Bad Power supply on 20" iMac G5?

Seen several posts on potential bad power supply causing shut down on attempted start up. This unit had gone through 3 hard drives, 2 under Applecare. It started shutting down on boot about 6 months ago. It would boot into Firewire mode but you couldn't see hard drive. Gave up and bought a new 27" iMac. Here it is 6 months later and we happened to plug it in and amazingly it booted and worked fine. We quickly made a backup. It had been running for about 24 hours and I tried to update and it returned to it's bad habits and won't completely fire up. I've heard a bad hard drive can cause this or a bad hard drive.. The fact it booted after being off for months would indicate to me that the power supply has some bad capacitors and after either discharging or cooling off became functional again. Could a flaky power supply cause hard drives to fail. Should I buy a new power supply so I can have a spare machine?

As Miriam says getting inside the power supply can be a problem. There are security type Torx screws and if you can get hold of the drivers then it's no problem. However if you look at the surface just above the power supply and if you see a dot pattern that's a good indication of failed capacitors. If the power supply is still somewhat working I've had good luck bringing it back to life by replacing the capacitors. If not and the other capacitors on the logic board pass the visual test then a new power supply would solve your problem.
Email me and I can provide further information.
Richard

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Is a bad logic board due to a bad power supply?

Computer specs:
iMac G5 20", 2.0 ghz, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB hard drive
Back in October of 2008 my iMac G5 Power PC shutdown intermittently and then when I went to go to start it back up, it booted to the blue screen and hanged there forever. So, I did a hard shutdown and then waited and then booted again and it still hanged at the blue screen. I tried booting in Safe Mode, and that worked, so I had a chance to backup everything that I needed to. Then, I took the computer to my local Apple Store to speak to a "genius". They could not diagnose my computer while I was there, so they needed to take it overnight and let me know over the phone what the issue was. The next day they called to tell me that it was a Logic Board issue and that it would cost $900 to fix it. I obviously was blown away at the cost for the problem, and I could not afford that charge so I seeked out other options. I found a shop in my neighborhood that offered me a used 1.8 ghz logic board for half of what Apple was quoting me, so I went with it. Then, 9 months later (which brings us to present) my iMac completely shutdown on its own and would not start up. I ran it through some tests (LED lights on the interior) and confirmed that it was a Logic Board issue again. So, I took it back to the shop in my neighborhood and they told me that the warranty for the part they replaced had expired. So, I called Apple Customer Relations to talk to them about the issue. They confirmed, using my serial number, that I could get my issues fixed for free. They then told me about the "iMac G5 Repair Extension Program for Power Supply Issues" which was news to me. This Program ended in December of 08, meaning I would have qualified in October of 08... the time I initially brought in my computer. So, I brought my computer to the Apple Store to drop it off for repairs, and when going over the history of the machine they confirmed that because there was a used 1.8 ghz part in my machine installed from a non-authorized Apple place that they COULD NOT fix my issues now.
My question is:
Back in October of 2008 when I brought in my computer to the Apple Store and they diagnosed it with a bad Logic Board, could that have been because of a bad power supply? If that was the case, does a bad power supply cause a Logic Board to go bad?

Welcome to Apple Discussions.
The short answer is no, but it's actually more complicated than that. The original iMac G5 17 and 20 inch models were plagued by two problems: defective capacitors which affected the logic board, and an unrelated set of defective capacitors which affected the power supply. Rarely were both conditions present at the same time, but Apple decided—when they issued the repair extension authorization—that replacement of both components was a more cost effective approach. By far, the most common of the two problems involved the logic boards.
The REA covered machines for a period of three years from first sale, and ended in December of last year. Yours likely would not have been covered due to the date of sale provision. On a case by case basis, AppleCare representatives did allow coverage for machines beyond the three year limitation, but not past the end of last year.
It's not likely that you have both a defective logic board and power supply, though you may. The combination of these issues is actually found most frequently in the iMac G5 ALS models, none of which were covered by a repair extension authorization.
Your issue is a difficult one, as Apple authorized dealers and service providers have every right—and, actually, a responsibility under their annual agreements—to reject warranty, AppleCare or REA coverage for parts or labor when compatible but not similar logic boards have been placed in your machine. This is because they must exchange these parts for the part they are requesting from Apple on a like-for-like basis, and that part must be associated with your machine serial number. In trying to resolve your issue, the shop in your neighborhood actually created an additional issue for you which would only be triggered in the event of component failure. I have no idea what period of coverage they typically offer, but Apple provides for 90 days or the balance of any warranty or AppleCare extension in place at the time of the repair, whichever is greater.
Your logic board can be refurbished for $ 189.00 if it in fact exhibits the capacitor issue. That process is covered by a one-year warranty. If you are interested in exploring that option, send a message to the electronic mail address in my Public Profile and I will reply with additional information. To help determine additional information concerning your machine, please include the machine serial number if you elect to do write for more information.

