iBook G4 Logic board failures (#2): AppleCare coverage; Replacements failing as well in some cases; more
As we reported yesterday, there has been a resurgence of reports indicating logic board failures for various iBook G4 models produced within the last two years -- similar to the failures that plagued earlier iBook G3 models (for which Apple offers a replacement program).
In describing the common symptoms yesterday, we noted that users with logic board issues generally first notice problems starting up (not booting, blank screen on startup, etc.) , issues with the display (flickering or other strange behavior) that can sometimes be resolved by attaching an external monitor, erratic trackpad movement and/or frequent freezes.
It appears that probably the best way to ensure that you will not suffer significant downtime and expense from this problem is to order AppleCare coverage for your unit if it has not yet failed. Many units are failing just outside of warranty, and repair costs can be prohibitive, though you should make sure to call different Apple authorized service centers to comparison shop and inquire at Apple before ordering repairs.
Replacements failing as well in some cases Some readers experience the problem multiple times, with each successive logic board failing soon after it is replaced.
MacFixIt reader Nori writes:
"My old iBook G3 and iBook G4 12" 800MHz both had this problem at least four times, each time with a new replacement logic board (thankfully using AppleCare).
"It repeatedly occurred about once every 12 months or so, quite consistently. The video freezes when I apply slight force on the iBook whilst in operation (e.g. Moving it, typing fiercely, etc)
"My understanding of the problem is that the video chip circuit is located in an area which is prone to bending stress, and frequent bending of the iBook resulted in damage to this region of the logic board.
"I am suspecting that my iBook in particular broke very often because I mainly use the iBook outdoors whilst walking around, typing while holding it with one hand on one side of the palmrest, which puts a lot of stress on the logic board."
AppleCare replacements As noted above, having an AppleCare protection plan is the best preventive option for this issue. Priced at US$250 for iBooks, the plan far undercuts replacement part costs.
MacFixIt reader reader Jamie Feldman writes:
"I did just recently have a logic board failure on my G4 iBook. Fortunately, it was under AppleCare and replaced."
David Toub writes:
"Happened to my brand new iBook G4 1.33 GHz within the first month and replaced under AppleCare. I'm not sure it couldn't happen again if they use refurbished motherboards, as I've heard on some Web forums. This does seem to be a common problem, with numerous posts on Apple's forums."
Prohibitive repair costs Some users are being quoted prices as high as US$900 on logic board replacement procedures. As aforementioned, be cautious when ordering serves -- be sure to comparison shop and call Apple before agreeing to a costly replacement.
MacFixIt reader Chris Hearty writs:
"My 14.1" 933 MHz iBook G4 (part number Z09V) has a faulty logic board. It was purchased in Dec 2003. Not worth paying for a new board - it is 2/3 the price of a new iBook."
Brad Palmer adds:
"I've replaced 2 iBook G4 logic boards for video problems described on your site. The first board I replaced 4 months ago, it just failed yet again. Today I just replaced another iBook G4 logic board in another machine for video problems. And yes plugging into an external monitor fixed it momentarily. Neither covered by warranty and cost the school $500 each. We are just ordering new computers."
Peter Ernst writes:
"My iBook has had it's logic board replaced three times. Once under warranty, once I paid for, $300 and once under the new warranty from the one I paid for. It now seems to be running well. I will be interested in seeing if Apple will reimburse me for the second faulty board."
One service provider who wishes to remain anonymous notes the importance of comparison shopping:
"If anyone's being quoted prices for iBook logic board replacements above around $300 then they are being ripped off. There are two ways to repair an Apple portable: send it to Apple or take it to an authorized service provider. When you send it to Apple, they charge a flat rate no matter what's wrong with it (about $275 for an iBook). When you take it to an authorized provider, they could send it to Apple on your behalf or repair it themselves. If they send it to Apple for you, they get a very small facilitation reimbursement. If they repair it, they get to charge you for individual parts plus labor. It's fairly obvious which option makes more money for the provider.
"Anytime a service provider quotes anything above $300-350 for an Apple portable repair, you should ask for the mail-in option. Apple's own stores will generally assume you want a mail-in, unless it's obviously a cheaper repair like a keyboard.
"The exception is when accidental damage is involved. Apple's flat-rate price is no longer applicable; they charge a much higher 'tiered' rate depending on what actual components need replacing. In those cases it _may_ be less expensive to pay for individual parts and labor at an authorized provider, but it's difficult to tell until the computer has been opened and inspected."
Affecting PowerBook 12" models as well? Some users report a similar problem with PowerBook G4 12" models, which share many system components with the iBook G4.
MacFixIt reader Thomas writes:
"I just read your article on iBook G4 logic board failures. Well, my *PowerBook* G4 12" (which is an iBook rather than a PowerBook concerning the hardware) died last week with *exactly* the five problems you mentioned (a 1st gen. alu 12" PowerBook from mid-2003).
"If this turns out to be a general design problem with iBooks/PB 12" machines, I can only hope Apple will replace faulty boards at no charge.
General experiences
MacFixIt reader Gunter Binsack writes:
I first experienced glitches in the graphics and no reaction to any keys, not even the power off for 5 secs). After that happened a few times it wouldn't start up any more. Resetting PRAM and PMU wouldn't help. No startup sound, no screen, not even starting in target modus. Only the fan went on full speed, stopping only after totally disconnecting to power. People told me, it would be the logic board, I did not even try to get it fixed. It would not make sense, paying 90 Euro just to find out it is not worthwhile repairing."
Previous coverage: Resources
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new replacement board- my battery wouldn't charge and the computer won't
stay on if it is not plugged into the wall.
Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!
On the upside, employees at my local Apple Store (Wellington, FL) were wonderful, and Apple's phone support was very responsive as well.
Mark Elias
West Palm Beach
- by John Sawyer November 29, 2005 8:57 PM PST
- Nori says in the article above:
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(3 Comments)"My understanding of the problem [with the iBook G3] is that the video chip circuit is located in an area which is prone to bending stress, and frequent bending of the iBook resulted in damage to this region of the logic board."
Though the left palmrest of the white iBooks, under which is the area on the logic board where the graphics chip is located, might be subject to somewhat more stress than other areas of the iBook (for instance, if you're in the habit, like Nori, of picking up the iBook by its left palmrest, without supporting it equally on the other side), this isn't the only reason why the graphics chip comes loose--it's because Apple's manufacturer(s) didn't apply enough solder to the locations where the graphics chip's pins are connected. Some of these locations may not have received any solder at all--these locations are pins inserted into plated-through holes in the logic board, and may be connecting only temporarily by making simple, non-soldered contact between the pins and their holes. So, eventually these pins come loose. There are other possible causes for damage under the graphics chip, none of which would have happened if the graphics chip had been soldered properly to the logic board.
For replacement parts, Apple uses the same batches of parts as the ones that were used in producing complete Macs. As to whether they use refurbed parts for repairs, maybe--I don't know--but I'd think that would result in a more reliable repair, since theoretically the refurb process would fix whatever problem the part originally had (applying enough solder, etc.), and so you wouldn't see the same problem happen again. But since the same problem often does happen again, I suspect that most replacement parts are simply from the same bad production runs. Apple calls this "being economical" (for them, not you). I very much doubt if Apple re-uses bad parts removed from Macs being repaired, without trying to fix them first.