Help me fix my iMac

[RoomBoom]

I purchased a Mid-2011 iMac 27" a few months ago for a very good price due to the fact that the video cable inside was broken and has been removed. The replacement part is very cheap on eBay. Here is a link to to the cable: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-For-Apple-iMac-27-Series-LCD-Screen-Display-Flex-Cab le-Replacement-593-1352-/252243420463?ha…


I need tips/guidance on the following things:

1. I have moderate experience with soldering, but not much with very small connections. Should I use a soldering iron with a very small tip or something like a heat gun?

2. Even though I have some idea, where should I expect to find the video cable (or lack thereof) inside?

3. He also mentioned something about the screen going dim on the left side, which seems to be a common problem with this model and I've found a forum explaining how to fix it, but for anyone with knowledge about this, some tips would be great.

4. This iMac hasn't been powered for a while, but just to be safe, how do I discharge it?

 

[BorderingOn]

Hey. I've had mine apart to replace the HDD.

1. What are you soldering?
2. See step 7 here: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+EMC+2309+and+2374+Hard+Drive+Replacement/1634
3. Not sure
4. Best to earth yourself and the MAC while working on it. If nothing else, at least discharge yourself by touching a grounded object.

 

[roadkill401]

I take it that you have not opened the iMac and taken a look inside. What you might find is that the story given is not totally true. As per the iFixit guide:

Be very careful when disconnecting this cable as both the cable connector and logic board socket are extremely fragile. When reconnecting the cable later, use as little force as possible.

You might find that it was not only the cable that might not be there, but the connector to the logic board that might have been ripped off as well.

 

[Khashoggi]

I purchased a Mid-2011 iMac 27" a few months ago for a very good price due to the fact that the video cable inside was broken and has been removed. The replacement part is very cheap on eBay. Here is a link to to the cable: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-For-Apple-iMac-27-Series-LCD-Screen-Display-Flex-Cab le-Replacement-593-1352-/252243420463?ha…


I need tips/guidance on the following things:

1. I have moderate experience with soldering, but not much with very small connections. Should I use a soldering iron with a very small tip or something like a heat gun?

2. Even though I have some idea, where should I expect to find the video cable (or lack thereof) inside?

3. He also mentioned something about the screen going dim on the left side, which seems to be a common problem with this model and I've found a forum explaining how to fix it, but for anyone with knowledge about this, some tips would be great.

4. This iMac hasn't been powered for a while, but just to be safe, how do I discharge it?

1- the connectors are very small. The proper tool is a hot air gun with small tip and flux. You will need a microscope or other form of magnification (loupe) to help you.
2- find the service manual for your iMac online. It should be readily available via search.
3- could be cable/socket, bulb, or inverter board in order of likelihood for that model.
4- the service manual will show you the High voltage areas to be concerned with. Generally it is only an issue within minutes to hours of last power on. You can easily avoid those areas and can cover them with a temporary insulator like black tape if needed.

Take a picture of cable area and post it. Also, get some spare components and practice first on a sacrificial board. Small pitch components are tricky without experience.