My iMac G4 doesn't turn on

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Level 1

40 points

My iMac G4 doesn't turn on

Since I picked up my iMac G4 at a store (used of course) when I came home with it it doesn't turn on anymore! The screen doesn't light up, I hear no ''dong'', and I don't even hear the fan spinning! I don't know why, but when I tested it in the store, it was working absolutly fine. It's a 17-inch 1.25 GHz USB 2.0 iMac, and I think is the power supply. But I'm not sure if it's the power supply's fault, and if it was, I don't really know what to buy. I tried to heat the fan at the top, like I'v seen on youtube, but it doesn't turn on anyway. What's wrong with my iMac G4?

iMac

Posted on Mar 11, 2013 5:03 PM

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Answer 1

nightsd01

Level 1

134 points

Mar 11, 2013 8:57 PM in response to garirry

The iMac G4 is 10 years old...you may want to consider getting a newer computer.

If not, when you click the power button does ANYTHING at all happen? This usually indicates no power at all getting past the power supply, so it could be an issue with the power supply, the logic board, or even the cable/outlet you're using.

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Answer 2

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Mar 12, 2013 10:23 AM in response to garirry

Take it back to the store and get a refund or get them to repair it.

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Answer 3

rccharles

Level 6

12,957 points

Mar 12, 2013 12:21 PM in response to garirry

reset the Power Management Unit (PMU)

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1712

If the above make progress, you may need to try:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1458270?start=0&tstart=0

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Answer 4

garirry Author

Level 1

40 points

Mar 12, 2013 3:15 PM in response to nightsd01

Why would I even buy a new Mac? I brought this USED and that was YESTERDAY. And it doesn't make absolutly nothing when I press the power button. I'm pretty sure it's the PSU because if it was the motherboard, the fan would pobably spin. It's not the power cord nor the outlet, I tried three different outlets and two different power cables. I reseted the PMU, nothing works. Also, does this power supply will works on my iMac? (http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Apple-Celetron-614-0316-iMac-G4-Power-Supply-Unit-Q59C-A- B-160W-Tested-Working-/380587203255?pt=PCA_UPS&hash=item589cc3dab7&_uhb=1#ht_231 2wt_1163)

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Answer 5

rccharles

Level 6

12,957 points

Mar 12, 2013 7:25 PM in response to garirry

look for these service manuals.

iMac_flatpanel.pdf

iMac_flatpanel_usb_2.0.pdf

I'd try to check the output voltage on the power supply.

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Answer 6

garirry Author

Level 1

40 points

Mar 13, 2013 3:46 PM in response to rccharles

I looked for the USB 2 model, because that's what I have, and I found that on a picture on the PDF, there is 14 pins on the motherboard power connector (inside) and mine have 16 pins. Also, I don't have the battery test point like mentioned on the picture. What is wrong?

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Answer 7

rccharles

Level 6

12,957 points

Mar 13, 2013 8:15 PM in response to garirry

I'm at the limit of my knowledge.

There are two power supplies for the 2.0.

http://www.mac-pro.com/Mac-Pro-Store/G4-iMac-USB-2-0-Parts

http://www.mac-pro.com/Mac-Pro-Store/G4-iMac-Parts-and-Accessories

You sure you got the right g4 imac?

I found reference to these iMacs.

iMac_flatpanel.pdf

iMac_17-inch.pdf

iMac_17in_1ghz.pdf

iMac_flatpanel_usb_2.0.pdf

ifixit.com seems to have knowledgeable hardware repair folks

Identify your iMac.

Query by serial number

Apple's warrenty database will identify the type of Mac you have. Your serial number is securely sent, but you get only the name of your machine.

https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

This site provides more information, but lacks security.

"A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"

http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php

or

This site provides more information, but lacks security too.

"A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. It's used for various things depending on the product / brand but what is your Mac's serial number for and more importantly... what is it hiding and what can it do for you ?"

http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php

http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

( hint by K Shaffer )

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Answer 8

garirry Author

Level 1

40 points

Mar 15, 2013 7:21 PM in response to rccharles

So, I checked my serial number on the Apple website and it is a USB 2.0 model, so I was right. I also wonder, does the Genius Bar at the Apple store will help me find the problem so I can know what is the problem? Does a reservation will cost me a lot?

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Answer 9

rccharles

Level 6

12,957 points

Mar 16, 2013 11:00 AM in response to garirry

excellent idea.

Does a reservation will cost me a lot?

There is no cost. I know they look at old machines.

Good luck.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Found another service & repair manual.

imac_usb2.pdf -- is 200 page

iMac_flatpanel_usb_2.0.pdf -- is 180 pages. ( previously mentioned. )

powersupply from a to z but 20 inch. I get the impression the power supply is different from the 17 inche.

http://www.dremeljunkie.com/2012/05/20-imac-g4-native-psu.html

[ be careful ] You could check the voltage goin into the hd &dvd drive. They are standard..

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Answer 10

garirry Author

Level 1

40 points

Mar 16, 2013 12:42 PM in response to rccharles

On the website about the power supply, I found the 17inch model too. I will try to make a reservation for Genius Bar if it costs free. Thank you for your help, I will reply when I'll know what's wrong with my Mac.

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Answer 11

garirry Author

Level 1

40 points

Mar 18, 2013 4:57 PM in response to garirry

So, I were to the Apple Store and they told me that they couldn't repair it because they don't have the tools, but they said it could be 90% that it was the power supply wich was broken. So I ordered a iMac power supply and also a set of tools and a PRAM battery.

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Answer 12

rccharles

Level 6

12,957 points

Mar 19, 2013 10:24 AM in response to garirry

Good luck & be careful.

fyi. folks are selling a complete set of service & repair manuals on ebay. Someone from england is selling a four dvd set of pc & mac manuals for $20 includes shipping.

Robert

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Answer 13

garirry Author

Level 1

40 points

Mar 25, 2013 2:25 PM in response to rccharles

YEAH!😁 This is definitly the power supply's fault. I plugged the new PSU into the motherboard of the computer (I managed opening it without special tools) and it worked! I'm just waiting for the battery to arrive and this device will be ready to use.

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