1st Gen iMac G5 BAd Power Supply

Hi, My iMac G5 power supply is officially dead. It was confirmed at the Apple Store at the Genius Bar. Apple apparently no longer sells the power supply for the first gen iMac G5s. I have two questions: Does anyone have a suggestion on where to buy a 3rd party power supply for that model? I'm not exactly sure what I should be buying. And secondly, is it worth it to do? I know the second question is more opinion but I'm curious of the success rate of replacing the power supply. My preference is obviously to replace it rather than laying out the money for a new iMac which I probably can't do right now) but if anyone's experience is that I'm just throwing money away on the power supply because of future issues or unreliability, I'd like to hear about it.
Thanks as always!

[Synaptech.com] or [welovemacs.com] will not only sell you the correct part, they will give you installation instructions. Another source is [http://www.jimwarholic.com/2008/07/how-to-repair-apple-imac-g5.php]
As to your second question, as long as the rest of the Mac is in good shape, replacing the power supply should give you a few more years to collect your pennies for a new one down the road.

Bad power supply AGAIN

I purchased a 20" iMac in the fall of 2005. The computer would turn off at random times without warning. At first it would only happen once a week or so, but it started happening more and more frequently until it finally got to where the computer would not stay on long enough to finish booting.
I took the computer into an Apple dealer and they determined that the power supply was bad and replaced it under warranty.
One year and 3 months later the computer has the same problem. Only this time it went from occasional power failures to continual power failures in a week. I looked on the web and found this:
http://www.apple.com/support/imac/powersupply/repairextension/
My computer has the EMC number 2056 as stated on their website. However when I called about the problem they said they would not replace the power supply because my serial number does not match their list of "affected" serial numbers.
It seems obvious to me, given that I have had two power supplies go bad in just over a years time period, and that my number matches the number that they state on their web site, and that my computer was for the correct time period that I am a recipient of their bad power supplies. But this didn't matter to their support or customer service people.
I have been an Apple customer since the early days. My first Apple was an Apple II+. I have purchased my share of Apple computers and iPods. I have had my company purchase many Apple computers for me and other employees. I have to say though that if this is how I am going to be treated when they have an obviously defective product that it is time for me to look elsewhere for my computers.
20" iMac

The Apple dealer or support person is confusing the TWO DIFFERENT extended repair programs, daburton. We've seen this happen a number of times here.
The original repair program was for the "first generation" iMac G5's. It depends on serial numbers - see http://www.apple.com/support/imac/repairextensionprogram/
The second repair program applies to the 20" ALS 2 Ghz model, released about April 2005. THis is the model you have. This is the one that you have linked to - http://www.apple.com/support/imac/powersupply/repairextension/ It applies to ALL 20" ALS 2 GHz imac G5's, regardless of serial number.
Unfortunately some repair providers and even some Apple phone staff don't seem to be aware of the second one and assume people are talking about the first when they ask for support.
Your repair should be covered by the second program without any problems if you point out the existence of two programs, not just one, to them.
If not, then it is certainly time to contact Apple at a point further up the food chain.
Cheers
Rod

Replacing Power Supply for 20" iMac w/o the Ambient Light

I am pretty sure my power supply is dead for the second time. I've taken the back off and done the power button/reset smu test to see if led #2 momentarily blinks, etc. Taking it to the genius bar is a while to see what they say, even though out of warranty.
Anyway, depending on what Apple says at the store about the cost to replace, I may do it myself. It looks like I need part #661-3350 but I am not sure whether it is considered non-PCF or PFC. Does it matter which one I replace it with?
Thanks.

