eMac freezes randomly, open window turns into broken up jibber

Just a couple more advanced hardware questions on this...

is anybody familiar enough with the hardware involved and the problem to be able to answer these?

1. So, the caps are bad. IF you were to simply replace the caps, would that fix the problem, or has running the computer with bad caps on it fried other components that now have to be replaced as well

2. There are a lot of caps on the board. any specific information on WHICH one causes the video signal to scramble?

3. What about preventative measures. would it make sense if I have an emac (or, actually, if my school has a couple of them) with bad caps for me to take some kind of action to ensure these problems don't occur?

Arctic, as I understand it, the logic board has various layers to it, and replacing the caps isn't as easy as it may seem. Further however, the stuff coming out of the caps will eat away at the board. I base this on heresay, not my own knowledge, your honour. 🙂

Well I'm having a ball getting my mac fixed. I ran it successfully without extensions for about 3 weeks while I waited in vain for a recall. Eventually I gave up on the recall, and called Applecare - I am covered, but I didn't want to get it fixed, and then have the same problem in another 18 months.
So they knew nothing about the problem, and when I tried to refer the consultant to this discussion, he replied "you cannot believe those discussion boards, most of the stuff on there is untrue". Anyway he escalated the call to someone else and after telling him about the leaking caps, he asked me questions about wether there was a fire, or smoke etc.. After I assured him no one had been injured in the capacitor oozing incident, he told me to bring it in for a service.
So a week and a half ago, I took it in to my local Applestore, where it sat for a week before anyone even looked at it. I called them today and thay told me they have a new logic board ready to install. I asked him to look at it, and tell me if the caps had the cross on them, because as I mentioned up there somewhere, I don't want the same thing to happen again! He said they all have that, and this happening to my computer was just an 'accident'. When I tried to refer him to this thread, he told me I must mean iMacs, as there is a known problem with them, but he had never seen this problem with an emac.
So to make a long story longer, has anyone else in Perth, WA got this problem with their emac or am I the only one?
And if when I get my computer back and it has the same x caps in it, can I demand that the logic board be changed again, or am I doomed to jibber again in another 18 months, after my Applecare has run out?


emac 1.25GHz superdrive Mac OS X (10.3.9) Bulging Caps

emac 1.25GHz superdrive Mac OS X (10.3.9) Bulging Caps

pala, it's enough to make you want to wring someone's neck, huh...

I did check my new logic board's caps when I picked it up, but only those visible via hatchway... both were different types of caps to the bad ones... But as we know there's plenty others in there... I'm trying now not to worry myself...

One would HOPE that well before another 18 months has passed, Apple will indeed set up a proper repair program...

Well it's been roughly 5 weeks since my eMac left for repair with the FNAC (this is a large French retailer). I can't understand what's worse, Apple's response to this problem or FNAC's response. They only seemd to move on it when I called them up and asked them what was going on. I was told initially 15 days. Then on the phone, they said they'd never said that.

I can't fully understand why the tech support and client relations people show an outward contempt for their clients. As many of you here have tried and failed to do, getting tech support or client support to VIEW and acknowledge this board, proved fruitless, frustrating and served to point out what a commodity cheap computers have become. So we lurch towards the press, to push on the corportion – even those somewhat green/friendly giants – to make them guilty, or in the best-case scenario, responsible.

So...I sent a note to David Pogue at the NYT Times. He did write back but then admitted when I asked him weeks later that he hadn't had time to follow the discusion. Maybe another letter or two will get him interested in the economics of replying to customers in a timely manner. (Note bene Cheap ADSL providers in France sometimes end up earning more money on the paid TECH helpline here than they do on actuallyi providing the service, which sells for an average 30 euros/month).

Tomorrow my eMac comes back, with of course, a new logic board. I had gone through all the steps, and ended up reinstalling the OS and getting the same results – screen freeze. I am pretty certain that the new logic board will end up saving this machine, but not saving the reputation of Apple (for me) or FNAC. I'm certain a fortune is to be made teaching companies to not so much love their customers, but to talk with them. Unfortunately, this message board which permits us to talk with ourselves, just doesn't cut it.

Will report on the new machine after I've had a chance to see it run. Best to all. – MR C

Here is a copy of the letter I sent on May 4, 2006. As of today...no response. Unfortunately, I have to replace this computer and the old one will become a door stop while we wait for a recall. Fingers crossed.


Dear Mr. Jobs,

My daughter ***** is a sophomore in college at ***** in *****, ****. In July/August 2004, I purchased an eMac 1.25 Ghz G4 as a combination high school graduation/going off to college present. It was expensive for me but I knew it would be well loved and would get her through four years of college and beyond. Unfortunately, in recent weeks she has been experiencing some problems. The computer has started to randomly freeze up. It occurs at any time with any application or action. When it freezes, pixels distort and fragment in the open window or dock wherever the mouse pointer is active. Only a power button restart works to solve the problem temporarily. This is a situation that is slowly getting worse. Last night, I recommended that she shut down her computer until we can get it figured out. Unfortunately, this will send her to the library or computer lab to complete her work for finals.

I researched the problem online and found the Apple Support pages helpful. The threads “ eMac freezes randomly, open window turns into broken up jibber” and “ eMac Capacitor/Freeze Up FAQ” helped me to determine that the problem is most likely faulty capacitors and the only solution to the problem is to replace the logic board. It appears to be the same problem experienced with the first generation iMac G5s. I researched the problem further and found through various online sources that the problem is not isolated to a few computers. A growing number of eMac owners are experiencing and reporting the same difficulties all resulting in dead eMacs or a very costly replacement of the logic board. It appears to be a problem specific to G4 1.25 Ghz eMacs purchased in the summer of 2004.

