iMac internal speaker problem

Question

Level 1

0 points

iMac internal speaker problem

I have an iMac G5 1.8GHz 17" without isight. I bought it almost 2 years ago. While I was totally convinced that my Mac's internal speaker has died since it's not working for last 8 months. But suddenly from last week it started to 'bong' at the startup. However, it doesn't work after the bong. I mean it makes no sound after loading into the OS. Is it possible to recover this problem and get back my internal speaker? Please help.

Just to let you know, I tried resetting nvram about 6 months ago but it didn't help that time.

iMac G5 [17" 1.8GHz ComboDrive], Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Jul 28, 2007 9:55 AM

Reply

Answer 1

MGW

Level 7

27,041 points

Jul 28, 2007 11:03 AM in response to nsmgr8

Reply

Answer 2

nsmgr8 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 28, 2007 12:51 PM in response to MGW

No, it didn't help. In the system profiler and Audio MIDI Setup the Internal Speaker does show up. But I don't get any sound. Also, today it didn't 'bong' at the startup. It bongs very much randomly. Sometimes it finishes bong but most of the times, it can't continue.

Reply

Answer 3

MGW

Level 7

27,041 points

Jul 28, 2007 1:14 PM in response to nsmgr8

The bong is a diagnostic sound - try booting from your install disc and running Hardware Test to see what comes up.

Please post back with results,

Miriam

Reply

Answer 4

iMac G5

Level 1

45 points

Jul 29, 2007 2:04 AM in response to nsmgr8

On my iMac, if I mute the sound before I shutdown or restart, the next time I power on, the "bong" won't be sounded.

I don't know if this is the problem, but this might solve it.

Reply

Answer 5

nsmgr8 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 30, 2007 3:44 AM in response to MGW

I did AHT long before, when my speaker didn't work for the first time. However, I ran it again and found no error. Also, there is no specific checking for internal speaker in the AHT.
I also noticed that when I boot from the install CD, I find no built-in audio in the system profiler. This is odd, cause from the installed OS, I can see all built-in audio information in the profile. Also, the external speakers work.
I have also done resetting nvram again. But still no luck with the internal speaker.

Reply

Answer 6

nsmgr8 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 30, 2007 3:46 AM in response to iMac G5

Thanks iMac G5,
but that's not the problem.

Reply

Answer 7

MGW

Level 7

27,041 points

Jul 30, 2007 6:17 AM in response to nsmgr8

Then I suspect there's a loose connection somewhere inside, so open the case and see if you can find anything.

Reply

Answer 8

nsmgr8 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 30, 2007 6:54 AM in response to MGW

I opened the case but it's too compact inside and I couldn't find an easy way to look into the speakers. I mean there's no way to take a look without unscrew many parts, which I don't want to do.
However, thanks for the responses though.

Reply

Answer 9

Jul 30, 2007 6:58 AM in response to nsmgr8

Hi nsmgr8-

What are you using for external speakers?

Have you tried this with all devices disconnected at power on?

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

Reply

Answer 10

MGW

Level 7

27,041 points

Jul 30, 2007 7:01 AM in response to nsmgr8

You should probably take it in and have an authorized Apple Repair shop look at it, or make an appointment with a genius.
When it's fixed, please post back with the diagnosis,

thanks,

Reply

Answer 11

nsmgr8 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 30, 2007 9:48 AM in response to DaddyPaycheck

I've used Creative and some non-brand speakers. I am very much mobile. So I can't stick to a single speaker cause it's better to use my friends/relatives speakers when I carry my iMac with me.

Yes, I tried disconnecting everything. No luck. Right now, I am not connected to any device, except keyboard, mouse and lan card :P

Reply

Answer 12

Jul 30, 2007 11:10 AM in response to nsmgr8

Hi nsmgr8-

Since these are speakers that use the line out port, have you taken a close look at it to make sure no crud or dust bunnies are somehow wedged inside? I know it is a small opening but it sounds as though it is somehow intermittent at best.

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

Reply