Macbook Pro dies with a whimper, but starts up with some jiggery-pokery

Question

NOTE: SMC reset and PRAM/NVRAM reset were done.
Hi -
I wonder if anyone can help me, please.
I just got my Macbook Pro back from a friend. Apparently it just spent two years in storage.
Here's the problem.
1) It will not start up normally. If I press the power button it will die with a whimper. That is, the Superdrive comes to life briefly, and then the whole machine dies with a 'fweep' sound after a second or two (longest it lasted was about 5 secs).
2) It will usually start up, and remain running reliably if I start by pressing and holding the power button for about five seconds.
3) It has given me a long POST beep, on three occasions, about two seconds long. Loud and piercing. When started up, however, there seem to be no RAM issues. It has not been a consistent issue.
4) After logging on, the clock will have been reset to Dec 31, 2000. This too is not consistent. It has on occasion remembered the correct date after a cold startup.
5) Computer's fans keep spinning, and running around 5900 RPM. This only started after I did an SMC reset and a PRAM reset. I did those resets in the same session, so it's now impossible which change screwed up the fans.
Though I must say, it does stay cool to the touch now, where before the machine was noisy, and at one time shut off unexpectedly (possibly due to heat?)
6) Sleep issues. After waking up from sleep, the machine will die with a whimper (same one as experienced on startup). The screen will come back , but then die suddenly a second later.
I have done a ton of research here and other boards, and no one seems to have the exact same issues I describe here, esp the computer's mysteriously booting up when pressing and holding the power button.
-I have done all the zaps and resets a person can do.
-I have reseated the RAM
-I have reconnected the KB/Trackpad, which had become disconnected owing to a third party's tinkering.
-The dying issues happen both with the battery in place or just on AC power. Also with battery full and on AC power. I have tried all permutations.
So with all this info, what else can it be? I will of course take it to the genius bar when I can, but being disabled I would love to be able to fix this at home, and order parts if necessary. But i am hoping I have overlooked something, and that someone here will know how to proceed.
Other pertinent info:
Macbook Pro 1150, 2.0 GHz. 2 GB RAM
200 MB harddrive.
Had its logic board replaced in the past, owing to issues with flickering screen. Hopefully it's not that.
If it is, it might still be worth buying a used board for $300 and doing the repair myself.
OK ladies and gentlemen, any ideas? Your help would be very much appreciated! I am glad to have this machine back and it would be a waste to just chuck it now!
Sorry this is so long, I am trying to be detailed.
Cheers,
Pascal
Message was edited by: Pascal40

Answer 1

Pascal40 wrote:
Received a 'new' battery in the mail - a pull from another A1150, but after installing the problem persists. I appreciate the suggestion, it was a worthwhile idea.
I'm not hopeful that's the issue, but give it overnight to charge (used to be five hours with Mac shut down, don't know what it is now).
Meanwhile, I've made a video of the problem, hoping maybe a visual will inspire someone.
Watched it. Strange indeed. Just as I was thinking "check the RAM" your "I already checked the RAM" message came up. Pretty good timing.
Hope it's OK to post a link to a video. If not, let me know and I will remove it immediately. You never know what rule you're breaking in any given place these days
I don't remember ever seeing anything against it in the TOUs, and I've never seen a pic/vid pulled which demonstrated an issue, so I wouldn't worry about it (but of course I have no say in the matter).
I'm thinking LB, probably the PMU on it.