I am writing to you directly because of information obtained from the same Apple Forums regarding Apple Support and this specific issue. Apparently, many customers are experiencing what they are describing as less than satisfactory service and treatment by Apple technicians. I find this difficult to believe as I have always been treated well, however I will admit that about a year ago I did spend over $700 at the Genius Bar to repair a problem I was experiencing with my own eMac. I thought I could save on labor costs by using the Genius Bar at the Apple Store at Tysons Corner in **, *** but it resulted in one expensive guess after another. In the end, the problem turned out to be bad ram. It was a costly lesson but I was treated well.

Mr. Jobs, ****** is in school 3,000 miles from home and is faced with dealing with this problem on her own. I feel confident that she will be treated well and fairly should she take her computer to the Apple Store in **** to have it repaired, however, I must tell you I am a single mom putting my daughter through college. With the cost of tuition, I simply cannot afford to spend another $700 to repair her computer. I am hoping that as with a few other eMac owners, Apple will repair her computer under their “customer satisfaction” policy.

In closing, I want to say that we have been an Apple family since 1992 with the purchase of our much loved Macintosh Performa 400. Since then we have remained loyal converting many Windows users along the way. I am hoping for a quick and painless solution that will help **** avoid the computer science center during finals. Thank you for your time.

Best regards,
*****

me too! buldging and leaking brown oooz.

G8429ESJQQJ

http://matthewslimmer.com/quickies/emac-oooz.jpg

http://matthewslimmer.com/quickies/emac-G8429ESJQQJ.jpg

Yep,

Freezes, screen messes up, bulging. Count me in on needing a new logic board for our emac.

I'm really counting on Apple to make this right.

G8433E7WQJ8

-Joseph

Well my story has a happy ending...

I called Apple support May 1st. I got a pleasent lady who after gathering my basic info told me that since I was out of waranty I'd have to plunk down $50 for the support call. I told her that I had an eMac with the leaky capacitor problem that seemed to be fairly widespread for eMacs made in mid to late 2004. She said she was not aware of the problem but she'd check into it. After about 20 minutes on hold (she broke in every couple of minutes to inform me of the progress) she transferred me to another person.

He seemed to be aware of the capacitor problem in a general sense (he said that they were tracking issues with capacitors) but there was not enough to justify a REP (Repair Extension Program) which I guess is their word for a recall. After confirming that I'd actually seen the leaky capacitor he gave me a case # and asked me to take it the local Apple store. If they confirmed the problem he said that they would replace the logic board for free.

I had an appointment for the Genius bar later that day. I took it to the store and the Genius rep confirmed the problem. The only hitch was that since there was not a REP he could not guarantee the free repair. He said I could leave it and if he could not verify that the repair was free he'd call me and would waive the bench fee so there would be no out of pocket cost to me unless of course I decided to pay for the repair.

Yesterday they called to let me know that the repair was done.

I know that many of you have had bad experiences but this experience left me with a positive feeling about Apple. Apple got some bad parts which ***** but could happen to any computer maker. What I like from my experience is Apple has given their employees the power to "make things right" at their discretion. The first level AppleCare person could have stonewalled me or insisted on $50 before talking to me; the person who she transferred me to could have said "sorry there's no REP so you'll have to pay for it"; the genius rep could have not taken the extra time to figure out the details on a repair on an out of waranty machine. But they all spent a little extra time to do the right thing, a rarity these days, and for that I'm greatful.

IMHO, Apple is a great company.

iMac Core Duo 20" 2Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6) also have a iMac Mini Core Duo 1.66GHz (Media Center) and a 17" eMac G4 1.25GHz

I called Applecare, and they wanted to charge me $50. I called Customer relations instead, and she transferred me to an Applecare level 2 rep, waiving the fee. The rep denied any knowledge of this being a problem with the eMac. I am out or warranty, have no Applecare and am just plain SOL is basically what the rep said. He kept talking about how I'd already gotten more than I deserved by being able to talk to him without paying. I guess I'll call back and try again. I hope they resolve it similarly.

Best of luck on that. Just keep trying. Sooner or later you should get through to someone who cares.

If they say it is not a problem tell them you can give them them the serial numbers of over 100 machines (Macfixitforumscom) that have the problem 😉 I was planning to use that fact but did not need to with the people I got in Applecare

I'm having the same problem but my caps are just bulging and not leaking yet. Will someone explain to me what the leaking and the bulging actually does to make the emac behave like this? Thanks.

Probably the easiest thing to do is to read Wikipedia entry on the subject.

iMac Core Duo 20" 2Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6) also have a iMac Mini Core Duo 1.66GHz (Media Center) and a 17" eMac G4 1.25GHz

susie - very nicely written letter.

I know this is very frustrating, but keeping a cool head when writing letters of complaint is invaluable, as you wont get far being aggressive.

I have to give Apple a lot more credit for addressing my issue also. In March I had my problem and around April I finally got through to a caring representative. I did have to insist with one or two people that they move me up the ladder of command until they were aware I was not going to go away. I got a call from Apple, a wonderful professional lady from Apple Europe, and she offered to have the problem fixed free of charge. My local Mac certified shop called me last week and I picked up the machine. I've only had it back for a few days but it does work.

The worksheet noted a replacement of the logic board. So obviously, we all can not be wrong!!! Apple must hear from all of you. We must share our experiences and demonstrate to Apple that they must make this problem more aware to their phone support personnel. Why should we pay for a phone call for a problem beyond normal user control such as bad logic boards. BE INSISTENT

Apple fixed my problem without any charge. There was no admission to manufacturing error, but there must be an internal log that identifies this as a global problem. Keep calling Apple. I have full confidence that they are prepared to meet you halfway if you are polite but demanding. State your problem in a global voice when speaking with them, not "to" them. Slowly, there is a chance these eMacs wil be recalled.