoacrylate. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If eye or
mouth contact occurs, hold eyelid or mouth open and rinse thoroughly but gently with
water only for 15 minutes and GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. Liquid glue will sting eye
temporarily. Solidified glue may irritate eye like a grain of sand and should be treated by an
eye doctor. If skin bonding occurs, soak in acetone-based nail polish remover or warm
soapy water and carefully peel or roll skin apart (do not pull). Contact through clothing may
cause skin burn. If spilled on clothing, flush with cold water. Avoid prolonged breathing of
vapors. Use with adequate ventilation. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
GLUE IS AN EYE AND SKIN IRRITANT. BONDS SKIN
Feet
Battery
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Soft cloth
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.
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Procedure
Warning: If the computer has been recently operating, allow it to cool down before
performing this procedure.
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect the power cord and any other cables connected to the computer.
3. Place the computer face down on a soft cloth.
4. Slide both battery latches away and lift the battery out of the battery bay.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Battery
Memory Door and Memory Cards
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Soft cloth
• #0 Phillips screwdriver
Part Location
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the battery.
Memory Door and Memory Cards
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Procedure
Warning: If the computer has been recently operating, allow it to cool down before
performing this procedure.
1. Place the computer face down on a soft cloth.
2. Remove the three screws from the memory door.
Note:
Check for lost screws caught by magnets inside the front edge of the battery well.
3. Lift the memory door up slightly and slide it straight back to remove.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Memory Door and Memory Cards
Note:
If only one memory card is installed, it’s factory installed in the top memory slot
(nearest to outside edge of the computer).
4. To remove either memory card, first release it by spreading apart the tabs in the
memory slot from the notches in the card until the card pops up slightly.
5. Pull the card straight out of the memory slot.
Memory Door and Memory Cards
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6. Align the notch in the board with the tab in the slot and insert the replacement memory
cards at a 30-degree angle, pushing the card firmly until fully seated.
7. 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.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Memory Door and Memory Cards
8. To reinstall the memory door, hold it at a low angle to the battery bay and slide it in
under the back edge, then lay it flat. If the door springs up and does not lay flat without
tension, remove it and reinstall at a lower angle.
Memory Door and Memory Cards
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9. Install the memory door screws.
Note:
Before securing, check that the door edge rests flush and inside the ridge.
10. Replace the battery.
11. Use Apple System Profiler to verify that the memory is recognized. (Choose the menu
bar Apple logo (
open the Memory Overview.)
) > About This Mac, click More Info..., select the System Profile tab,
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Memory Door and Memory Cards
Top Case
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• #0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)
• #1 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)
• Torx T8 screwdriver (magnetized)
• Kapton tape (922-1731)
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flat-blade tool)
• Soft cloth
• Multi-compartment screw tray (21 screws to remove the top case)
Part Location
Top Case
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Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the following:
• Battery
• Memory door
• Lower memory card (nearest to battery bay), if present
Procedure
Note:
This procedure removes the top case and keyboard assembly. The keyboard cannot
be removed until the top case is removed.
1. Place the computer face down on a soft cloth.
2. Remove the three screws inside the battery bay.
Note:
These screws are shorter than on the memory door. Use care not to lose the
screws into holes along the battery bay.
Note:
Check for lost screws caught by magnets inside the front edge of the battery well.
3. Remove the five screws along the back edge (the two outside screws are longer and
have “shoulders”).
4. Remove the two screws on the logic board.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Top Case
5. Locate the top case flex cable and ZIF connector.
6. Very carefully disconnect and remove the cable from the connector.
Important:
much force is used. (See “Zero Insertion Force Connectors” heading.)
The ZIF connector and locking bar are fragile and can easily break if too
Top Case
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7. Open the display and place the computer on its side.
8. Remove four side screws from both sides.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Top Case
9. Turn the computer over.
10. Pull up on the top case along the sides and front until it releases.
Note:
A black stick inserted and twisted under the top case seam may be helpful.
Top Case
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Replacement Procedure
Note:
If replacing the top case, remove the keyboard and set it aside to install onto the
replacement top case.
1. Verify the thermal pad shown here is in place. If not, check whether it is stuck under
the removed top case and replace. If not, install a new pad.
2. Visually check to verify that all cables (highlighted below) are connected and routed
correctly with nothing raised up or incorrectly over a component.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Top Case
3. Check perimeter wiring, where shown, to verify that it will not be caught or pinched by
the top case during replacement.
4. Check that display cable brackets are properly seated and secured with screws.
Top Case
PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart -
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5. Verify that cables for Bluetooth, AirPort Extreme, inverter and power cable from the
DC-in board are routed and seated correctly in channels around the left speaker.
6. Verify that the LVDS cable’s metal bead fits into the metal channel (rounded side up so
that its teeth secure it) and that the cable is secured into the channel along the right
speaker.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Top Case
7. Verify that the sleep LED wires route over the notch in the frame (secure with Kapton
tape) and along the inside channel away from the front edge so that it will not be
damaged when replacing the top case.
8. Install the keyboard onto the top case.
Top Case
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9. If the top case flex cable and connector assembly is not installed on the top case,
install it now.
Remove all adhesive, center the holes at both ends with the pins on the top case and
press into place, as shown below.
Note:
Make sure that the trackpad flex cable does not get caught under the
assembly.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Top Case
10. Connect the keyboard cable to its connector (the cable inserts under the ZIF
connector locking bar). Verify that the cable is fully inserted, square and straight.
Secure the cable and connector with Kapton tape.
11. Connect the power button and keyboard fiber optic wire connectors, route the wires as
shown and secure with Kapton tape.
Top Case
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12. Connect the trackpad flex cable.
13. If not installed, install the strip of black mylar over the edge of the keyboard well to
prevent light leakage. Center the mylar over the edge, and top to bottom, as shown.
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PowerBook G4 (17-inch) Take Apart
Top Case
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