isaac0516
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: My Macintosh SE won't turn on.

Hello Apple support community,

 

Yesterday, I bought a Macintosh SE with a built in hard drive. The previous owner told me that sometimes the screen would only show black and white vertical stripes. but sometimes it would boot up and work. When i brought it home and tested it, It did actually work. Then, I opened an application(the macintosh basics tutorial) which requires the pressing of the 'return' button to continue, but the return button of my keyboard isnt working so I tried pressing "esc" and "command + q" but still didn't help. so I decided to switch the power off (even though it feels very wrong). and after that, I tried switching it back on, but it won't open anymore. no lights and fan sound.

 

Can you guys please help me know, what went wrong, and if I have to replace any parts. Thank you!

Macintosh SE

Posted on Apr 18, 2013 1:39 AM

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isaac0516

Q: My Macintosh SE won't turn on.

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  • by Jan Hedlund,Helpful

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Apr 18, 2013 5:28 AM in response to isaac0516
    Level 6 (9,894 points)
    Apr 18, 2013 5:28 AM in response to isaac0516

    Hi,

     

    First of all, remember that opening a compact Macintosh computer can be very dangerous because of the high-voltage circuits inside. Always disconnect the computer from the mains (but please note that high-voltage charges may remain for a long time even in a disconnected computer). Do not attempt to carry out any work unless you know exactly what you are doing. If in any doubt, leave troubleshooting and repairs to an expert. Be careful!

     

    Things to try could be removing/reseating memory modules and disconnecting/connecting cable connectors. The 3.6 V logic board battery may be bad. One can inspect the boards (through the use of a magnifying glass) for possibly cracked solder joints or damaged components (such as leaking electrolytic capacitors).

     

    Jan 

  • by Jan Hedlund,Helpful

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Apr 18, 2013 8:15 AM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 6 (9,894 points)
    Apr 18, 2013 8:15 AM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Addendum

     

    You mentioned that there were no lights and fan sound. I assume no other sounds either. This could possibly indicate a power supply problem (power switch or electronic component failure). If so, the power supply box must be replaced.

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Apr 18, 2013 9:15 AM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 6 (9,894 points)
    Apr 18, 2013 9:15 AM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Addendum II

     

    A bad battery can cause various effects, including a no-video condition on certain Macintosh models. A leaking battery can damage a circuit board. However, it seems unlikely that a logic board battery problem would lead to an SE not reacting at all (no sounds or lights).

     

    BTW, some SE logic boards are not equipped with a battery holder. Instead, they have batteries with solder leads (3 V?).

  • by isaac0516,

    isaac0516 isaac0516 Apr 18, 2013 9:36 AM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 18, 2013 9:36 AM in response to Jan Hedlund

    Yeah thank you sir. I think Im gonna get my power supply tested first. so I would know if i should replace any components. I know a little electronics so I think I could manage fixing this. I would definately remember those prcausions though.I also found a site that specifies which component might need to be replaced.

    I think my problem is the #5 one:http://www.biwa.ne.jp/~shamada/fullmac/repairEng.html

     

    Thank you very much. God Bless!

  • by isaac0516,

    isaac0516 isaac0516 Apr 18, 2013 9:40 AM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 18, 2013 9:40 AM in response to Jan Hedlund

    is it safe to solder a regular battery with the same specs? or do I use a special battery on this?

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Apr 18, 2013 2:36 PM in response to isaac0516
    Level 6 (9,894 points)
    Apr 18, 2013 2:36 PM in response to isaac0516

    Generally speaking, it is not safe to solder on a battery (explosion risk). If a battery has to be soldered, use a model intended for this (with appropriate tabs/leads). Observe warnings and instructions from the battery manufacturer.

     

    Has it been determined that the battery in your SE is soldered to the logic board? In many cases the battery is placed in a cage instead, which simplifies replacement. Verify the battery type and voltage before any exchange.

     

    Jan