[prubardt]

Greetings - I have a G4 tower that is having increasing trouble starting. When I push the button, it lights while I'm holding it down, but the fan does not start and there is no chime. I can always get it started by opening the case and pressing the small button that is near the battery (I guess that is resetting the SMU, no?). The problem is that this is happening with increasing frequency - every few days now. Is something about to fail? What is the computer trying to tell me? Thanks in advance for any insight.

[Naphtali]

When you run Apple's Hardware Diagnostic CD, what is the verdict?

[bottomline5]

I had a similar problem with my G4 MDD. It got worse and worse until pressing the PMU switch didn't work anymore and it would only start up sometimes. I took it to the Genius Bar and it turned out to be the CPU, which Apple replaced for free under Applecare (with only two weeks left!).
As a side note, I'll mention that at various times Apple has replaced the power supply, the motherboard, and the hard drive under the Applecare warranty on this machine. I like it and it does everything I want it to, but it has been more trouble than any other Mac I've owned.

[prubardt]

I had forgotten about that - thanks for the reminder. The tests all pass. Any other thoughts?

[dougster]

-Hi,
Have you ever replaced the PRAM battery? It might be more than just the battery, but its worth a try unless its been replaced recently.

[Naphtali]

Which specific G4 tower is the problem?
I own a PM G4 1.25 GHz DP dual boot. Shortly after I obtained it, other owners were complaining about its power supply. Apple responded with an offer to sell owners like me a new power supply for $20, including postage.
I bought one. It still sits in a closet in its shipping container.

One thing I recommend is to do a search on this web site for PM G4s, or, better, your specific PM G4. There is a possibility that your problem is not unique.

The last arrow in my quiver is a PM G4 service manual as an Acrobat file. I can send it to you.