Hello Twingirlz,
I just removed my power supply and received good guidance from JimWarholic.com. who referred me to this Apple article on PSU replacement:
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/imacg517inch_PowerSupply.pdf
Here is a suggested source for the 661-3350 power supply:
http://www.dvwarehouse.com/index.php?mainpage=advanced_search_result&search_indescription=1&keyword=661-3350
My G5 1.8 iMac (1st gen)lost it's first power supply at fourteen months. The replacement burnt out recently due to (at least) swollen (defective) capacitors.
So it's somewhat uncertain if your replacement unit will again give up the ghost prematurely. The power supplies I've researched only have a three month guarantee. You can change the PSU without any trouble. But while you have the back cover off, look carefully at the Logic board to check for abnormalities (as in swollen or leaking capacitors (of which there are 25 in plain sight):
http://jimwarholic.com/2008/07/how-to-repair-apple-imac-g5.php
Alex G

ALS Power Supply in original iMac G5?

I currently have my iMac in for service, and am wondering if I should stop them from ordering the wrong part, if it is the wrong part. My iMac G5 is an original iMac G5. And the genius bar ended up choosing the Ambient Light Sensor iMac G5 power supply (the second generation, not the first) as a replacement to order. I just noticed this getting back from the store tonight looking at the receipt.
So the question is, will that power supply work in the older iMac G5 if it is in the U.S.?

Have a look at the parts list here, they are very specific that the Ambient light power supply is only for the AL machine. I would call and ask them politely if they are doing the right thing and perhaps they will realise that they are two diffent machines witn two different power supplies.
Please let me know the upshot,
Miriam

Can I swap the power supply on my iMac G5 without any unwanted side effects?

Hi All,
I'm new and have searched related posts, but have not found an answer to this exact question.
I have a first generation US version iMac G5. The label says that the power supply is 100-120V. Can I swap the power supply using an internationally rated power supply (100-240V) from a later version iMac G5 without any unwanted side effects? Such as the iMac G5 ALS power supply?
I live China and would prefer not to rely on an external power suppressor or convertor. I would prefer to plug and go.
Thanks,
SGP

Try looking in xlr8yourmac.com for hints, also check out Jim Warholic's site.

I replaced the logic board and power supply in my iMac and it's still dead.

Recently lighting hit my friend's house and his iMac was plugged into an outlet. It did frie the power supply. I replaced it and the logic board. The first two LEDS on the logic board light up green so I know it's getting power. However it still wont boot. A white light flashes in the bottom right corner and the fan kicks on and then off. I've tried reseting the PRAM and SMC and now it wont do anything at all?

The strike could have written everything off in the computer or if the part still works it still could be damaged and cause hard to identify problems or fail within a short time.
rkaufmans advice holds true, either take in it for service or probably write it off on the insurance. It is quite likely it is beyond economic repair.
If the strike was close by, sometimes not too much gets damaged but a direct strike, the ones I have seen have wrote the machines off.
Also do you know the provinence of the replacement parts, have you seen them working and know they are good and a direct replacement?

Argh! Third Power Supply on Original iMac G5 Died

I've already had the power supply replaced twice. Once again it's not powering up. Are they replacing one faulty part with another?! Is there something else that's causing this issue? Will it still be repaired for free?
This is VERY frustrating!

Personally, I make no claim to know the overall statistical picture for Apple products. Nor can I compare Apple's situation to that of other manufacturers. I'll leave this to others, as I'm not qualified, or really that interested.
I've been buying new Macs since 95, and can report my own situation. Which is that most of the Apple machines I've purchased have had hardware problems upon delivery (usually things that could easily be detected by decent quality control, such as dead modem) or failures that have occurred within what for me is an unacceptable time frame.
Most recent case, a $2000+ machine, which is now dead at the 3 year mark. In researching the problem here, it's hard to tell whether the prospects of repair success are high enough to merit $80 in gas and 8 hours on the highway, before any parts or labor charges. And that's if just one trip to the Apple Store solves the problem.
I realize others will of course have had different experiences, and their outlook will reflect their own situation.
For me, this is a lesson that goes beyond Apple. It's the nature of our culture today that production is global, and the emphasis is on fast and cheap, rather than on a now outdated standard such as "take pride in your workmanship". Partly this is great, because the options for consumers today are extraordinary, compared to just a few decades ago.
Honestly, I've not really enjoyed my relationship with Apple, and it's been a source of frustration, annoyance, resentment etc.
But, I've recently realized, much to my delight, that if I go with the flow, and embrace a new era of fast and cheap, I can solve the problem by taking advantage of tremendous bargains in used computer equipment.
A $2000 dead machine is hard to swallow, but I can be philosophical and cheerful when a $200 machine dies.
And what I'm learning as I type this on an old G4, is that $200 machines will work just fine for me. Others may find they really do need the latest hardware/software, so they'll have to find another way I guess.

