IMac 233 power supply issue

My bondi iMac died several years ago and I've been trying to resurrect it. The AV board was replaced professionally some time back and everything was great until it abruptly would not start. I just replaced the power supply board but all I get is a persistent ticking sound. After mucking around a bit I discovered that if I unplugged the grey cable bundle (with one blue wire) from the power supply board at P908, which connects to the AV board at P505, the computer boots normally but without video. Can anyone identify this cable? Can it go bad? I've tried every suggestion from every forum but nothing else has any impact whatsoever, just tick tick tick....I know I could probably connect an external monitor but I don't have an old one or an adaptor. Besides, that solution lacks elegance. It's too pretty to stick in a beige box.
I love this computer and hate to trash it, so thanks to anyone who can help!

My guess is that it is not a problem with the cable. The problem may be that the power supply board is becoming faulty (weaker). Therefore, when it is not powering up the video subsystem (which probably draws at least half the overall power), the power supply is able to power the rest of the system.
It is also possible that the PAV board has gone bad for the second time. That would explain why it does not work when it is connected. Quite possible. Even replacement parts are old, and even if was not previously used.
Fortunately, it seems like you know how to take that iMac apart all the away, which is not easy (be careful with the high voltage in the backside of the CRT - it's there even when the iMac is disconnected). If the problem is the power supply board, they usually do not go bad, so it should be possible to find a good replacement on eBay or elsewhere. If the problem is the PAV board again, you know the deal...

Similar Messages

1st gen. iMac G5 power supply failure

Hi, all!
My 20" iMac G5 here at work collapsed and died on me about a week ago. The computer just deactivated abruptly; I actually had thought that I had kicked the plug or stepped on the power bar by mistake. I restarted it, and it worked for twenty minutes before dying again. Now it's entirely unresponsive. Having read up on the matter here and in the Mac support pages, I'm quite sure the power supply has failed. I'm in the process of finding out whether the computer is still covered under Apple's Repair Extension Program. (http://www.apple.com/support/imac/repairextensionprogram/ - I know the iMac model is correct, my serial number matches the range, I'm just not sure if the computer is less than three years old.)
Anyway, the important thing for me is the hard drive, not the machine itself. We're entirely Mac-based here at work, so there is no shortage of machines for me to work on (I've already replaced my old machine with a much newer Intel-based iMac), but I would very much like to retrieve my data from my old hard disk. I've downloaded the DIY guide for opening the 20" iMac G5 and removing the hard drive, but I need some advice on the best plan of action. Should I then open another, working G5, remove its hard drive, insert my old hard drive and transfer my files off to my new iMac through our company server? Or is there another way to approach it? Is the hard drive on my 20" first gen G5 compatible with newer mac models, or am I going to run into problems with connectors, physical disk size, etc.? Or, should I just leave well enough alone and leave the entire operation to a Mac Genius?
This will be my first time opening an iMac. I believe that I can open the machines and remove-replace the hard drives without voiding any warranties, correct?
Thanks so much in advance for your help and advice!
Adam

I am on the phone right now with a product specialist about my iMac G5 power supply issues. Kind of ***** because he has, in so many words, said that the Genius is the Alpha and Omega and can extend the 3 year coverage. For me that is great except that the Apple store is over an hour away. I don't understand why the dude on the phone can't pull the switch and make it happen as well.
Factor in:
Unplugging iMac G5 and all peripherals
Loading it in the car
Driving an hour
Carrying it into the Mall (apple store)
Waiting for my Genius appointment
More than likely getting it fixed for free (from the sounds of things)
Driving back after it is fixed
Doing everything listed in reverse.
Would it just be easier to pay the $108 for a new power supply, wait a few days, undo some screws, and BAM! it works again?
Update. Off the phone now. The product specialist flexed his muscles, back handed the Genius to gain authority, and basically stated that they WILL DEFINITELY repair either the power supply or the logic board or both if needed. I have already had them replace the logic board once. BUT, I still have to load it up and take it to the Apple Store. Boo.

