2007 iMac 24" boot failure

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2007 iMac 24" boot failure

Yesterday, my iMac stopped booting. On power up, I get 1/2 of the normal chime, a split-second (1/10s or less) partial display of the gray loader screen, and then both the sound and display cut and it powers off.

I've tried:

Checking breakers and surge suppressors for problems, including swapping the iMac to different outlets - no effect
Waiting a day to see if transient heat problems were a factor - no effect
Reset PRAM (Cmd-Option-P-R with Power). No signals, same 1/2 chime, flicker, shutdown
Removed all devices except the USB keyboard/mouse - no effect
Put in my Install Disc and held down C to attempt a load from CD - no effect

My suspicion is that I may have a power supply or motherboard failure. I don't want to spend $49 with support only to tell me it's gonna cost $800 to repair on top of it.

Any thoughts?

Steve

Posted on Jul 26, 2011 1:39 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

BGreg

Level 6

17,552 points

Jul 26, 2011 2:03 PM in response to steve.down

While the boot from CD didn't work, did you try holding the alt key to see if you could get into the Apple hardware test?

Did you try a safe boot by holding the shift key down as you boot?

If this is an Intel iMac, did you try an SMC reset?

Shut down the computer.
Unplug the computer's power cord.
Wait fifteen seconds.
Attach the computer's power cord.
Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.

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Answer 2

steve.down Author

Level 1

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Jul 27, 2011 4:56 PM in response to BGreg

Alt (Option) - no effect

Shift - no effect

SMC reset - no effect

Thanks very much for those tips, though!

Steve

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Jul 27, 2011 5:03 PM in response to steve.down

To me it sounds like a logic board failure however the only way to know for sure is to take it in. If you decide to have the work done ask if they'll waive the diagnostic charge.

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Answer 4

Jul 27, 2011 8:29 PM in response to steve.down

Just picked up my 2008 24" iMac. Mine wouldn't power on after first shutdown after Lion upgrade. Needed a new Power supply. I had Applecare but the cost of the repair without it would have been $106 including parts and labor.

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Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Jul 28, 2011 6:04 AM in response to maggiecda

If you had AppleCare as you mentioned all repairs would be 100% free. Please read the Terms and Conditions of your AppleCare agreement. If you do not have it Apple publishes it online, you can locate it on their web site by using Google.

Also please create your own thread instead of using someone else's.

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Answer 6

Jul 28, 2011 7:44 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Read through my post one more time. I said IF I DIDN'T HAVE it would have cost... this problem sounded similar to mine. I was not complaining. No need for a new post, just saying, it may not be as expensive a fix as he thought. HE seemed to think it may be a power supply problem. I just had mine fixed.

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Answer 7

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Jul 28, 2011 8:08 PM in response to maggiecda

Yup you're right missed that. 🙂

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Answer 8

Ruben MZ

Level 1

33 points

Mar 18, 2014 7:32 AM in response to steve.down

Hi Steve,

I know that it's been a few years since you posted this, but I have a 24" iMac and your case and symptoms sounds exactly the same. I too, tried all the keystrokes and nothing, replace HD and nothing. I'm thinking about replacing the power supply, as I suspect that may be the problem.

What did you do to resolve the issue with your iMac?

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