New iMac shuts down randomly and won't turn on again

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New iMac shuts down randomly and won't turn on again

I purchased an iMac before Christmas and after a week it started to turn off randomly, then it go so bad it would only stay on for a few seconds.

As the iMac was within the 14 period of purchase, apple replace the iMac without question.

However, with my replacement iMac I am now having the same issue! Today the iMac tuned off and again will not turn back on again.

I think it would be quite unlucky to have two bad machines, however I'm not ruling that out... I can't believe this has happened again.

I've unplugged everything from the machine including usb and Ethernet.

The longer I keep the machine off, the longer it stays of for. So, to me that sounds like it must be the hardware.

Does anyone know if this can be a software issue? Something with the firmware of the computer?

Any suggestions would be welcome!

Thanks

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Jan 27, 2013 11:41 AM

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Answer 1

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BDAqua

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Jan 27, 2013 11:52 AM in response to Danneale

Hi Danneale,

Unless your very unluck, I'd suspect your AC power might be wired wrong somewhere, can it be linked to some other AC powered device coming on?

The longer I keep the machine off, the longer it stays of for.

Did you mean stays on for? That sounds like a heat issue!?

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Answer 2

Danneale Author

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Jan 27, 2013 12:00 PM in response to BDAqua

Thanks for your reply.

I've tried the iMac in two separate rooms in my house. All directly into the main plug socket.

It does seem like some heat related issue, as the iMac just switches off. Like a killswitch. From my limited knowledge I think there is some form of fail safe in computer to turn it off if it gets too hot.

I'm just quite shocked that if it is again a hardware issue, I've had two iMacs with this problem! I'm racking my brains to see if it is something else, but logically it does seem hardware related.

In answer to the above, the longer the computer is off, the longer it will stay on when I next try it. If it goes off and I try it again straight away it lasts only a few seconds...

I've reset the pram and gone through the smc process. As the is doesn't even load the os, it can't be corruption that is causing it.

I think I may have been unlucky... Again...

Seen quite a few power related issues in this forum. A few with the new iMacs like I have too.

Wonder if this is a bigger problem with this model?

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Answer 3

BDAqua

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238,991 points

Jan 27, 2013 12:47 PM in response to Danneale

From my limited knowledge I think there is some form of fail safe in computer to turn it off if it gets too hot.

Yes, they will shutdown if too hot.

Too soon to tell if it's a problem with the new models really, but I guess you have to contact Apple. 😟

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Answer 4

Feb 14, 2013 2:29 PM in response to Danneale

I also purchased new 27" IMAC on 25/01/2013, after having former model for 3 years with no problems. The new one is also shutting down randomly.

I have spoken to apple who say that they are not aware of any problems, have clicked report to all the on screen notices but as yet have not received a response. Called the John Lewis the company who supplied it and they have offered collection for tomorrow with full refund. They dont have a replacement in stock for 3 weeks.

Apple shop have one in but looking at reports online, I am reluctant to jump straight in for another one just yet.

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