IMac G5 17" iSight display problem

Hi - I have an iMac G5 17" iSight. Specs are 1.5 Ghz G5, 2.5 GB RAM, 150 GB Hard Drive and SuperDrive. The Hard Drive is wiped clean, I boot it with an external FW drive running 10.5.7.
Here are the issues: As soon as the machine boots, the LCD shows 3 permanent vertical lines on the screen. This is as soon as it displays anything, from the initial Apple logo all the way until shutdown. While it is on and booted up to the desktop, it runs fine, except sometimes it will randomly refresh the screen or change resolutions. These are the only issues.
While I am quite sure it is one of three things (inverter, video cable or LCD), I still took the typical troubleshooting approach and tried any quick fixes I could. These included-
1. Boot off of known good OS
2. PRAM Reset
3. SMU Reset
4. Reseat RAM
All of these had no effect. From there I tried two more things-
1. External display via mini VGA
2. Ran Apple Hardware Test
3. Ran LCD tester
The external display worked perfectly, which tells me that it isn't the GPU/logic board. I ran AHT and the logic board passed both quick and extended tests. During the extended test I got an error for the ATA bus/drive, but I haven't looked up the error code yet. Everything passed in the quick test. I used the LCD tester, which puts solid colors on the screen (Red, Green, Blue, White, Black). The 3 lines run across the whole screen vertically, and cannot be seen on a solid white screen. On the solid black screen they show up yellow and purple.
Here is a screen shot showing the three vertical lines-
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/thisismymind/untitled.jpg
I was wondering if there is an easy way to diagnose this just by looking at it. I was figuring replacing the inverter and/or the video ribbon cable first before replacing the LCD... but if anyone here can diagnose it easily than that may save some time.
Thanks in advance!

MyrkridianRhapsody wrote:
Hi - I have an iMac G5 17" iSight. Specs are 1.5 Ghz G5, 2.5 GB RAM, 150 GB Hard Drive and SuperDrive. The Hard Drive is wiped clean, I boot it with an external FW drive running 10.5.7.
Here are the issues: As soon as the machine boots, the LCD shows 3 permanent vertical lines on the screen. This is as soon as it displays anything, from the initial Apple logo all the way until shutdown. While it is on and booted up to the desktop, it runs fine, except sometimes it will randomly refresh the screen or change resolutions. These are the only issues.
While I am quite sure it is one of three things (inverter, video cable or LCD), I still took the typical troubleshooting approach and tried any quick fixes I could. These included-
1. Boot off of known good OS
2. PRAM Reset
3. SMU Reset
4. Reseat RAM
All of these had no effect. From there I tried two more things-
1. External display via mini VGA
2. Ran Apple Hardware Test
3. Ran LCD tester
The external display worked perfectly, which tells me that it isn't the GPU/logic board. I ran AHT and the logic board passed both quick and extended tests. During the extended test I got an error for the ATA bus/drive, but I haven't looked up the error code yet. Everything passed in the quick test. I used the LCD tester, which puts solid colors on the screen (Red, Green, Blue, White, Black). The 3 lines run across the whole screen vertically, and cannot be seen on a solid white screen. On the solid black screen they show up yellow and purple.
Here is a screen shot showing the three vertical lines-
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/thisismymind/untitled.jpg
I was wondering if there is an easy way to diagnose this just by looking at it. I was figuring replacing the inverter and/or the video ribbon cable first before replacing the LCD... but if anyone here can diagnose it easily than that may save some time.
Thanks in advance!
Hello MyrkridianRhapsody,
(1) Until you get the answers you need, you might get better help if you turn off the
at the top of your post showing that "This question is answered."
(2) Also, the link you include does NOT seem to show a screen shot of an iMac G5 17" iSight. Please:
(2a) clarify whether this thread relates to the same problem as your other current threads,
(2b) confirm which Mac is the subject of this post, and
(2c) either correct the posted link or explain what the linked image shows.
(3) If this thread is posted in error, please confirm that you do not need assistance here.
We will offer specific suggestions based on the details in your reply.
Cheers,
EZ Jim
G5 DP 1.8GHz w/Mac OS X (10.5.8) PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11) iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9) External iSight

