This article discusses why a PowerBook may not run on the battery, but will operate normally when plugged into AC power.

With the exception of the PowerBook models specifically mentioned below, the following troubleshooting information is relevant to all PowerBook models.

• Ensure battery is fully charged by using the proper power adapter for your PowerBook computer. If it is not charging, try a different AC outlet.
• Reseat battery to ensure it is making good, solid contact with PowerBook.
• Reset power manager. See TIL article 14449: " PowerBook: Resetting Power Manager ".
• Try a different battery.
• If PowerBook provides multiple battery bays, try the battery in a different bay.
• Replace battery.

PowerBook 100

• Check that the storage switch on the back of the computer next to the power connector is in the up position. This switch disables all battery power, but will allow you to use the unit with AC power.
• A fuse on the logic board may blow if the lithium batteries aren't removed before the unit is taken apart. It's also important that the unit is completely reassembled before the batteries are reinstalled. The logic board can be shorted out quite easily since the keyboard is a part of the circuit. The symptom of the failure is that the PowerBook will run on the AC Adapter, but not on the battery.
• A blown fuse may be linked to a damaged or defective power adapter. In particular, the black insulating "O" ring on the tip of the adapter may be damaged and shorting out against the logic board. Replacement of the power adapter and the main logic board will fix the problem.

• On these computers, a blown fuse may be linked to a damaged or defective power adapter. In particular, the black insulating "O" ring on the tip of the adapter may be damaged and shorting out against the logic board. Replacement of the power adapter and the main logic board will fix the problem.

• The PowerBook 150 will show similar symptoms as the PowerBook 140 and 170 with a blown fuse. The unit will run with the AC Adapter connected but not from battery only. Additionally, the unit will not run from AC Adapter power if the battery is removed. Check the logic board fuse if it fails to run from battery.

• Ensure the proper software is installed for the battery you are using. See TIL article 15315: " PowerBook Duo: Battery Types and Compatibility ".

• Have the battery gasket installed if necessary. See TIL article 30148: " PowerBook 3400: Battery Gasket Installation ".
• The batteries for the 190, 3400, 5300, and PowerBook G3 all look similar but are not interchangeable. Refer to TIL article 24361: " PowerBook G3, 3400, 5300, 190: Battery Interchangeability ".

• Perform the PowerBook G3 Series battery adjustment. See TIL article 22211: " PowerBook G3 Series: Battery Adjustment ".