Some kind of bug decided to crawl inside my iMac screen and die between the glass and the monitor. I've had no luck with AppleCare or any of the independent repair facilities I've called. Any suggestions?
I was considering taking a heat gun to him through the front of the glass hoping he'd dry out and fall to the bottom out of sight. Can anyone advise on the feasibility of that working vs. permanently damaging the monitor?
iMac Pro
NO!
I did it when I put a SSD in my iMac last year. You have to be meticulous removing the old adhesive, look very carefully as sometimes it's really hard to see that it's even there.
If it's an old imac (up to '09?), the 'glass' is held on with magnets I think, so really easy, no stick stuff!
See this article.
I agree it sounds like a terrible idea... but perhaps not worse than designing a computer that you can't open to dust. Had I known, I never would have bought it.
Can you elaborate? Do you have any knowledge of heat gun likely causing damage? Or, any other suggestions? Thanks
Thanks Granger; I am familiar with this option but I'm hesitant because the two repair shops I spoke to wouldn't do it for payment. I should have asked more questions to understand why, but I'll reconsider it. It does seem like my only option at this point. Thanks again!
While the glass is sealed to the frame, it is possible for the bug to find its way
into your iMac case and once in sneak in between the cables and the sheet metal
backing on the display itself and wander around in there and find its way to
the front. It does take quite a bit of doing but it does happen. Rarely, but it does.
I have worked in the electronics industry for years and insects do have a habit
of finding there way into what one would think are impossible places.
Thanks for the disappointing info.
The bug might be dead but perhaps he'd find solace in knowing how inconvenient his carcass became for the object that killed him... unless he just died of natural causes and happened to be inside my monitor at time. We may never know.
RottenAppleNYC wrote:
Thanks for the disappointing info.
You're welcome. Sorry about that.
The displays on iMacs are not designed to have heat applied to them, you risk damaging it. iMacs in the basic configuration have been made since about 2005 so you had LOTS of time to research them before buying. You can always buy a Mac Mini the next time or if you have the money a Mac Pro.
Don't take a heat gun to it!
If you're feeling adventurous...
Lots of info on youtube for adding ssd's to an iMac, follow the first bit of the instructions and take the screen off.
Clean the bug out and put it back
You will need to get new double sided strips to put it back on (Amazon) (make sure you clean ALL the old stuff off first or the screen will fall onto your desk the next day!)
The ability to perform basic maintenance is something I never imagined I'd have to research before buying a computer. Also, some older iMacs used magnets to attach the glass and not adhesive like mine. Having built my last 2 PC's from components, I incorrectly assumed owning a Mac would be less work.
RottenAppleNYC wrote:
It's a 2017 iMac Pro with the adhesive :(
Just to clarify something. The glass and the display are fused together. They can't be separated. The assembly is attached to the Mac with adhesive strips. Not the glass to the display. The entire display would have to be replaced, $$$.
dialabrain wrote:
RottenAppleNYC wrote:
It's a 2017 iMac Pro with the adhesive :(
Just to clarify something. The glass and the display are fused together. .... The entire display would have to be replaced, $$$.
Yes, my mistake, you are correct. got mixed up, I did my older imac at the same time, ....... it's the age you see...... brain turning to porridge... :-)
Not a heat gun, but a 5lb hammer. Same result, and the bug is still dead.
It's a 2017 iMac Pro with the adhesive :(
Would you take a heat gun to a dead bug inside an iMac monitor?