IMac G5 Power Supply Going Bad Again?

I had my power supply replaced back in December 2005. Now my 20" iMac ALS is shutting off randomly again. Often when starting up it the fans will get loud and the computer will shut down. When booting from a CD, the computer will do the same thing - most of the time. I got it to boot up so I could run the Apple Hardware Test, but it shutoff during the mass storage segment. (It said my Logic Board was okay). I was able to boot once using the TechTool Deluxe that I got with my Protection Plan and I had no errors. I've tried several times to boot up with the DiskWarrior CD, but the computer always shuts down before it even gets past the grey Apple.
So, I can sometimes boot from CD. The computer sometimes shuts off suddenly. The computer sometimes won't boot beyond the Apple until shutting it down and trying several times. However, sometimes the computer starts right up.
I've ruled out software, the hard drive and probably the Logic Board (since it passed the Apple Hardware Test). Can it be anything beside the power supply?
My iMac falls under both extended warranties and I have AppleCare Protection Plan until sometime in 2008. If only it wasn't so hard to get a reservation at the Genius Bar...

Hey... had the SAME thing just happen to me. It IS the power supply, trust me. The model iMac you have had defective power supplies from the start. It was/is just a matter of time before they go out. The GOOD news is you have Apple Care (although you are probably covered under the Repair Extension program for this issue/iMac model)... Now beecasue you HAVE Apple Care and are not gonna get this fixed under the extension program APLE WILL COME TO YOU to fix your iMac. It is part of your Applecare agreement. Tell them it is impossible for you to bring this heavy, awkward (albeit a design wonder) computer to a genius bar -- which are often situated in malls and hard to get to areas carrying an iMac. Tell them you just can't do it. They WILL come to you. It actually free up the Apple Stores from doing the repairs and tying up the genius's... I just did this, a three day turn around and I never left my house... and I live in LA where we have at least 6 Apples stores in my vicinity. Hope this helps! If it does can you reward with a "helpful/solved" (I know that's tacky to ask for but this will solve his probably)... Do it, call Apple, tell them you physically can't carry it in (probably the scenario) and they will dispatch a tech. GOOD GOOD Luck.... I know this shut off thing can make you crazy!!!! Kudos for buying AppleCare!

Imac G5, Can I use a power supply from a G4 Q-silver (rewired connector)?

I've got a G5 Imac with a blown PS, and I'm thinking of modifying a G4 Quicksilver power supply for use as the power source for a 20" Imac G5. Yeah, I know it sounds a bit weird, but hey, I was given this Imac G5 (1st Gen. 1.8GHz) for free. It's missing the back cover, and the PS is shot. So if I blow it up it no major loss. It's a project!
I have determined that the original PS is shot and needs to be replaced. I don't really want to drop $140 for a replacement PS, as I would also have purchase the back cover for another $40 + shipping. Go figure, right? It appears that most of those power suppies tend to fail early, anyway.
During my checks of the Imac internals, I also noted that during the "power on" tests, using the old power supply, I would get the second indicator light on the motherboard to flash for just a moment. According to Apple, this indicates that the motherboard is probably good, and that the power supply is bad as it's only providing a momentary voltage spike during the start up faze, before the power drains from the PS. Then it quits. So I thought, is it possible to use the QS power supply, only modifying (rewire) the main 22 pin connector voltages so they match the Imac's pinout? Both connectors are 22 pin and most of the pinout voltages match up the same. There would appear to be only two major connectors that would need to be rewired. So can I use a modified QS power supply to power my Imac?
A couple of extra notes about this Imac:
1) There is no back or stand with this Imac, it just the main guts. So I would need to build a suitable enclosure to maintain proper air flow, and use the QS power supply outside the Imac. That wouldn't appear to be a big problem.
2) My biggest concern is this. The QS power supply uses 28v for the start circuits, versus 24v for the G5 Imac PS. Would this make a significant difference, and if so, why? I'm assuming it will, but it an area I'm unsure of with the Imac. Any thoughts or experiance in this area here would be greatly appreciated.
3) Hey, if worse comes to worse, I can always purchase the extra parts and rebuild the Imac for around $200-$300 US, and it would still be a deal (at least I think so). However, at present this is just a pet project, and if it goes south (doesn't work), it's not like I'm out some major $$$$.
Thanks in advance!