IMac G5 power supply

I have an iMac G5 that has already been affected (2.5 years ago) by the power supply issue. A few days ago, I was on my iMac, and it turned off and won't turn back on. I called the Apple customer relations line and they told me that I was SOL and its not even a month after the three year marker from the purchase date. I've read on other messages that some people have had Apple replace their power supply for free even after the three years, but they told me that I would have to pay for it myself. Does anyone know how I could get it fixed? If not, what would it cost and is it even worth it? Will the power supply just keep failing?
-Amanda

I think it depends entirely on the representative spoken to, the stock available at that particular moment, the chemistry between the the tech and the Apple customer and perhaps the phase of the moon.

Heat, and Fans, and a Power Supply issue! Oh, My!

Hello,
My iMac G5 2Ghz (20") has been experiencing issues lately which I thought were resolved back when I brought it in for the "Repair Extension Program for Power Supply Issues". I took it to my local Apple Store and they replaced the power supply as well as my HD. The machine kept shutting off at random times as well as heating up, so it broke my HD after several months making me forced to bring it in. First and most importantly, the machine is producing a significant amount of heat which I believe is not normal, especially when doing simple tasks such as opening a file or folder on the desktop just after boot. I don't mean to complain about the heat, but the whole room is filled with hot air and it feels like somebody turned the heat on. I have several other Macs around my house and no two of them make as much heat as this one. (iMac G4 and eMac G4) The fans power on from time to time, but "rev up" when doing CPU intensive tasks. I understand the fans need to be at a higher speed, but they were never this high when I just used iMovie back in 2005 when this was new. Now, I know others have been having issues in these related areas as well, but is there anything else I can do. I have tried about everything, but I am just worried that power supply and HD will go again. Also, the highest inside temperature I recorded was "161.4°F". I thought that the normal temperature was "70°F", so if anyone could tell me that as well, it would be appreciated.
I have tried just about everything:
PMU/SMU reset
PRAM reset
reset-all
repair permissions
You name it, but fell free to reply with something new. (the fans are already clean)
Thank you.

Thanks for the reply. I at one point ran the hardware test using my installer disc and all was fine. It seems that the fans were actually running better when I booted from the disc which leads me to think it could really be partially a software issue. There is a possibility there is something corrupt in the system files, but I had to reinstall Mac OS X a few times due to them replacing my HD. It seems the computer runs cool with the lower versions of 10.4, but warmer with the higher versions of 10.4. It now makes sense because it shipped with a lower version and over time got worse with the higher versions. I am assuming that the people who got their power supplies replaced had the lasted update possible causing this issue. I cannot be 100% that it is software because I do not know exactly which system files run each hardware component. I am currently using the machine a lot and would not be too happy without it for about a week. (although, before the holidays come it may be best to bring it in before the holiday gift repair parade comes in!) Thanks again for the advice and if anyone owns this machine, feel free to share your message.

My Time Capsule has just failed, 2 months after the end of 12m warranty. same old known power supply issue, "just unlucky" says my local Apple service center. ***?

i bought a 2TB Time Capsule in Sep 2010. its just failed last week, less than 2 months after the expiry of the 12month warranty.
and 3 months after the end of Apple's offer to replace all the many Time Capsules that have failed previously due to this same fault.
nice timing guys.
"yeah, its dead. same old known power supply issue", says my local Apple service center, "just unlucky".
huh? "unlucky"? you sell products with known defects, and when it fails i'm "unlucky". nice.
"OK, anyway, how much to fix it ?", i ask.
"you can't fix them, its closed", is the reply, "you have to buy another one".
"hmpf. OK, how do I get my backed-up data off it ?"
"you can't. we could try break it open and recover the hard disk i guess, but no guarantees we'd get it, and you'd have to pay for us to do that, whether it works or not of course".
"er.... is there a hidden camera in here? are we on TV? you can't be serious ? ..and this piece of garbage is what i've been using for a secure backup of my precious, irreplaceable, priceless personal data ???"

ceeb28744. Welcome to the Apple Users Support Community. Sorry to hear your TC died! You said it was a 2TB so I would guess it be the model A1355/MB997LL/A or MC344LL/A. Believe it or not all users of these time capsules will eventually experience this problem like you have. There is a 99.5% (or better) chance that the only thing that is wrong with it is the internal power supply. If you will go to this site.... https://sites.google.com/site/lapastenague/a-deconstruction-of-routers-and-modem s/apple-time-capsule-repair and once there look over at the left side and you will find:
Apple Time Capsule Repairers and from that list you will be able to choose from a list of individuals that could repair your TC and have it returned to you fully operational again. The individuals on the list are hardware technicians and they can save you a lot of money and time.
Larry

IMacs G3 power supply compatiblity question

I have an original Bondi blue iMac G3. Power supply works OK.
I have a flower power iMac G3 but the power supply is defunct.
Can I swop the Bondi 's iMac power supply to the flower power iMac?
Thanks.

