MAYDAY.... mac down...mac down!!

Two nights ago I downloaded a proposal from the Apple store for some new equipment I'm ordering. After about 45 min on the computer, looking over the proposal, I shut down for the night. When I went to turn on my computer the next day I got nothing.... no power 😟

I tried both power buttons (on the tower and on the monitor) nothing happened.... dead computer.

I swapped the power cord and replaced it with the one from my family's PC (same kind of cord 10A 120v) and nothing.

WHAT COULD OF HAPPENED????

I take very good care of my equipment... I'm the sole owner.... My G4 is going on 5 years.... I preform regular maintenance.... I have two internal drives that are not close to being filled...

ANY IDEAS??? I'm have been limited to a Compaq computer the last day. I've had enough and want to be back in my Mac environment. Please, any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance to all who respond...

Mr. GJ

Posted on Oct 16, 2005 9:22 AM

48 replies

Oct 16, 2005 12:42 PM in response to Mr. Green Jeans

what kind of moniter, it can still turn on without displaying an image (look for a white light)

Oct 16, 2005 12:48 PM in response to Mr. Green Jeans

ok
transfer it to a seperate outlet, and plug it in (unhook it from the comp) and see if you can get any life from it. If not, its fried. Smell the powersupply (non conventional) but it will help. What does it smell like?

Oct 16, 2005 1:01 PM in response to Patrick Allin1

Hey Patrick,

I don't know how else to respond to you...

It's an Apple 15" monitor, it came with the computer from the Apple store. I looked on the monitor for more info but there is nothing else.

The monitor attaches to the tower via pins. There is no way to connect it separately to the wall.

If you want to know if I get power to my monitor with the tower plunged into the wall the answer is no.

To restate: My computer and all its counterparts (monitor, mouse, keyboard)are connected correctly to the tower. The tower is connected to the wall outlet and with or without the power button pushed nothing works or lights up. My tower button doesn't light, my monitor doesn't light, my mouse doesn't light. As of yesterday, I am looking at a G4 paper weight.

Oct 16, 2005 1:09 PM in response to Patrick Allin1

trying to keep us on the same page

Unless I'm missing something major... do you understand I'm running a powermac G4 and that the monitor can only work if the tower works. I'm almost positive they go hand-in-hand... if I'm wrong I apologize but I see no physical way to detach the monitor and separately connect it to a wall outlet to see if it's getting power.

Mr GJ

Oct 16, 2005 3:14 PM in response to Mr. Green Jeans

Hi
Sorry about that, I forgot that the apple lcds run off one cable. I have 2 conclusions
1- Your logic board is dead
2-the power supply is zapped

I would go with the power supply, this sometiumes happens.
this one will work
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=10302 40&CatId=1077

if you dont want to install it, you could always get a new mac, such as the mini
-patrick

Oct 17, 2005 12:40 AM in response to Mr. Green Jeans

Mr. GJ:

You've identified that power is getting through the cord to the Mac.

Disconnect the keyboard from the Mac and then try the power button again. If the button lights, it would indicate that the keyboard must be replaced.

Try doing a "deep reset" (my term) and completely de-energizing the Mac. I don't have high expectations, but perhaps it's still worth a try:

Unplug everything from the back of the tower except the power cord.
Ground yourself by touching a metal slot cover on the back of the Mac.
Disconnect the power cord.
Depress & hold the start button for a five count.
Open the side door and remove the battery.
Reset the PMU, depressing the button for a five count.
Let the Mac sit for a couple of hours to drain the capacitors completely.
Reinsert the battery, close up, hook up and attempt to boot.

If you're handy with a multimeter, here's a detailed trickle voltage check you can run to determine if the power supply is okay or not, instead of buying a new one and hoping that it's the cause of the problem:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=95064

Don't let the test scare you off... it's really easier than it sounds. You'll have to buy or borrow a multimeter, but that's a lot cheaper than a power supply that you may not need...

The other thing that comes to mind is the possibility of a bad front panel board, if the power supply checks out okay. Here's a link for someone's take on that issue:

http://www.smalldog.com/newsarchive/techtails_display.php?id=44

BTW - I'm uncertain whether or not the monitor power button, which you've ried to no avail, bypasses the front panel board's power switch or works in conjunction with it. I would guess that it bypasses it, but I'm just not sure...

Here's Apple's procedures for replacing these items, if necessary:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75312

Lastly, the logic board could be bad, but I'd eliminate the other possibilities before looking to this one...

Gary

Oct 18, 2005 2:39 PM in response to Majordadusma

Thanks for all the input....

I did what Gary suggested and had my mac checked with a multimeter... If our tests are correct, it looks like my power supply has taken the high road. I'm now in the process of purchasing a new power supply. Any recommendations welcome..

I think my next step is to call the Apple Store....

Thanks again,
MR GJ

Oct 18, 2005 2:43 PM in response to Mr. Green Jeans

Hi there
Go for tiger direct, it will be the lest expensice (apple will be over one hundred) You just need 300 watts and apple had guids on how 2 do it

Oct 18, 2005 2:50 PM in response to Patrick Allin1

Hey Patrick,

I checked the site you recommended, thanks...

Are you positive this power supply will work for my G4 DP500. I showed the web page to the tech who did the meter test on my mac.... he was very impressed with the price, but he wasn't too sure if it would give my mac enough juice.

MR GJ

Oct 18, 2005 2:52 PM in response to Mr. Green Jeans

ok i will take a closer look at the specs

Oct 18, 2005 2:56 PM in response to Mr. Green Jeans

really sorry about that, it needs at least 338 watts.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=15558 64&CatId=1077

that will work, it will work on the powermac...power is power. You just need to screw it in and connect the cables.

Oct 18, 2005 3:07 PM in response to Patrick Allin1

Very cool...

(I apologize for getting repetitive)

this the direct link to the power source that will work??

Not being familiar with the inners of a computer makes me a bit cautious.. my tech guy is out of town until Fri so there is no way for me to double check with him before I place the order... I just want to make sure, this way I don't order a part I can't use and, in turn, re-order and then have to wait even longer for another part.

Thanks for all your help,
MR GJ

Oct 18, 2005 3:10 PM in response to Mr. Green Jeans

that link will work, if you do not feel comfortable about it, have him do it. You dont want to zap the motherbord. He may be able to ue one of his own power supplys

Oct 18, 2005 3:17 PM in response to Patrick Allin1

Getting the power supply in will be no problem... I know more than a few guys who have the know-how. Just wanted to make sure that the supply I'm ordering will work properly when installed. If you say this power supply should work, I'll definitely consider the option you suggested.

Thanks again for all your help,

MR GJ

Oct 20, 2005 7:53 PM in response to Mr. Green Jeans

It will work, just make sure it is over 322 watts (The one I posted is)

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MAYDAY.... mac down...mac down!!