ibook g4 problem solved?

After one year of attempting upgrades, trying mac hotkey combos to reset anything resettable, to no avail, I was suddenly resigned to the fact that I like so many other lost souls with a troubled, devolving ibook that could only be booted in safe mode, discovered something awry that looks like it could be a common damage point - perhaps it is an answer to a problem plauged by many - or maybe, still, I have my head up my ass and should pay apple or anybody $200 plus bucks to fix it.