Unfortunately the answer is no. I just checked Mactracker & the Bondi Blue iMac uses a 80 watt power supply. The Flower Power iMac uses a 150 watt power supply. So if you tried to use the Bondi Blue iMac's power supply it probably wouldn't provide enough wattage for the iMac to work properly. I would recommend looking on eBay for a replacement power supply. Some vendors might have one or more in stock.

G5 Powermac Dual Core Power Supply Issue

My G5 Dual Core 2.3 GHz was working fine till this morning when at about 6:00 AM the power supply started making a bunch of noise. Luckily I was at home not at work so I pulled the plug...waited a while, powered on again, saw the apple logo and decided to turn it off till I get it fixed.
This is the third G5 I have with power supply issues. The first one was a dual processor that hums when doing a lot of networking or when attaching USB flash drives...so apparently there was a extension program on that one. I sold that and switched to the dual core machine, then both of the dual cores had power supply issues. One got replaced under Apple Care. The 3rd one just had the issue happen.
Anybody having bad luck with these? My old G4 DP 1.42 has been running almost flawlessly since it came out (only replaced the main fan for a more powerful and quieter unit).
Have the power supplies for the Dual Core G5 machines been redesigned or should I expect my new one to fail again?

Hi Jack,
I'm sorry. You did note that with your first G5 you knew of the extension program. Too early in the day for me I guess. Personally I haven't sensed from the G5 discussions that Power Supplies have been a major continuing issue, but there certainly have been a lot reported. Usually it's Logic Boards that keep getting fried for one reason or another. Fortunately it doesn't seem to be the most expensive thing to replace, especially if you buy a used one. Maybe someone will chime in who is more observant then I am this morning.
For what it's worth I still have the first Mac I ever bought which is a PM8500. It still runs fine whenever I pull it out from it's dusty storage. By contrast this is my third G5.
Edit: Up early and fasting for a test... I just caught your reference to 3 years. That time frame I have seen a lot here, usually 3 years plus a few months, just out of Applecare. Apparently for G5s thats like 90 in Mac years.
Message was edited by: Samsara

MDD power supply issues

Good evening.
There seem to be more frequent power supply issues with the MDD than with other models of G4 desktops.
Is there a reason for this?
Thanks for your time.

Hi Glen-
I see more Power Supply failure postings here than on any other Older Mac discussion. I think the accommodations made for heat are simply not enough for these hot dual-processor Macs.
The huge processor fan keeps the processor module from melting, but does not effectively dispose of all of that hot air. Some of It filters up through the cabinet and the PCI slot cards add even more. The perforated slot covers allow a little air movement, but not enough to release the heat generated. Any hot air that makes it to the top of the case gets sucked out through the power supply -- and that cannot be doing it any favors.
In contemplating adding a Core-Image qualified display card, I took a hard look at adding a hot display card (that requires an additional power connector) to the SCSI card already in place, and decided more cooling was in order. I am currently experimenting with a thermistor-controlled slot fan (up to 45 cfm) exhausting out through the top slot, with its inlet facing UP, and all solid slot covers in place of any remaining perforated ones.
My first measurement of exit temperatures showed the air coming out the slot cooler was almost ten degrees cooler than the power supply exit air, so I think I am doing something. Whether it is enough to run all this hot gear without cooking the power supply remains to be seen.
I do not think it is an accident that when the dual G5 cabinets were designed, processor control of multiple flow-through cooling zones was the way they chose to make it work. I think the whole dual G4 cabinet got so hot inside the engineers were caught off-guard, and had to resort to drastic measures to keep G5s from dying (like the MDD G4 did). Then Steve announces that he can't take the heat (for the processing power available) and Apple will switch to Intel (because they are so cool).

