Power Mac G4 Cube won't turn on

[cipollini88]

Hi all,
I turn on my G4 cube OS 10.4, after many years because I've got an Airport express to install, in the beginning it started normally but very very slow, so I reset it then it started normally, I received an advice the data/clock was set to 2001 etc, but I think is in normal after 3-4 years off. After a bit it started to boot slow/normal randomly until the moment it stopped to work completely, no video but I could hear the classic beep of the startup.

So reading on Mac-forums I've tried to reset the PRAM and then the PMU. Now the mac turn on, the power button flash several times then turn off alone, than turn on/flash/turn off again in a loop.

What can be? Can be the PRAM battery dead so after reset the PMU the settings are not correct?

Please help me, I love this little old Mac. Hope I didn't damage any hardware.

 

[pm-r]

What can be? Can be the PRAM battery dead so after reset the PMU the settings are not correct?

I would be very suspicious of the PRAM battery being kaput, especially if the Mac was left unplugged from any power.

You should be able to buy one for maybe under $10.00. You'll need a 3.6v Lithium 1/2 AA PRAM Computer Clock Battery. A pretty common computer battery type.

Otherwise I guess I'd start web searching like:
https://www.google.ca/search?client...F-8&gfe_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=tt34WZylEcve8AftrbuYAw

https://www.google.ca/search?client...UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=8N74Wdi5Esre8AfRxotA

PS: You may be better off using a USB wi-fi adapter, if to can find one and any software that might be needed, rather than using that Airport express card which if I recall, were quite limited by todays standards.

Good luck and welcome to the Mac-forums.




- Patrick
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[pigoo3]

Yupp...start with replacing the PRAM battery as Patrick advised.

- Nick

 

[cipollini88]

It works now, the several flashes were because the graphics card wasn't plugged in very well, and also one RAM module defective. What do you think, should I replace the battery anyway?

One stupid thing I did instead, to do the age, is to broke the connection cable of the power sensor. Searched on Internet but I cannot find any replacement part, do you know some website for G4 cube replacement parts?

Thank you.

 

[pigoo3]

It works now, the several flashes were because the graphics card wasn't plugged in very well, and also one RAM module defective. What do you think, should I replace the battery anyway?

PRAM battery maintains the correct time...as well as user settings. It's up to you if you replace the battery. Kind of depends if you use the computer much.

One stupid thing I did instead, to do the age, is to broke the connection cable of the power sensor. Searched on Internet but I cannot find any replacement part, do you know some website for G4 cube replacement parts?

ebay. Be prepared for sticker shock if you do find something. Lol

- Nick

 

[pm-r]

It works now, the several flashes were because the graphics card wasn't plugged in very well, and also one RAM module defective. What do you think, should I replace the battery anyway?

It sounds like someone was messing about inside there like a bull in a china shop.

Now I don't know about the "power connector", but to test whether a new PRAM battery is needed or not, first set the Date/Time in System Preferences after the Mac has been running for a few hours, then uncheck the set automatically option box, then power off the Mac and unplug the AC Power for 20-30 minutes or more, then start it up and check the Date/Time.

If it stays correct, the PRAM battery is doing its thing and preserving the vram settings. If it says 2001 or 1989 etc or some non real date/time, replace the PRAM battery.

do you know some website for G4 cube replacement parts?

Ebay as suggested.
ifixit, we love macs, powermac medic, comes to mind and a general google web search.




- Patrick
======

 

[cipollini88]

In the end, I replaced PRAM battery, RAM and I soldered the internal power connector cable... Everything works fine now...

 

[pm-r]

In the end, I replaced PRAM battery, RAM and I soldered the internal power connector cable... Everything works fine now...

Congratulations, I guess, and not exactly knowing what you will use it for, now six months later, but I dare say that even a more current USB wireless dongle would probably work better than the original Airport express cards used with those Macs. But you can always try both now it's working.




- Patrick
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