iBook HD fail - or has it?

[miniandy]

Hi folks

My iBook won't boot up anymore. I turn it on and the fan comes on and the HD sounds like it's doing something but there is no video or familiar chime. I have attempted to reset the PMU thing and also boot in target mode but this has not worked. I decided to take the HD out of the machine and plug it into my Mini and it worked fine. I did not attempt to boot from it though.

Any ideas what the issue could be?

Cheers

[ThePassenger]

Sounds like either the panel or the graphics card/chip (dunno what the iBook has). Often graphics cards going will result in black screen and the system appearing to 'do stuff' from the indicator lights. If you've got an external display bolt it on (if possible) and try the toggle sequence (if the iBook has one). If it springs in to life and you see it's all normal it's either:
1. The cable between the panel/gfx has come loose or is broken.
2. The connector on the board/panel has failed (it does happen).
3. The backlight has failed (shining a bright light at the thing whilst it's booting might show you a ghost image).

If you see technicolour blocks or nothing then the card has failed.

Basically you're looking at a new graphics module OR a new logic board depending on how the iBook is assembled (my XPS laptop actually has a daughter-board for the graphics) which if the machine is out of warranty are ££££ repairs I'm afraid. You might, if this is the case find a spares/repair unit on ebay where the screen's shagged but the logic board is fine... it might be cheaper.

[magic torch]

Can you get into open firmware?

Sounds like logic board unfortunately.

[PJ S]

Could also be a case of the PRAM battery dead.
Did you do the PRAM reset on power on - Option/Command/P/R
If you can get into Open Firmware, reset the NVRAM as well - www.askdavetaylor.com/mac_ibook_powerbook_wont_sleep_when_closed.html