1st Gen iMac Power Supply Issue

I just got my iMac G5 back from Apple after having the power supply and logic board replaced for the second time in two years.
It is apparently a fairly common problem with the first generation iMac G5s. I've basically been told it's a problem with no real solution and that they'll fix it for free (for the first three years). It's great that I'm within the three years, but if it happens again after October, I'm likely going to have to foot the bill to get it repaired.
Does anyone have any more detailed info on this issue (other than Apple's Repair Extension doc)? Would turning off the computer each night prolong the life of those parts? Would turning it on/off everyday reduce the life of those parts?
Any thoughts/comments?
Thnx...CN
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.3.9)
iMac G5

Just to add to BB's comments, I doubt that leaving the computer on will have any benefit at all for you in terms of longevity. If you have problems with faulty capacitors , and the like, in fact it will probably make the issue worse rather than better (though I doubt this will be a problem for you if your logic board was replaced after about April 2005). Doing so will probably also add a little extra wear to the bearings of your HD (unless you have it set to spin down when not needed) , and will cost you a little more (but not a whole lot - though when we all leave them running the environmental costs continue to mount) in electricity over time.
You should probably also shut down every so often anyway - maybe once a week or so, to help clear some potential memory issues that can persist with some applications even under OSX, and you should certainly shut down at and start up again at any time when you notice slowdowns, program "hangs" or other problems.
Cheers
Rod

Imac keeps shutting down - is this a power supply issue

Dear all. Help would be much appreciated.
my imac G5 has recently started shutting down by itself - always about 1 minute after starting up... I have seen a few suggestions to reset the PRAM and the power switch - both of which I have done to no avail.
I have hoovered the dust out - still same problem.
Question is - can I be confident that this IS the issue - and order a replacement part?
I would like to install it myself - thus avoiding cost for a repair - and am confident I could do it if I had good instructiuons.
Can anyone help me with my diagnosis or how to fit a new power supply?
Thanks in advance - I am really missing my imac!

You can't be completely sure that it's the power supply, it could be bad caps . Open the machine up and inspect the caps, and also the ones in the power supply unit. If any of them is bulging or leaking, that would be your problem. Look at http://www.jimwarholic.com/2008/07/how-to-repair-apple-imac-g5.php for instructions and help.
You can also try to run Apple Hardware test from your install disk and see if it comes up with anything, also, from your install disc try to run Disk Utility:
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc that came with your computer, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Click the disclosure triangle to the left of the hard drive icon to display the names of your hard disk volumes and partitions.
5. Select your Mac OS X volume.
6. Click Repair. Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk.

G5 20" iMac Power Supply Issues Again!

Well, both of our old G5 iMacs have had the logic boards replaced under the extension repair program. Also one of of them had the PSU replaced as well under the same program. Well, now the other one has gone south. I pulled the power supply out and it had several bulging capacitors so I replaced them. However, I also noticed that there is a fried surface mount transistor right next to position R4 on the under side of the board. I've replaced the caps but I can't figure out the values of the fried transistor. I've taken some pics of it. I'm really hoping to track down the part and fix it myself. However, if not, might anyone have a replacement PSU for this 20" imac or know where I can get one inexpensively?
2nd question:
I went though the process of a service agreement on the Apple site. I entered the problems and got to the final page and it quoted me $74.95. However, I'm not sure what this charge is for. Do I ship the entire iMac in? or is this for a replacement PSU? I'd really like to make a trip to the Apple Store but we're stuck at home with a newborn for the next several days.
Anyway, any information would be great.
Thanks much,
Robet
Message was edited by: RRack