I have no idea whether your ideas would work, but go to xlr8yourmac.com for some ideas. If you decide to purchase parts, try [http://www.synaptech.com/catalog> and also look at [http://www.jimwarholic.com/2008/07/how-to-repair-apple-imac-g5.php] for tips.
Let us know what you end up doing,

Are 2009/2011 iMac power supply compatible with mid2010 iMac?

I have a mid-2010 that doesn't turn on. None of the LEDs turn on and I've been troubleshooting for a couple weeks with no luck. I want to buy a power supply for the iMac but I'm not sure if others are compatible. I can't find one specifically for the 2010 one.
Information:
Mid-2010 21.5" iMac
EMC 2389
About 2.5-3 years old
It doesn't turn on
None of the diagnostic LEDs are lit
Makes a small zzz noise every couple seconds when plugged in
Suspected power supply failure

Switching won't harm your machine.

Replacement power supply #614-0296 for iMac G5 20".

Looking for a replacement power supply for an iMac G5 20", original part #614-0296. Model M9824LL/A.

Try welovemacs.com or Jim Warholic

Imac g4 does not power on -- power supply or pmu?

Alas, my (formerly) trusty imac does not power up anymore. Lost of information about the computer and the problem follow, but the ultimate question is:
should i try replacing the power supply or the logic board? which is more likely to be the culprit?
And before anyone mentions it, yes i want to try and repair this one. It is still much cheaper than buying a new a mac mini, since i don't have a monitor for said new mini.
anyway...
The computer: iMac G4 flat panel 800MHz, working fine from purchase in January 2001 (right after they came out) until August 2006
The situation: I moved, to Japan (military move). Upon unpacking the imac, it would not power on -- no screen, no bong, no sleep light, no fan noise, nada.
What I have tried:
-- taking it to the apple store (they quoted a $500-$800 repair -- ouch!);
-- opening it up and looking for lose wires, burned out power supply components, etc.: nothing found
-- reset PMU: no change
-- test battery: checks out, 3.58v; returned battery to imac, reset PMU: no change to computer (i.e. still no power)
for those of you counting, that was 2 resets of the PMU, one before i removed and reinserted the battery, and one after. Both PMU resets were done by pressing the button once and holding for about 1 second.
So, now I am at the point of replacing either the power supply and/or the logic board. And which should I try first?
Question #2: Is there any difference between power supplies for the various imac G4 versions? i.e. if i find a power supply for an iMac G4 1GHz, can I use it in my 800MHz model?
thanks any and all!
david
iMac G4 800MHz Mac OS X (10.3.9)
iMac G4 800MHz Mac OS X (10.3.9)

Hello and Welcome to Apple Discussions.
Whilst some iMac G4 models share similar components many differ subtly.
Use this website to compare part numbers against model.
If you download (4.2Mb) this service guide there is a troubleshooting section that may help you.
kind regards
mrtotes

IMac 27" Power supply problems?

I'm on my second power supply on my iMac 27" about 6 months old. Wouldn't wake up from sleep (twice now). Luckily, it's still under warranty, but I'm wondering if anyone else is having the same problem or if I got a "lemon" iMac? It's a bummer being without a machine for a week every few months. Will Apple replace it or do I have to go through this every few months?

If you haven't already I would STRONGLY recommend buying Apple Care. On a computer that is covered by AppleCare if the same thing happens 3x Apple will replace the computer. If you aren't familiar with AppleCare it:
1. Extends the one year warranty to 3 total years from original date of purchase.
2. Offers AppleCare telephone support. This can be very useful if you are new to OS X or Macs.
You can buy AppleCare directly from Apple or you can frequently find it discounted from authorized Apple Resellers such as Amazon or LA Computer Company.
Also I don't know how good the power is to your area of the islands. If the machine is plugged into the wall or inexpensive power strip power fluctuations could be damaging the computer. I would recommend getting a UPS which will provide emergency power in the event of a full power loss, enough to do an orderly shutdown. It will also provide consistent power and finally almost all come with insurance in the event your machine is damaged by a power related problem while connected. In other words it offers another layer of peace of mind. Personally I have had good luck with APC products, you can find those at your local Costco, Office Supply store or computer store.

Bad Power supply on 20" iMac G5?

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