How to Repair a Broken iBook G4 Charger Plug Cord

If your iBook G4 Charger Plug Cord breaks off or frays enough to quit working properly, all is not lost.  You can fix it if you can solder wires back together.  Here's how.

Step 1 Cut the cord

You'll need to cut off the cord.  First make sure you've unplugged the charger from the wall.

Comments

[SimonRawr]

My charger has been spotty since i got it, but yesterday, it just stopped working. My charger looked exactly like the one in the first picture, wires frayed and sticking out. I cut the cord, sawed the plastic barrel and pulled off the plug. I twisted the wires together and taped it up and it worked(: I am getting a new charger, but I needed something until then. Oh, and I did this at 3 in the morning after seeing the midnight premiere or Harry Potter, only using a swiss army knife. I type this from my happily charged iBook G4 (:

[tbarkhou]

I did this and it worked. Thanks.

I used white electrical tape and it looks less Frankenstein.

[ljnelke]

Yes, white tape would certainly look better. I just went with what I had in my electrical repair box.

You're right about the Frankenstein look, though. Maybe you could send me a photo and I'll add it to the instructable with a credit to you for the good idea. Where did you buy the white tape?

[philby64]

Question:
I've never soldered before, so I'm hesitant.

Is it absolutely necessary to solder the connection or can the wires just be carefully and tightly twisted together and taped?

(I haven't taken apart my connector yet, so if I'm way off, please let me know.)

Thanks!

[ljnelke]

You really need to solder it.  Never fear, you can do it.  You should be able to get a good 25 to 40 watt pencil soldering iron on Amazon or at Radio Shack for uor cnder $20.  Solder for another $10 or less.  It helps to have a set of those "helping hands" alligator clip holders to keep the wires steady.  And you can learn absolutely anything reading instructables or watching a video on youtube.

[heyitsrusty]

Nice instructable... I had the exact same problem.. I was able to pry the clear ring away from the white barrel, allowing me to re-solder the connections.  I had to insert a razor blade and pry it out all the way around, it took awhile.  After reinserting everything in the white barrel i filled the whole thing with clear epoxy. works and looks great, it actually glows in the back now where the cord goes in.