[X4U] G4 will not start

[Paul Moortgat]

It's for a year now that his clock is set to another time each time  
he starts.  He used to work with it without any problem so far.

Paul Moortgat

On 10 Apr 2006, at 18:19, Randy B.Singer wrote:

> Paul Moortgat said:
>
>> I've a friend who has a G4 who will not start most of the time.  Now
>> and then he will start.  What can be the problem?
>
>
> The first thing that I would check is the PRAM battery.
>
> The PRAM battery typically gives out after about 3 to 5 years.  But it
> can give up a lot earlier, or later.
>
> The PRAM battery provides a bit of power so that your Mac can remember
> its settings, such as your preferences and the date and time, while  
> it is
> turned off.  Sometimes an early sign that it is going bad is that your
> date and/or time will become incorrect, but often the first sign that
> that the battery is dead is that your Mac won't startup.
>
> The PRAM battery is a small cylindrical lithium battery that looks  
> like a
> short AA battery.  In fact it is colloquially called a "1/2 AA."   
> It is
> located on the motherboard and it snaps in and out just like a AA  
> battery
> in a toy.  Your PRAM battery is probably a light purple and black.
>
> Tadiran # TL5101 Lithium Battery
> 3.6 Volts. 0.97" long x 0.56" diameter.
>
> If your PRAM battery is over 3 years old, I would just replace it.
>
> Other World Computing is a good source for PRAM batteries.
> they stock them for under $6:
> http://eshop.macsales.com/AddToBasket.cfm?ID=2524&Item=OWCMAC36V
>
> You can also get one (for a bit more money) at a local Radio Shack:
> $14.50
> Catalog #: 23-026
> <http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104707&cp>
>
>
>
> Randy B. Singer
> Co-Author of: The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th and 6th editions)
>
> Routine OS X Maintenance and Generic Troubleshooting
> http://www.macattorney.com/ts.html