Mac IIci startup problems

Hi everyone,

Today I decided to pull my IIci out of storage and try it out, and I was disappointed to find out it would not start. Every time I pressed the power button, either on the keyboard or on the back, all it would do is flash the keyboard and power lights on and off until the button was released.

The power supply also made a clicking sound, so I replaced it with another that I got out of a IIcx. This one also only blinks, and makes an even louder clicking sound and only blinks 3 times before stopping.

I want to get this computer up and running again... what should I do?

Mac IIci, Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier

Posted on Jan 10, 2011 6:57 PM

20 replies

Netdude21

Level 1

114 points

Jan 28, 2011 1:38 PM in response to blarrer

Actually blarrer,

If you closely examine the logic board again and look at the surface mount capacitors and find the electrolytic compound has leaked on the board then that's where your problem lies.

I have a IIci as well and was trying to use it when I noticed the problems you are describing (Power and hard drive light flashing and lights on the keyboard flashing) so I thought replacing the PRAM battery would fix it, that didn't help, so I figured that unplugging it for 24 hours would help and sure enough it did.

So I went a little further in my investigation as to why my IIci was having startup problems and I visually inspected the board itself and found what I told you.

It might be a lost cause for you to have the capacitors on the logic board repaired because they might be glued to the board and the traces might be damaged by the bad caps.

It might be cheaper to buy a replacement board for the IIci, Here's a link http://www.users.qwest.net/~jgarbacz/68kpart2.html.

Hope this helps.

blarrer Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 28, 2011 3:12 PM in response to Netdude21

Wow! thanks so much for linking to that site! On ebay, IIci logic boards go for around $80, but $5!? Incredible! Thanks, I'll check the board and if I see any caps like you said I'll buy a new one from that site.

Thanks very much!

blarrer Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 31, 2011 3:49 PM in response to blarrer

So I checked the board, and it looks just fine. I'm getting a new IIci in a few weeks and when it arrives I'll swap the power supply and see if that helps, I'm pretty sure the supply is A problem even if it isn't THE problem.

Do you know if that site is still active or not? It looks pretty old, and I emailed the guy 3 days ago and still not a reply yet.

Thanks for your help!

Jan 31, 2011 10:33 PM in response to blarrer

Guys that sell like that do not make a lot of money so there is little incentive to hurry. Finding another machine at a recycling company also takes time. Collecting old macs is a labor of love, not productive marketing.

Our collection of IIci computers came from the Hanford nuclear plant back in the nineties. Ten for $100 US dollars. Keep looking or take a vacation to Spokane. : )

Feb 1, 2011 5:25 AM in response to blarrer

FYI the IIci power supply was the same as the one used in the IIcx as well as later Macs such as the IIvx and IIvi. I'm pretty sure even the Centris and Quadra 650's + Performa 600 used the same ps though check the ratings....

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Mac IIci startup problems