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G3 Instructions

PowerBook G3 Wallstreet
PRAM Battery Installation Instructions

These instructions are intended for use by the "rest of us" who may not be so technically inclined. They are not Apple approved or sanctioned and not presented as such. If you are too squeamish about the task, you can (1) take it to a certified Apple tech, (2) grab a more technically inclined friend, or (3) send the unit to us for installation for $40 which includes the return postage. If you do not already have the PRAM battery you may purchase one at our web site:

PowerBooksPlus.com

Please email us at "dnmonk@aol.com" before sending unit for installation.

INSTRUCTIONS

Estimated time: 30-60 min.

 

Prepare your work place

  • You'll need a flat surface with good lighting. Place a towel or other soft material on the surface for cushioning.
  • In addition to your TORX #8 screwdriver (supplied) you will need a small Phillips screw driver.
  • Avoid surfaces or materials that may cause static electricity. You may wish to use a "static wrist strap." Static electricity can be deadly to delicate computer components.
  • As you remove screws and parts, systematically place them in order from left to right to help your memory during reassembly.

 

Remove keyboard

  • Shut down computer. Remove both batteries and/or modules from bays. Unplug AC adapter.
  • Release keyboard latches located inside the battery bays by sliding them toward the front of the PB.

 
  • Lift bottom part of keyboard and slide toward you. Do not lift by key caps. Turn keyboard over onto the palm rests.

 
  • Release the keyboard cables by lifting the sides of the connectors and lightly pulling on cables.

 
  • Use a pick to bow the two strain relief cables outward, then pull the cables up to remove them.

 
  • Remove two Phillips screws from heat sink.

 
  • Lift up on front handle and pull forward to clear the tabs from the slots under the clutch cover.

 
  • Insert flat end of a nylon tool or use fingernail to lift up gently and pop out the clutch cover.

 
  • Remove the four TORX #8 screws under the I/O door.

 
  • Use a nylon or other non-metal tool to unlock the data and inverter cables from their connectors. Warning: These connectors have exposed wires on top that could be shorted by contact with a metal tool.
  • Pull straight up on the display and set it aside.

 
  • Loosen the recessed screw on the side of the hard drive bracket. This screw is "captured" and will stay with the bracket when it is removed.

 
  • Lift up on the left side of the hard drive to unplug it then remove.

 
  • Remove the Phillips screw from modem.
  • Lift up gently on the right side of the card with a rocking motion. Pull up and to the right to remove it.

 
  • Lift up gently on the right side of the microprocessor card with a rocking motion. Pull up and to the right to remove it.

 
  • Remove the three screws under the clutch cover.
  • Remove the screw next to the stiffener.

 
  • Disconnect the PMU cable.

 
  • Locate the metal locking clip on the top case wall near the modem and release it.

 
  • Turn the case over and remove the eight screws from the bottom. Note the location of the two longer ones for reassembly.

 
  • Use a nylon tool or fingernails to separate the top and bottom cases starting at the back.

  •  Disconnect the speaker cable.

 
  • The PRAM (Backup) Battery is located under the top case. Disconnect the battery cable from the PMU board.

 
  • Use a flat tool to lift up on the front of the battery while pressing down on the back. Slide it forward to remove it from its housing.
  • Replace with new battery, press wires into channel and plug in cable.

 

Now let's put it all back together!

  • Plug in speaker cable.
  • Snap top and bottom cases together. Be sure the small swinging door on the right bay is on the inside.
  • Replace 8 screws in the bottom.
  • Plug in the PMU cable.
  • Replace microprocessor board. Be sure it is plugged in securely.
  • Replace 3 screws under the clutch cover and 1 to left of the stiffener.
  • Replace modem and attach with screw.
  • Replace hard drive and attach with screw.
  • Replace screen. Attach 4 screws under I/O door. Plug in both cables.
  • Snap clutch cover in place.
  • Replace heat sink. Attach with 2 screws.
  • Replace keyboard: (1) Place upside down on palm rest (2) Slip in locking tabs on either side (3) Plug in cables...lift on connector sleves to enable cable to go all the way in...press down on sleves to lock (4) Turn keyboard over, slip tabs under clutch cover. (5) Press down in front to snap in place. Check in bays to be sure the keyboard locks are in place.
  • Replace batteries and/or modules. Plug in AC adapter.

Zap the PRAM

  • Hold down the option button, command button, "P" and "R" button while starting your computer. After you hear the second start-up chime, release and allow to start up.
  • Reset the date and time.
  • Apple recommends leaving your Powerbook plugged in to your AC adaptor for 48 hours. You can use the Powerbook during that time.
  • If the unit is left unplugged with a dead or missing system battery for a number of hours, the PRAM battery may drain and you would loose date and time. If this happens, it does not mean the PRAM battery is faulty or dead. They are supposed to last about 5 years. It should just be recharged by leaving the unit plugged in for another 48 hours.

You're done!