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iMac late 2009 keeps rebooting

Hi All,

I have a older iMac (late 2009) that keeps rebooting on me. I have run all the hardware diagnostics I could find and it seems solid but when I book it to full OS it reboots any ware between a day and a week.I can't read kernel dumps so I have no clue why it's rebooting. I am afraid it going to turn out to be the motherboard but as I said it seems solid under diagnostics, stayed up forever. It has been happening regardless of the OS on it so points to hardware problem.

I did buy the device used, it had been dropped but after replacing the glass it booted just fine and seemed to run ok for a while, full disclosure. I know PC desktops can get dusty inside causing over heating and I would just crack the case and blow it out, does the same thing happen to iMacs?

What would you kind folks need from me to help? A crash dump?

Tom

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3), late 2009, 16Gb mem, 1Tb HD

Posted on Jan 25, 2016 5:15 PM

21 replies

Feb 12, 2016 9:17 AM in response to tomarseneault

My iMac is still rebooting, from what I have given can you tell if its hardware or software? can you narrow the focus further? (i.e. Video card vs Logic board, etc.). Agan thanks in advanced.

Tom

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Feb 12, 2016 12:04 PM in response to tomarseneault

Since your panics are reasonably easy to reproduce start up in Safe mode and use the computer as you would whne it panics Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up - Apple Support See if it still panics in Safe mode.

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Feb 12, 2016 12:06 PM in response to tomarseneault

tomarseneault wrote:

My iMac is still rebooting, from what I have given can you tell if its hardware or software? can you narrow the focus further? (i.e. Video card vs Logic board, etc.). Agan thanks in advanced.

Tom

Run the Apple Hardware Test from disc 2 or the original gray install discs.

Feb 12, 2016 2:01 PM in response to SeaPapp

I did start in safe mode, somewhere above, and it panic'ed just the same. And I did run the hardware test full disk tests and extended memorytests everything passed.

Tom

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Feb 12, 2016 3:14 PM in response to tomarseneault

tomarseneault wrote:

I did start in safe mode, somewhere above, and it panic'ed just the same. And I did run the hardware test full disk tests and extended memorytests everything passed.

Tom

Sorry I may have missed it. If it's still having panics in Safe mode pretty safe to say that you have a hardware problem. Disconnect anything you have except your Apple mouse and keyboard, if it still panics the best recommendation I can make is to make an appointment and take it in for a proper diagnostic and estimate if repairs are necessary.

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Feb 12, 2016 3:16 PM in response to tomarseneault

My final thought.....you said the iMac was dropped. Unless you have personally removed and reseated the ram modules do that now. The drop could have jarred the ram loose and that would definitely cause panics.

iMac late 2009 keeps rebooting