HELP! Possible dead Mac

[Omochao]

System: 10.3.9

Model: iMac PowerPC


Worked fine until tonight.
Now constantly shuts down on its own. Might be a problem with the power supply.

 

[WildCowboy]

Roger that.

 

[Omochao]

Can you PLEASE try to help me?

I know it's April 1, but I am not joking!

 

[iMeowbot]

What model iMac? All but the very latest had PowerPC in them.

 

[cyberddot]

Actually, if it's shutting down frequently in the same day, there isn't really much advice to be given is there? If you suspect the power supply, then it sounds like it needs to be repaired by someone that can provide that service. Er...that's my advice.

​

 

[Omochao]

It's about a year and a half old. As I said it is an iMac running 10.3.9.

If it is the power supply, where should I take it?

 

[Eidorian]

It's about a year and a half old. As I said it is an iMac running 10.3.9.

If it is the power supply, where should I take it?

Is it an iMac G5? You're either going to have to call Apple or take it to an Apple store. If it's an iMac G5 and the serial number falls in a certain range you're more then likely entitled to a free repair.

http://www.apple.com/support/imac/repairextensionprogram/

 

[iMeowbot]

Before concluding that there is a power supply problem, there are two other common causes of this type of problem. One is the PMU or SMU (iMac G4, early iMac G5, later iMac G5), the other is a faulty keyboard (not likely if you have a recent Apple keyboard).

If no joy comes from those, take it in.

 

[Omochao]

Is it an iMac G5? You're either going to have to call Apple or take it to an Apple store. If it's an iMac G5 and the serial number falls in a certain range you're more then likely entitled to a free repair.

http://www.apple.com/support/imac/repairextensionprogram/

How long will it take to get repaired?

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Now constantly shuts down on its own.

Does it just shut down while you're using it, or does it happen when it's idle, and has been for a little while?

Either way: Resetting the PRAM might be the first thing to try... and if that don't help maybe reset the PMU...

 

[Omochao]

Shuts down about a minute or two after start-up.

Already tried resetting PRAM.


Also, could resetting the PMU endanger my data?

 

[Eidorian]

Shuts down about a minute or two after start-up.

Already tried resetting PRAM.


Also, could resetting the PMU endanger my data?

It seems that if you have an iMac G5 you can't reset the PMU. It's not listed nor are the instructions for it. Could you please tell us which iMac you have?

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

It seems that if you have an iMac G5 you can't reset the PMU. It's not listed nor are the instructions for it. Could you please tell us which iMac you have?

Look at post #8 of this thread...

 

[Eidorian]

Look at post #8 of this thread...

Ah, those little buttons seem to be in EVERY Mac.

 

[Omochao]

Again, can resetting the PMU endanger my data?

 

[WildCowboy]

Again, can resetting the PMU endanger my data?

You might have to fix a couple of settings like Date & Time if they aren't automatically set, but your data will be fine.

 

[Omochao]

Good, now where do I find it on this model?

 

[WildCowboy]

Good, now where do I find it on this model?

Check out iMeowbot's links in post #8...which model do you have? Based on your observation that it's "about a year and a half old" it's either a G4 or an early G5. See which one is your machine and follow the instructions for resetting the PMU or SMU.