PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet): AirPort Card Replacement Instructions

This article explains how to replace the AirPort Card on a PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet).

Opening the Computer

Warning: Always shut down your computer before opening it to avoid damaging its internal components or causing injury. After you shut down the computer, the internal components can be very hot. Let the computer cool down before continuing.

To access the AirPort Card, you must first remove the battery and bottom case.

1. Place your computer on a clean, flat surface.
2. Shut down your computer and wait thirty minutes before continuing.
3. Disconnect the power cord and any other cables connected to the computer.
4. Place a towel or soft cloth on a table in front of you. (Figure 1A)

The towel or cloth will protect the keyboard and display area of the PowerBook when you flip it over to remove the battery and bottom case. Make sure it covers an area large enough for your PowerBook and that it hangs over the edge of the table.

5. With the display open at an angle greater than 90 degrees, carefully flip the PowerBook over and lay it flat, fully on the table. Make sure the display hangs over the edge of the table and rests lightly on your lap. (Figure 1B)

Important: Do not open the display farther than the angle shown.

Figure 1

6. Remove the battery by sliding the battery latch to the left. Make sure to return the latch fully to the right. (Figure 2)

Removing the battery will prevent you from accidentally turning on the computer.

Warning: Removing the battery before shutting down your computer may result in data loss.

Figure 2

7. Using a Torx T8 screwdriver, remove the eight bottom case screws in the order shown in the illustration. (Figure 3)

Important: To avoid damaging the case, be careful that the screwdriver tip does not slip out of the screw head during removal.

Figure 3

Note: The following three steps explain how to remove the bottom case by disengaging it at the left and right sides and then carefully pivoting it forward.

Important: During this procedure, do not push on the rubber feet of the bottom case.

8. Place your hands on the bottom case as shown (Figure 4) and push away from you until the left side releases.

Figure 4

9. Place your hands on the bottom case as shown (Figure 5) and push away from you until the right side releases.

Figure 5

10. When both sides have released, lift up on the edge of the bottom case that is closest to you; carefully and evenly pivot it over the front edge of the computer until it releases. (Figure 6)

Important: Do not twist the bottom case from side to side. Slide the case forward completely before lifting it up. If you feel any resistance when lifting the bottom case, double-check to make sure the case is slid all the way forward and releases from the front edge.

Figure 6

11. Touch the computer's inside framework (a dull gray conductive composite material) to discharge any static electricity, as shown. (Figure 7)

Important: To avoid electrostatic discharge damage, always ground yourself by touching the computer's framework before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. To avoid static electricity building back up in your body, do not walk around the room until you have completed your installation and closed the computer.

Figure 7

Removing the Installed AirPort Card

1. Pull back on the antenna clip (Figure 8A) to release the antenna cable connector (Figure 8B) and allow the card to rise up slightly.
2. Pull the card from the AirPort connector (Figure 8D).
3. Hold the AirPort Card with one hand and grasp the antenna cable connector with the other. While being careful not to strain the antenna cable (Figure 8C), firmly pull the connector straight out of the AirPort Card.

Figure 8

Important: If the AirPort Card is not being replaced right away, replace the antenna cable connector into its holder (Figure 10B) and pull the loop of the antenna cable up slightly and away from the edge of the computer case. This prevents the cable from interfering with the PC card slot, below, or getting pinched during reassembly.

Also, if the insertion end of the AirPort Card connector is rotated up, push it down into the level position. This allows the bottom case to install properly.

Installing the Replacement AirPort Card

1. If the AirPort Card to be installed came with the AirPort adapter (Figure 9A), remove the metal clip (Figure 9B) and pull the AirPort Card (Figure 9C) from the adapter. (The adapter and metal clip are not used with your PowerBook.)

Figure 9

2. If necessary, pull the AirPort antenna cable connector (Figure 10A) from its holder (Figure 10B).

Figure 10

3. Pull up the insertion end of the AirPort Card connector (Figure 11A) to raise it up slightly, if it is not already up.
4. Position the AirPort Card (Figure 11B) with the AirPort ID numbers and bar code facing up and slide the card into the connector. Make sure to slide the card all the way in until the card is securely attached to the connector.

Figure 11

5. Plug the antenna cable connector (Figure 12A) into the port, which is located just below the plastic tab (Figure 12B), on the end of the AirPort Card. Make sure the connector is straight before inserting it into the card.
6. Push the AirPort Card down into its space until the antenna cable connector is secured by the small antenna clip (Figure 12C).

Important: Route the antenna cable (Figure 12D) between the edge of the computer and the AirPort Card. Verify that the cable is away from the edge of the computer so that it will not be pinched during reassembly and that it does not sag down into the PC card slot area (below the AirPort Card). Take up any extra cable by tucking it in where shown (Figure 12E).

7. Fold the plastic tab (Figure 12B) on the AirPort Card over the top of the card.

Note: The plastic tab must be folded over the card during the installation of the bottom case; otherwise you will not be able to securely attach the bottom case to the computer.

Figure 12

Closing the Computer

1. To replace the bottom case, place it over the bottom of the computer in the same orientation as the original bottom case.
2. Align the notches on the right and left sides of the case (some of these can be viewed through the battery opening). Then press down and toward you slightly to secure the case.

Important: Make sure that the seams between the bottom case and the frame are closed. Verify that the case lies flat and fits properly around the battery latch and that the alignment tab that protrudes on the underside of the bottom case, shown in the illustration (Figure 13A), is seated properly.

Note: To help with alignment, apply pressure to the bottom case at the back of the battery compartment opening, near the latch, and on the front and back outside edges of the case.

3. Check that the eight screw holes on the case align with the holes on the computer.
4. Replace the eight screws in the order shown in the illustration (Figure 13). Do not overtighten the screws or damage could result.

Note: The screws must go in straight and easily; if they do not, readjust the bottom case for proper alignment.

Important: To avoid damaging the case, be careful that the screwdriver tip does not slip out of the screw head during tightening.

Figure 13

5. Replace the battery. (Figure 14)

Important: Make sure that the battery locks securely into place and that the battery latch is slid all the way into the locked position.

Figure 14

6. Turn the computer over so that the optical drive slot faces you. Verify that the bottom case is flush with the front edge of the slot. If the case is slightly bowed and there is a gap near the center of the slot, carefully pull the bottom edge of the slot until it clicks into place and becomes flush with the bottom case. (Figure 15)

Figure 15

7. Reconnect the power cord and any other cables that were connected, and restart your computer.

Warning: Never turn on your computer unless all of its internal and external parts are in place and it is closed. Operating the computer when it is open or missing parts can damage your computer or cause injury.

Tools Required