Chosen Solution
Howdy everyone! I just purchased a little 12" PowerBook, and I was told that the Logic Board was broken, though the specifics were not mentioned. Well, it seems that the logic board works with the exception that the poor machine won’t recognize internal hard drives. I think it could be the port on the logic board that’s broken, but does anyone have any other suggestions? Is this a common problem with the 867MHz PowerBooks? I know someone who’s a computer engineer and he can work on broken logic boards, but what d’you all think? Is there anything I can do before I resort to that? Thanks so much! Sincerely, Tommy
If the seller who sold you the machine did not try to replace the hard drive cable you could buy a used one just to try but if the IDE channel is faulty then you’ll need another logic board.
I’ve never seen the connection from the logic board bad on the board. Your best bet is that it’s a simple bad hard drive. The computer sees the drive, ergo the cable and connection are probably good. Here’s how to replace the drive: PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12" 867 MHz Hard Drive Replacement Here’s a couple of ATA drives that will work for you: http://www.ifixit.com/Mac-Parts/PowerBoo…
In response to Markus’ post, after extensive testing of my logic board and instense examination, there was nothing found that could explain the board’s malfunction. I ended up purchasing a very lucky find; a broken logic board that I hoped I could fix. (It had a dismounted IC) and luckily, it DID work after the repair of the IC. Anyway, my only solution was merely getting a new logic board. I bought the other broken one because it was much less expensive than a working one. I wish you the best of luck with your PowerBook! Sorry I couldn’t have been of more assistance. :(
I have the same issue with my 3400c. When I got it used it was missing the pram bat and had some issues with the power jack which I fixed. Since fixing that port my internal HD and trackpad refuse to work (they did at first). When I start from disk tools no drive is shown, and the trackpad is dead. However when I plug in an apple adb mouse the trackpad reacts to touch but barely. I think I may have heated something I shouldn’t have on the logic board. The drive works in other machines and boots just fine. the ribbon cable looks to be in great condition. I’m guessing the logic board is messed up. I have no issue trying to fix the board but I don’t know where the IDE components are. it may just be the ribbon connector on the board but its nearly impossible to tell and wouldn’t find a part most likely anyway, this would explain why both trackpad and HD are having issues. They both power on at boot… but nothing happens.
