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Apple announces PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5GHz) Memory Slot Repair Extension Program
On several occasions we've covered an issue where one of the two memory slots on 15-inch PowerBook G4 units is suddenly non-functional (memory installed in that slot is not recognized).
We most recently delved into the issue as part of our Mac OS X 10.4.4 coverage, noting that the failure is a common occurrence with various incremental Mac OS X updates, which can be more picky about RAM than their predecessors.
As noted in our previous coverage of this issue, the problem may be resultant of a latent logic board problem merely exposed by the Mac OS X update.
In some cases, the RAM is simply seated improperly. Removing the module, and re-installing it, making sure the connection is tight, has resulted in the previously disabled module working again for several readers.
Some users are not aware of the issue until they check the "About This Mac" pane accessible via the Apple menu or experience significant slow-down in a particular application.
Apple has now announced the PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5GHz) Memory Slot Repair Extension Program -- a worldwide program covering repair or replacement of the memory slot in PowerBook G4 models manufactured between January 2005 and April 2005 (2005-01 through 2005-04) that are experiencing specific component failures.
According to Apple, affected systems will exhibit one of the following symptoms:
- The computer does not start up; instead, there are three short beeps (typically) followed by the the sleep LED flashing periodically.
- When both SO-DIMM memory slots are filled (populated), only one slot's memory is recognized.
- System performance may be degraded because the memory in only one slot is not recognized.
Apple is only admitting flaws in systems that have eleven-digit serial numbers in this range:
- W8503xxxxxx through W8518xxxxxx
(you can find your serial number by looking in the battery bay after removing the battery).
To participate in the program, please call your local Apple contact center (1-800-275-2273 in the United States), or bring your PowerBook G4 (15-inch 1.67/1.5GHz) to the Mac Genius Bar at your local Apple Retail store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP).
For some potential workarounds to try before bringing your PowerBook in for service, see this article.
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
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listed in the new Apple Program. I experienced the same issue, and my PB is in
repair right now with Applecare. A new logic board is on order, but they have
not received it yet. Its been about a week, so far. I also have the 3 year warrenty.
I am posting this, as its curious to me that the Slot Repair Program is not
covering earlier models, according to Apple's website on this matter.
April 2004. I sent it for repair in July 2005, paying because it was about two
months out of warranty. I escalated the problem but they wouldn't cover it.
I intend to find all my notes about the problem and repair and call 'em.
my G4 15" is a 1.33GHz and has a serial number in the range specified.
I wonder if this means that 1.33GHz machines are also covered.
First thing I noticed was the system stalled for about 3 seconds when the power adapter was plugged in. It did this for about two months but I didn't think it was a big deal. Then at some point half of my ram disappeared.I don't know when cause it's not something I check often. I reseated the ram and it worked for a while. Then it was Kernel panic after kernel panic. Finally three beeps and it was dead.
But my warning is--- if you have one of these machines and it stalls when you plug it in. Look out. It might be the first sign of trouble.
They also all had the exact same video failures, all 3 units. Reminds me of
the iBook vieo problems, looks exactly the same.
We (our company) stopped buying powerbooks becuase of this, and even
telling them that didn't change their decision. I think that apple is really
rushing products out the door without really testing them.
I pity the people that buy the MacBook pro hah.
Apple has to step up and cover the obvious manufacturers defect stuff. I
haven't had a single powerbook series since they released the G4's that hasn't
died a nasty death due to one factory defect or another aside from the G4
400-550 stuff, anything newer I have had failures on ALL of them hit my desk
due to manufacturing issues. Makes you wonder ...
- by olimoruz_dotmac December 21, 2006 7:37 AM PST
- Should be extended for all Powerbooks as I experienced today the same problem on a PowerBook G4 (15-inch FW800) I bought in February 2004.
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