Mac Mini Powerpc Pram Battery Replacement

Mac mini (PowerPC) PRAM Battery Replacement

Source: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+mini+(PowerPC)+PRAM+Battery+Replacement/275
Category: Repairs
Type: External SOP

Summary

Replacement of the PRAM battery (CR2032 3V lithium button cell) in a PowerPC Mac mini. The PRAM battery maintains time, date, and other system settings when the machine is powered off.

Procedure

  1. Power down the Mac mini, disconnect all cables, and flip it upside down.
  2. Insert a Jimmy tool into the seam between the aluminum top housing and plastic lower housing until it stops (~3/8″ deep).
  3. Gently bend the Jimmy outward to open the seam and lift the lower housing slightly — work to push the plastic clips inward to free them from the aluminum channel.
  4. Once one side is free, rotate the unit and continue prying along the front edge, then work around the full perimeter freeing all clips. Be patient and work gradually.
  5. Flip the Mac mini right-side up and lift the top housing off.
  6. If Airport is installed: Grasp the Airport antenna board and lift it off the two plastic posts. Push back the black plastic tab in the lower left corner if needed.
  7. Remove the yellow tape securing the power button cable to the black plastic framework.
  8. Remove the three black Phillips screws securing the plastic framework to the logic board and lower case.
  9. Grasp the optical drive and mass storage unit and lift slightly to see beneath.
  10. If Airport or Bluetooth is present: Disconnect the Bluetooth cable from the Bluetooth board and unplug the Airport antenna cable from the right side of the Airport card before lifting the drive assembly clear.
  11. Replace the PRAM battery: Push the existing battery inward (further than expected) then pull up to release it.
  12. Insert the new CR2032 battery with the printed/labeled side facing the black plastic holder. Verify the metal connectors make contact with the battery — bend them forward slightly if needed.
  13. Reassemble in reverse order.

Notes

  • Replacement battery: CR2032 3V lithium button cell.
  • When reconnecting Airport/Bluetooth antenna cables during reassembly, consider removing the two Airport card screws and lifting the card out to reattach cables more easily — connections are very small.
  • Reference the Mac-Mini-PowerPC-Screw-Guide.pdf for screw placement during reassembly.