G4 Cube - jammed latch - can't open case

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Level 1

8 points

G4 Cube - jammed latch - can't open case

I originally posted this in the wrong forum, so here it goes again.

I tried to open my Cube's case today and it appears to be jammed where the internal "shell" locks into the case. I have no idea how to fix this other than to keep pushing the case handle back into the case to try to unlock it.

I also recently removed the DVD/CD-RW drive because it is broken, so there is no optical drive in it. I wouldn't think that would be a problem, but I can't really say for sure.

Does anybody have a solution?

Thanks,

AJT

MacBook, various other Macs lying about..., Mac OS X (10.4.10), My first computer: a TI-99/4A; My first Apple: a //c; my first Mac: a Mac SE

Posted on Jul 30, 2007 11:58 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 30, 2007 12:53 PM in response to gaijardo

This document may help.

eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/manuals/mercurycombos/OWCMercuryCubeCombo72.pdf

Also Do-It-Yourself Parts & Service
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58688

 Cheers, Tom

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Answer 2

gaijardo Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 30, 2007 1:39 PM in response to Texas Mac Man

Thanks, Tom. I have been looking at the upgrades, however my real problem is that I can't even get the "core" out of the case anymore. So I can't upgrade anything until I solve that problem.

The core should remove very smoothly as I have done it in the past. It seems clear now that something is jamming early on in the removal process as the core only comes out of the case about 1/2" before it stops. No amount of pulling makes it go any further (and I have used more force than I really should use to try and get it out).

I have searched all over the web for this problem, but have found nothing.

-AJT

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Answer 3

Jul 30, 2007 2:49 PM in response to gaijardo

Hello! HERE is a Cube owners site that might prove useful. Tom

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Answer 4

FangSuede

Level 4

2,195 points

Jul 31, 2007 2:14 AM in response to gaijardo

Hi,
The Cube chassis can get stuck in the case because the Airport card or other internal piece is out of alignment. This issue is brought up on Cubeowner.com from time to time and the usual method of removing the chassis is using a long thin blade to run down the inside of the case (between the chassis and plastic case)to try and find the obstruction. A cake frosting knife is ideal for this.
A certain amount of tension by pulling on the handle, inserting the knife and trial and error usually does the job.
There is no easier way that most have found to do this.
Just go slow and it will eventually pop out.

Regards,
Dave

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Answer 5

gaijardo Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 31, 2007 3:54 AM in response to FangSuede

Thanks, that did the trick. I searched all over cubeforum for this problem, but I somehow missed finding anything about it.

-AJT

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