PRAM Capacitor to PRAM Battery in the iBook and 12" PowerBook G4 models

retr01

Senior Tinkerer
Jun 6, 2022
2,473
1
796
113
Utah, USA
retr01.com
I noticed something with my 12" iBook G4 that I recently picked up. It would keep forgetting the time and date every time I remove the battery. PRAM reset didn't resolve the issue. I discovered that none of the iBooks and the 12" PowerBooks have PRAM batteries. Those have PRAM capacitors, instead. Oh boy. :)


The PRAM capacitors are relatively inexpensive, but the procedure is difficult. This is what the PRAM capacitor looks like:

1663449413174.png

I could not find a guide by iFix for the step-by-step procedure for the PRAM capacitor. However, getting to the logic board iFix has the steps for various iBooks and 12" PowerBooks. For the 2004 12" iBook G4, this is the guide:


Then, the location of the PRAM capacitor depends on the iBook and 12" PowerBook model. For the 2004 12" iBook G4, the location is shown below:

1663450410099.png
 

retr01

Senior Tinkerer
Jun 6, 2022
2,473
1
796
113
Utah, USA
retr01.com
Hmm, I stumbled on an interesting "heated" discussion about the PRAM capacitor in the iBooks and 12" PowerBooks. :)

 

rjkucia

Tinkerer
Dec 21, 2021
233
81
28
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Mine does have the capacitor as well, I haven't really tested it but it seems to hold a charge for long enough? In any case, my battery works fine enough, and I can't imagine this would motivate me to open that damn thing up again anyways lol
 

retr01

Senior Tinkerer
Jun 6, 2022
2,473
1
796
113
Utah, USA
retr01.com
Mine does have the capacitor as well, I haven't really tested it but it seems to hold a charge for long enough? In any case, my battery works fine enough, and I can't imagine this would motivate me to open that damn thing up again anyways lol

Yeah. Even if the removable battery pack dies and cannot be recharged sufficiently, the iBook and 12" PowerBook will lose time, date, and maybe a few other settings because the PRAM capacitor only can power the PRAM for a handful of seconds. So, best to have a well-conditioned battery pack in those laptops.
 

3lectr1c

Active Tinkerer
May 15, 2022
629
294
63
the United States
www.macdat.net
The ones in the clamshells are starting to leak.

It certainly isn’t unheard of, the original Xbox uses a similar but larger cap and it’s infamous for leaking.
 
  • Like
Reactions: retr01

retr01

Senior Tinkerer
Jun 6, 2022
2,473
1
796
113
Utah, USA
retr01.com
I have tried to find out if anyone has ever converted from a PRAM capacitor to a PRAM battery. A tiny board solders to the original hookups, and it already has the necessary resistors and other components with a holder for a coin-sized battery.