ClarisWorks
Level 1 (5 points)

Q: iMac G3 333 Screen Black

I got an iMac G3 from someone for free, and when I actually got it home, I plugged it in and the screen never turned on.

 

 

 

It's the Tray Loading Model, It's a Blueberry color.

 

 

Any help?

 

 

 

-Clarisworks

iMac

Posted on Jan 6, 2015 10:05 PM

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ClarisWorks

Q: iMac G3 333 Screen Black

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Jan 7, 2015 1:55 AM in response to ClarisWorks
    Level 6 (9,869 points)
    Jan 7, 2015 1:55 AM in response to ClarisWorks

    Does the computer react at all (sounds, display, power button light)?

     

    You may want to check the logic board battery (3.6 V) to begin with. A bad battery can sometimes cause unexpected behaviour.

    http://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/0/MA492/en_US/iMacG3_originalInstallGuide. PDF

     

    Unfortunately, some of the early iMac computers had other issues (for example, with the flyback transformer) preventing proper startup/video. Often, the power button would show a green light when the problem occured. The computer could start up normally from time to time (when the power cable had been disconnected for a while). A warning: The analogue section contains high-voltage circuits. All work in this area can be very dangerous and must only be carried out by someone with the necessary expertise.

     

    Jan

  • by ClarisWorks,

    ClarisWorks ClarisWorks Jan 7, 2015 12:59 PM in response to Jan Hedlund
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jan 7, 2015 12:59 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

    The iMac makes all normal sounds, the power lights up, the screen degausses, etc.

  • by rccharles,

    rccharles rccharles Jan 7, 2015 2:27 PM in response to ClarisWorks
    Level 6 (8,439 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Jan 7, 2015 2:27 PM in response to ClarisWorks

    Don't expect much practical work from this computer.  It's a hobbyist project.

     

    My first thought from your first post would be a video problem.  I'm still leaning that way, but after reading the second post, there is hope it could be a bad filesystem or bad hd.

     

    If it's something to do with the hd, this should work.

    Open Firmware, boot into Open Firmware.  { good for finger stretching. }

    Power on your iMac while holding down command+option+o+f

    The first output line contains the firmware level.

     

    You need to find a cd that you can boot off of.

     

    Restore cd might, might be available from Apple by calling  1(800) 275-2273. Have your serial number ready. Have your credit card ready too.  There may be a small fee.

     

    You could try Linux. Post back if you are interested in Linux hints.

     

    Robert

  • by ClarisWorks,

    ClarisWorks ClarisWorks Jan 7, 2015 2:45 PM in response to rccharles
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jan 7, 2015 2:45 PM in response to rccharles

    I tried booting off an OS 9 CD, and still nothing works.

     

     

     

    Does Linux fix this?

  • by rccharles,

    rccharles rccharles Jan 7, 2015 3:23 PM in response to ClarisWorks
    Level 6 (8,439 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Jan 7, 2015 3:23 PM in response to ClarisWorks

     

     

    I tried booting off an OS 9 CD, and still nothing works.

     

     

    Did you try this?

    Open Firmware, boot into Open Firmware.  { good for finger stretching. }

    Power on your iMac while holding down command+option+o+f

    The first output line contains the firmware level.

     

    Fix is the wrong word.  It would be an experiment.

     

    Robert

  • by ClarisWorks,

    ClarisWorks ClarisWorks Jan 7, 2015 5:49 PM in response to rccharles
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jan 7, 2015 5:49 PM in response to rccharles

    I pushed the keys to get into Open Firmware, and I got to there. I could not see the Firmware value because the screen was not working.

  • by Jan Hedlund,

    Jan Hedlund Jan Hedlund Jan 8, 2015 1:33 AM in response to ClarisWorks
    Level 6 (9,869 points)
    Jan 8, 2015 1:33 AM in response to ClarisWorks

    Page 8 of the iMac G3 installation guide (link above) shows a DB-15 cable. An external display is not supported. However, for troubleshooting and as an experiment, (with access to a Mac-to-VGA adapter) a knowledgeable person may possibly want to check whether the connection could be used to show anything on a separate monitor instead.

     

    Jan