Titanium PowerBook PRAM Battery Kit
This kit is a low-cost, no-solder option of replacing the PRAM (PMU/CMOS) backup battery in Titanium PowerBooks.Problems Addressed
The kit includes a new LIR3032 lithium ion rechargeable battery and hardware to replace the original CGL3032. Replacement addresses the following problems that occur when the the main battery is drained or removed:- Machine loses parameter settings
- Clock loses time and returns to 1970
- Machine powers off (losing open work) rather than sleeping.
Before you order
Before you order, check these things:-
Battery control
board connector under Titanium optical drive.
The battery control board cable ("BCB") is plugged in at both ends. The one end is beneath the keyboard, to the right of the keyboard connector, just past the transistor; the other end plugs into the BCB, located above (below when working on an upside-down machine) the optical drive.
Battery control
board connector under Titanium Powerbook
keyboard.
If the backup battery has been disconnected for an extended period, it may take up to 2 days for it to recharge.
- Some aftermarket main batteries cause erratic
backup battery behavior. It seems that these
troublesome units discharge the backup battery as the
main battery discharges. Thus, when the main battery is
depleted the machine powers off instead of dropping
into sleep, or if the battery is swapped just before
depletion there is only a few second window to swap
before RAM is lost. Clock settings may be lost when the
main battery is depleted.
To test, get hold of a genuine Apple battery (even one with short run time). Install it and let it charge for a while (2 days is ideal), then put the machine to sleep, disconnect power, and pull the battery. If the sleep light stays on for a couple of minutes, the problem is not the PRAM battery. If the problem is an aftermarket main battery, replacing the backup battery won't address the problem.
- Computer model: This kit is
for Titanium model PowerBooks only. It
does not fit Aluminum PowerBooks; the
Aluminums use the same battery but do not have any
space inside to fit the battery clip. You can
differentiate Titanium machines from Aluminum machines
by the location of ports: Titaniums have ports on the
back, whereas Aluminums have ports on the side.
Older Titaniums (400/500 MHz) use a different battery and this kit is not compatible. The replaceable battery pack for these models is available from WeLoveMacs.com and PowerBookMedic.com.
You can find the machine type in "About this Mac" in the Apple menu, or on the sticker inside the main battery case.
Kit Overview
Titanium PowerBook with
retrofit PRAM battery
The kit includes a battery clip with 18cm (4") leads to install the battery clip above the optical drive. There is a round cutout in the shielding which provides just enough clearance to install the battery clip and allow the optical drive to continue functioning (the drive may, however, rattle more than before).
Installation involves breaking the existing battery free from its tabs, then attaching the clip to the board using the existing tabs as mates for a pair of quick-disconnects. Heat shrink tubing is provided to protect against shorting.
Tools necessary for installation will be a Torx size T8 driver, a small screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, a heat gun.
If you don't like this solution, there are a few companies that sell replacements for the battery and control board as one piece. Some are new, some used; if you decide to go that route, I suggest getting a new one (or, if they become available, refurbished boards with a new battery) rather than one with a used battery and an unknown remaining lifespan. Either way, though, you will pay nominally to considerably more than this kit.
There is also a British company that sells the LIR3032 with tabs, ready to be soldered in. However, they only ship to the European Union.
Update! HiTek Music Solutions has managed to acquire a few XXX-3032 batteries with tabs here in the solonies. If you're up to soldering, you can reach them at 702-672-3931 to inquire. (They don't yet have a web site.)