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=================
Try the following:
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My Color setting is set to Millions which I believe is the default setting.
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Hello,
Thank you for looking at this topic.
I am Jeroen from The Netherlands and proud owner of several Mac Mini's, iMac's and Macbook's. I have 2times the iMac G5, a beautiful machine, but both not working since 2 months.
I have two times the iMac G5 with iSight, both have logic board and display problems.
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Welcome to Apple Discussions.
I know of no repair extension authorization which provides for the repair of either computer you describe beyond its original 12 month period of coverage. If either machine is covered by a warranty extension program provided by AppleCare, then the parts, labor or both required to replace the defective components may be offered at no charge to you. Final determination of eligibility is made at the part level by authorized Apple service providers or dealers and by the specific serial number of the machine submitted for service.
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Screen Problems with iMac G5 20" (iSight)

Hello!
I had the same problem with my iMac G5 20" (iSight) as described by Bob North Apr. 18, 2006 at http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/imacg5/topic2276.html#apr25:
"""" I repair Apple products, and recently I've seen strange and erratic display problems with the G5 flat-panel (iSight) 17" and 20"...and I am very curious about the origin. The picture will display what I will call "plaid pixles". Upon boot, the dispaly appears normal, but within 5-10 minutes, either at desktop or in ASD, the normal display will "crash" to the "plaid" display. The desktop, or whatever, can still be distinguished in the background, but it is overwashed by the plaid patterns -- which do change slightly, and also cover the full space of the screen. I've seen different scenarios, 3 in 2 weeks, where the symptom is exhibited with no particular failure pattern -- both before and after repair. I've replaced the main logic on one occasion, with no fix...but the 2nd try replaced both display panel and inverter. The display issue was fixed, but the system exhibited lockups only when it reached the destop. Another repair the same issue was seen after replacing the 20" main logic, where the symptom was not present previous. Personal opinion of the late 2005 IMAC flat-panels, in the hardware sense, is the likelihood of component manufacture issues, possibly the main logic boards or the panel displays themselves. Repair of this model, as opposed to the earlier, non-iSight flat-panel 17 and 20" models are extremely difficult -- access to main componenets is blocked by the display panel, which must be removed for each troubleshooting attempt. The internal hardware design is not oriented for repair ease...they are by far the most difficult to work on.
Any input regarding the display issues? Thanks.""""
I can't use the mouse or anything else, and after a while the fans start to go on max. This is the second time I encounter this problem within 30 days. What I have noticed is that the day before, the brightness of the screen started to "blink" slightly -- like if the screen tried to adjust itself.
But I haven't experienced what Bob North describes as the: "Upon boot, the dispaly appears normal, but within 5-10 minutes, either at desktop or in ASD, the normal display will "crash" to the "plaid" display".
I just restart with the power button and everything is working OK. I made an Extended Hardware test without any problems detected.
I have been looking for this issue with iMac G5 20" (iSight) and only found it at http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/imacg5/topic2276.html#apr25 :
Apr. 18, 2006
bob north
I repair Apple products, and recently I've seen strange and erratic display problems with the G5 flat-panel (iSight) 17" and 20"...and I am very curious about the origin. The picture will display what I will call "plaid pixles". Upon boot, the dispaly appears normal, but within 5-10 minutes, either at desktop or in ASD, the normal display will "crash" to the "plaid" display. The desktop, or whatever, can still be distinguished in the background, but it is overwashed by the plaid patterns -- which do change slightly, and also cover the full space of the screen. I've seen different scenarios, 3 in 2 weeks, where the symptom is exhibited with no particular failure pattern -- both before and after repair. I've replaced the main logic on one occasion, with no fix...but the 2nd try replaced both display panel and inverter. The display issue was fixed, but the system exhibited lockups only when it reached the destop. Another repair the same issue was seen after replacing the 20" main logic, where the symptom was not present previous. Personal opinion of the late 2005 IMAC flat-panels, in the hardware sense, is the likelihood of component manufacture issues, possibly the main logic boards or the panel displays themselves. Repair of this model, as opposed to the earlier, non-iSight flat-panel 17 and 20" models are extremely difficult -- access to main componenets is blocked by the display panel, which must be removed for each troubleshooting attempt. The internal hardware design is not oriented for repair ease...they are by far the most difficult to work on.
Any input regarding the display issues? Thanks.
Apr. 19, 2006
Robert Mohns
bob north describes: "...recently I've seen strange and erratic display problems with the G5 flat-panel (iSight) 17" and 20"...and I am very curious about the origin. The picture will display what I will call "plaid pixles". Upon boot, the dispaly appears normal, but within 5-10 minutes, either at desktop or in ASD, the normal display will "crash" to the "plaid" display. The desktop, or whatever, can still be distinguished in the background, but it is overwashed by the plaid patterns -- which do change slightly, and also cover the full space of the screen."
Does it look anything like this?
http://downwardspiral.net/gallery/pbg4-display
My nearly 3 year old Titanium PowerBook G4 just did this one day, out of the blue. The problem went away after a few minutes, but I had already taken photos. Thanks to those photos, Apple gave the powerbook a new logic board.
(This PowerBook has had its logic board replaced twice, a new optical drive, and a cracked case edge replaced. AppleCare has more than paid for itself. Despite the occasional problems, I remain very happy with this machine. I'm sure I'd be much less happy if I had not bought AppleCare!)
Hubert

