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Question

iBook G4 (Mid 2005) Apple Hardware Test Freezes

Apr 13, 2013 3:00AM PDT

I am trying to run Apple Hardware Test on my iBook G4, but it keeps freezing during the logic board test for both the extended and quick tests. I do not have any of the original discs that came with the machine, so I found a dmg online for the aht and burned it. The filename was 018-2056-A.dmg.



Now, my original problem was that my ethernet was not working. I was getting a self-assigned IP address (you know, the kind that don't work), which I considered par for the course for the network here until I realized that this was the case even when there was no cable plugged in. I also noticed that the device on the other end of the cable does not recognize that its connected to anything at all when I plug it into my Mac. Suspecting that my nic might be DOA, I tried running Apple Hardware Test, but of course, that's freezing whenever I run it. I find this odd, because I'm not having any other issues with the machine, and I don't understand why a bad nic would prevent the test from completing. Regardless, I'm used to troubleshooting PC's, so I thought I'd come here for some help. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Get estimates.
Apr 13, 2013 3:08AM PDT

I have a few friends with such and the replacement motherboard to cure such failures is more than what I see refurbs going for. Example? http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=608 (avoid those C grades) and under 399 for something newer and made by apple.
Bob

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Necessary?
Apr 13, 2013 4:53AM PDT

I understand that if the logic board is in fact damaged, the cost to fix it is far more than the machine is worth, and I definitely won't be fixing anything like that in this machine. I"m just trying to understand what's actually going on here, since the network problem is the only issue I have when I'm actually using it. I'm wondering what could actually be causing Apple Hardware Test to freeze since OSX seems to run fine.

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Sorry but is the question?
Apr 13, 2013 5:11AM PDT

Is this a question about board level repairs? I applaud folk that get into that but as it is today and the limitations of this forum I can only suggest board replacements when you see a board failure unless it's some physically broke connector and the tech doing the work has solder skills.
Bob

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More of a question about the nature of the failure
Apr 13, 2013 5:20AM PDT

I'm not necessarily concerned about doing board level repairs (unless they are relatively simple and can be done without a reflow procedure) but rather what exactly is wrong with my iBook. I simply find it odd that Apple Hardware Test (which is supposed to be good at diagnosing bad hardware) freezes while normal OSes, like OSX and Lubuntu do not have any issues. Is there some issue that Apple Hardware Test could be bringing out that OSX and Lubuntu do not run into? I'm also wondering if maybe there is a bug in Apple Hardware Test or if I am using the correct version. My experience is mainly in PC's, so I'm just trying to get a better understanding of what's going on here.

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Let me share that
Apr 13, 2013 5:28AM PDT

A long time ago I was doing root cause analysis on missiles. We would spend a lot of time determining exactly what was wrong as well as what caused it.

Fast forward to today and you rarely can get beyond "this board is bad". I see by your replies you want to do root cause analysis and given the tools available to do this are now close to 7 figures if you bought them I hope you understand that if a new board fixes it, that's what we do.

Good luck in your endeavors but at this point my answer must be. Replace the bad boards.
Bob

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Answer
Let's talk about the freezing.
Apr 13, 2013 5:33AM PDT

The usual causes I encounter are old hard drives and heat sink compound that needs replacement.

Since the heat sink compound is so cheap did you do the work?

Every once in a while you encounter a "new" tech that is fixated on diagnostics. If they are in your shop you dictate what to do to them and if they don't you fire them. This is a trivial item and in the shop I have no patience if they continue to run diagnostics for a common area that needs some quick work.

The "new" shine on those techs wear off in a month or two.
Bob

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I'll Give It A Try
Apr 14, 2013 3:29AM PDT

No, I haven't tried new thermal compound yet. Maybe if I get some time one of these days I'll tear it apart and try that.

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Answer
not withstanding that the AHT freezes,
Apr 13, 2013 11:02AM PDT

is there any wireless network available to you?

Doesn't matter if it is at the local Starbucks or MacDonalds, does it work there?


p

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WiFi Works Fine
Apr 14, 2013 3:30AM PDT

Yes, when I connect to a WiFi network, it works fine. The only issues I am having with it are the Ethernet connection and AHT.