iMac 350mHz will not start up. Is it DEAD?

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Level 1

4 points

iMac 350mHz will not start up. Is it DEAD?

I went on holiday and left my Mac on. When I returned the on button was glimmering (as usual) but the Mac would not respond. I forced quit by pressing the startup button. After it turned off, it has not started up again. What I get is the following: After pressing the button, the button briefly turns yellow (< 1 sec), there is a crackle sound, and then it turns off. The monitor never turns on, although there is a brief static sound. I have a good electrical connection. I've tried the button tricks to no avail. I tried to slot load a CD, but it does not take (a lot of resistance and I don't want to force it). I had an external drive that is fine (Thank goodness for this file backup!).<br>
iMac 350Mz Mac OS X (10.2.x)

Posted on Aug 19, 2006 8:21 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 20, 2006 7:38 AM in response to raynan

Hi raynan,

First, try the steps outlined here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300552
If these steps fail, you should replace the backup battery:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86181
http://www.djonmac.com/battery/changebattery.html

-Petra

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Answer 2

Aug 20, 2006 11:50 AM in response to raynan

hello. have you tried to disconnect the powerchord off and wait a few hours? also when you open the RAM door at the bottom of your iMac yu can see a tiny button. press it with an pencil or smtg similar a few seconds (do not press it twice in thirty seconds) then start your iMac.
Please let us know if these solve your problem.

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Answer 3

raynan Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 20, 2006 6:22 PM in response to Taner Sezer

Hi Taner!
I disconnected the cord. Nothing. It took a while to find the button you described (gray button resting on a square 'nut'. I pressed it as you prescribed (with the power cord not connected or connected). Nothing. The other message posted that I might need to replace the battery. Thoughts?
Ray

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Answer 4

Aug 21, 2006 12:49 AM in response to raynan

Hi Raynan,
the internal battery has a life-span of appr. 5 years. If it is drained your computer won't start. As these batteries are readily available and quite cheap it is definitely worth a try to buy a new one.
-Petra

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Answer 5

Duane

Level 10

124,267 points

Aug 21, 2006 6:51 AM in response to Petra Lehmann

If it is drained your computer won't start.

That is not always true. This is one possible symptom of a dead battery. But a dead battery does not always prevent a Mac from booting.

The corruption of the PRAM is unpredictable. Non-booting is only one possible symptom.

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Answer 6

Aug 21, 2006 7:07 AM in response to Duane

Hi Duane,
thanks for your input. I only had this problem once. It was a Performer with a dead battery and it definitely wouldn't boot anymore (after displaying the usual symptoms - system clock resetting itself - of the battery dying). At least in that case there was nothing unpredictable about it: once it was truly drained -> no boot. IMHO however, in the case of the "dead" iMac it is worth to check as this is an easy and inexpensive possible fix.
-Petra

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Answer 7

Duane

Level 10

124,267 points

Aug 21, 2006 7:16 AM in response to Petra Lehmann

It is true that in the Performa days, a dead battery would frequently cause boot problems. Not always but very often.

Changing the PRAM battery in the iMac is certainly recommended and can't hurt. However the chances of it solving this problem are far from certain.

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Answer 8

raynan Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 21, 2006 11:56 AM in response to Petra Lehmann

Hi Petra and others!
Note that whenever I press the on button there is a flash of light in the button, a brief sound (not a boot), and then dead. The screen never comes on. If the battery were dead, wouldn't I get NOTHING at all?
Second, I just called an apple service guy and he indicated that this is usually a bad 'video board' (cost of $200! to replace). Does this make any sense?
Ray

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Answer 9

Aug 21, 2006 12:36 PM in response to raynan

Hi Raynan,

well, it could be the logic board (200 $), the power supply (??? $ -but in that case I doubt that your Mac would show any signs of life at all)), or the backup battery (12 $ at Radio Shack). If it were my computer I would try a new battery before exploring any of the more expensive solutions, but it is your call.

-Petra

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Answer 10

raynan Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 23, 2006 5:24 AM in response to Petra Lehmann

Well, I changed the battery, pressed the gray button inside the RAM door, unplugged the unit. Nothing has worked. Any other ideas, other than a new video / power board ($200 cost)? Thanks.
Ray

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Answer 11

Aug 23, 2006 7:35 AM in response to raynan

Hi Ray,
that is just too bad. Sometimes you get lucky and it is just the battery:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=610089
Alas, in your case it seems to be a more severe hardware issue that can only be tackled by an Apple service provider at some cost. Maybe you should check ebay for a replacement iMac (you can buy them for as low 50 $).
I am sorry,
-Petra

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