Hubert Frank,
To Apple Discussions!
What troubleshooting methods have you tried to solve your issue?
The knowledgeable users will need this info to avoid the "been there, done that" senerios.
Have you tried the methods mentioned in the following Knowledge Base Article?
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301283 Troubleshooting when there's no picture on the display
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IMac 24" Display problem

Hi,
Im having display problem with my iMac 24" Early 2008.
http://www.hockeystat.net/video.jpg
I cant boot, after 20 seconds the OS freeze.
I ran a full diagnostic with the Hardware Test...no error.
http://www.hockeystat.net/video_test.jpg
Any idea ?
Thank you
Luc

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Quit the game and restart the iPad.
To quit the game - Go to the home screen first by tapping the home button. Quit/close open apps by double tapping the home button and the task bar will appear with all of you recent/open apps displayed at the bottom. Tap and hold down on any app icon until it begins to wiggle. Tap the minus sign in the upper left corner to close the apps. Restart the iPad. Restart the iPad by holding down on the sleep button until the red slider appears and then slide to shut off. To power up hold the sleep button until the Apple logo appears and let go of the button.
If that doesn't work try this.
Reset the iPad by holding down on the sleep and home buttons at the same time for about 10-15 seconds until the Apple Logo appears - ignore the red slider - let go of the buttons.

I called Apple about the 20" iMac display problem today...

I have the same display problem that I've been reading about here, it's much much brighter on the bottom of my screen than on the top and viewing the screen from an angle makes the screen look very dusty and dirty.
First I talked to technical support and because I live 75 miles from an Apple store, he said a technician would come and look at it tomorrow even though I said it was a problem that is very common and just not on my computer. It will be interesting to see what the technician says.
Then I called customer relations to put in a formal complaint against the 20" iMac screens. I told the man that even on the Apple support forums here that everyone was complaining about it. He said everyone where he worked was using 20" iMacs and as he looked at the screens next to him, he noticed that the colors were all off, looking dirty brown like mine. He said that's just how the new 20" screens were. I tried my best to tell him that it just wasn't right that the screens were so flawed and, although he kind enough and understanding, he didn't see any big problem with them.
He did submit my formal complaint at the end but I have to tell you all, it sure looks like Apple does not see any problem with these screens. He suggested that I write to Apple at their corporate office to let them know of these problems. Here is that address:
Apple
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
So that's my next step, writing to the corporate office.
I'll update this post after the technician comes tomorrow. I really don't expect this to be fixed but I shall let everyone know.
Martha

I have been watching this forum for months and have come to a conclusion that Apple
has taken the "easy road" by using cheaper components as evidenced by these discussions pertaining to cheap lcd computer screens. Also, with the Imac there is limited upgrade paths and the fact now
the imac has become more of a glorified computer with the internals of a laptop which suggests it is almost mandatory to pay extra for apple care for 3 year warranty because of uncertainty for longevity in my opinion. I am still using an apple 2002 quicksilver G-4 computer almost 6 years old that has not given me and problem. I have also been able to upgrade the hard drive, dvd rom drive myself-you cannot readily do with the current imacs. I was thinking about replacing my G-4 with an Imac, but have now come to the conclusion that Apple is losing focus with providing quality products and unless something drastic happens which I doubt, Apple will lose me as a future customer. I may be forced to go to the other side and buy a PC.

IMac G5 17" iSight display problem

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