Hey Robet,
service agreement on the Apple site. I entered the problems and got to the final page and it quoted me $74.95
Hmm but you wouldn't have a service agreement on this machine. Call as DaddyPaycheck suggests.
I also noticed that there is a fried surface mount transistor right next to position R4 on the under side of the board. I've replaced the caps but I can't figure out the values of the fried transistor.
Wow you must be pretty good to want to try to replace that SMT transistor! I'd be afraid that there would be other damage as well: diodes, power ics, switch mode chips etc. I've got 4 G5 supplies here and only one worked after the cap swap. I didn't feel trouble shooting the entire supply was worth the time.
What I've done is more on the lines of this:
http://gallery.me.com/iamkimc#100033
Actually any ATX (non Dell) supply will work.
I extract 2 12V leads from the hard drive power plug using a pin extractor like here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001KQDS6G
I bought this but so far only use the top one. It works well. If you're only doing a few you can use some of the tricks here:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-88644.html
If you look at the iMac G5 ALS pinout:
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/images/imacg5power_supplypinout.gif
and compare it to the 20 pin ATX:
http://www.subedartech.net/docs/pc/connectoratxpinout.GIF
On the right you see that the difference in the first 20 pins is: Pin 12 -12 VDC and Pin 18 - 5VDC. So I extract those two pins clip them off. Shrink tube the ends and replace them w/ 2 yellow leads (+12VDC) that I extract from the hard drive leads. Once cleanly extracted they just push and lock in place.
Note that pins 11 (black, ground) and 22 (Brown + 24VDC) are not covered. If you have the early ALS you don't need these two leads (go figure) but if you have the later or 20" you need a separate supply for those leads. I use a old 24VDC PowerBook supply for that. Model M7783 it puts out 24VDC at 1.0A.
It's kind of messy but all the parts fit behind the iMac and aren't seen.
Also it seems like you're watching your pennies w/ the new baby. (been there)
we're stuck at home with a newborn for the next several days
More like months with us.
Good luck and I hope you're sleeping.
Richard

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 24" power supply replacement

My power supply went bad,it is part # 614-0405. I don't see many replacement parts for this part number online. Is there another power supply that will work in its place, maybe from the 2008 imac 24"?
thx

Not really. I would recommend taking it in for service at an authorized Apple Service Provider. You can locate one:
http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service/
Good luck!
Roger

IMac broken, Power Supply replacement?

My 13 months iMac G5 20" 2GHz shut down all the time.. mostly within 10 minutes after booting.
A friend of mine had the same problem 2 months ago. Apple replaced his Power Supply for free since the guaranty is 12 months.
My machine is one month past guaranty, 13 months old and therefor Apple wants $200 to fix my computer!!
As I can see my iMac ain't covered by the iMac Repair & Extentionprogram since mine is a 2GHz.. My seriealnumber starts with W8519XXXXXX..
Does W8435xxxxxx - W8522xxxxxx mean that all serialnumbers between these two are convered by this program?
http://www.apple.com/support/imac/repairextensionprogram/
How can Apple charge me $200 for a obious production fault?!
iMac G5, 2GHz, 20" Mac OS X (10.4.7)

All serial numbers within the numbers listed should be covered, and your number seems to fall in that category. However, if yours is not a Rev A , Apple may feel that your problem is not the one they are dealing with. They do specifically state:
"Some second generation iMac G5 computers have serial numbers that fall within the upper band of the ranges listed below. Only first generation iMac G5 computers are affected by this program."
I would call them again and try, politely, to point out that not only did your warranty just expire, but that your serial number is among the affected ones and your problem is one of the ones the extension program addresses.
Good luck,
Miriam
Rev A 20" iMac G5, 15"iMac G4, 15"iMac G3 DVD Mac OS X (10.4.7)

IMac 700SE - power supply dead? can i get a new one?

well the power went out last week, and when it came back up my iMac did not
right now, i plug it in, hit the power button, the power light flashes, i hear a click (about a half second later), then it just goes off and the power button stops responding it to anything, i unplug it, plug it back in, hit the power button and the same thing happens, to me this sounds like a dead power supply as i have had this happen on a few PCs and when the power button stops functioning that to me sounds like its the power supply overloading, and in this case meaning its dead
now i don't really want to spend the money on a new computer as this is only used by my mom every few couple of days for email/IM/web, so does anyone know where i could get a replacement power supply? (i think) its a sliver shaped board that attaches to the main board and makes me think that i will never find a replacement unless i buy another 700SE iMac off ebay

nope, didn't help, nothing changed with the new battery
though i did notice that it booted when i didn't power up the drive (no power cable to it), but that has nothing to do with the battery, i also tried pressing every button attached to the board and nothing helped, so to me it looks like the power supply can't spin up the hard drive (the drive is good too, its in my other comp right now)
does anyone know how compatible the 400Mhz iMac is with the 700Mhz parts wise? i'm suppose to be getting a 400Mhz iMac soon, and would like to know if i could swap out the logic board on the 400 with the one from the 700 as that 400 one has a better screen and working power supply, but i would like the nice speed boost

IMac 233 power supply issue

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