IBook shuts off completely at random times when plugged in

Question

I've had my iBook for 3.5 years with no problems until my Apple Care expired a few months ago. Now I'm having all of these problems!! My battery died (again) and my power cord broke (again--have replaced both twice already). This time I bought non-Apple items that were recommended here b/c they were cheaper. Ever since I got the new battery, the computer randomly just shuts down when it is plugged in. And it's completely off. I cannot even turn it back on. The only way I can get it back on is to leave it for awhile and then unplug it, take the battery out, put it back in, and hold the power button down for a long time. Sometimes I have to do this a few times and it will come back on. When it comes back on, it makes a loud fan noise. Is this really bad?? Is it on its way out?? Any suggestions? I am devastated if it's a major problem since I don't have my apple care anymore!

Answer 1

The various probable causes of battery, charger and power management issues
as they relate to the iBook G4, PowerBook G4 and some others, may relate to
these components similarly when maintenance (calibrate battery, etc) and when
the DC power in gets disrupted.
At some point, if the adapter and batteries have been replaced and also damages
to the adapter's plug (someone tripping over power wire to computer, etc) are one
of the reasons the adapter was damaged and replaced, there is another item that
may need looking into. If the battery maintenance has been done, or can't be due
to the extreme issue at hand - if that has gone that far, and power is not stable,
there may be something else failing in the computer.
Or, it may be the DC In-Board is failing or has failed; since this component does
help control the power from the charger and battery. If it has failed, issues may
result which could render the charging and battery life short to useless.
The part isn't that costly, nor is the service for someone to repair the computer;
it may be you could get an online DIY guide and see how to do that yourself.
Or have someone knowledgeable look into it and see if that's all it needs; and
have them replace the part... You could get an estimate from an authorized
independent service facility, or ask around to see what all or else is involved.
Also, some cheap third party batteries do not really work all that well, some
may last half as long as Apple replacement quality ones; and of the poorer
ones made elsewhere, some do not have the same microchip inside so
the charger and computer may not see those batteries correctly. Part of a
test and troubleshooting process could include a known good Apple AC
power adapter and a known good Apple iBook battery; then the DC-In Board
can be looked into as a next probable cause of hardware based trouble.
There also is a way to reset the Power Management Unit (PMU reset.)
And in iBook computers, from early white G3-500 to the later 1.42 14"
G4 models, have slightly different PMU reset instructions. The Support
page has several models listed, and how to reset the unit.
Resetting PowerBook and iBook Power Management Unit (PMU)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=14449
Calibrating your computer's battery for best performance:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1490
{When fully recalibrating the battery, do not use the computer; instead
let the computer stay off or asleep (it should go to sleep automatically
when the battery is very low on power) and plug it in, let it fully charge
and this may take more than 16+ hours; and do not try to use it at all.}
The problem, if not in adapters, batteries, PMU, or calibration, may be
in the DC-in Board. Troubleshooting involves a concerted effort.
Good luck & happy computing!