No Bong

[Lewmer]

My iBook Clamshell, 366Mz, 9.2.2, recently has begun to start-up without the "Bong" sound. When this happens, the SimpleBeep (System Folder/System) sound doesn't work. Infrequently it all works just fine. When the Bong & SimpleBeep don't work, all alert volumes loudness seems about 70% of normal.
Everything else works fine.
Any thoughts?

[IIO]

the sound volume preferences are part of the PRAM.
is your date and time also wrong from time to time? then this might be an emtpy battery - or an almost dead power supply.

[Lewmer]

I've triple zapped the PRAM at startup many times.  CMD, Option, P, R.
I've never noted the date/time being wrong.
I usually leave the charger attached. Once in a while I do start with battery only, just to test battery. All OK.
Thanks for the ideas.

[IIO]

hm. one more try: did you recently install some old OS7 app? some legacy installers will overwrite your quicktime or sound inits, libraries and controlpanels wiht older versions. check for their versions maybe..

[Lewmer]

Nope. No OS7 apps install.
Another clue:
Sometimes after a Bongless start and no SimpleBeep after start, SimleBeep comes back after an hour or so and other alert volume levels return to normal.

[ovalking]

Bad speaker or connection?
Does it work through headphone socket?

[Lewmer]

The starting Bong is there with the headphones. I've exercised the plug and jack a few time. Sometimes there is a starting Bong with the speaker, but not often.
Unfortunately the jack is on the logic board <https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iBook+G3+Clamshell+Logic+Board+Replacement/117> and quite difficult to get to, per iFixIt.

Thanks for your help.

[nanopico]

Does the machine always boot?
If it always boots and you get the bong from the headphones, but not the internal speakers, a logic board replacement is not required probably.

I've had this happen to two clamshells I have/had.
In both of the it was a connector from the logic board to the speaker that failed.
It's a small wire and the plug on the end of it was getting messed up.

Replacing that would probably be all that is needed. Assuming it is always booting and sound comes through headphones correctly.

And yes a full logic board replacement is a time consuming pain.

[Lewmer]

It starts every time.
I'll exercise that connector when I have lots of free time.
Thanks

New question.
What about the onboard clock battery, probably on the Logic Board, has anyone replaced that battery?
Should this be a new discussion topic?

[nanopico]

It starts every time.
I'll exercise that connector when I have lots of free time.
Thanks

New question.
What about the onboard clock battery, probably on the Logic Board, has anyone replaced that battery?
Should this be a new discussion topic?

There is no battery on the logic board just a capacitor that is soldered on.   (I just had mine all stripped down to discharge it to try to revive my clam shell paperweight)