Mac Mini powers on/off when back is touched

[bouda]

I received an older mac mini (intel 1.66). It would not power on. I took off the cover, and when I press or gently pull on the back where all the connections are, the computer powers on and stays on. As soon as press or gently pull on the back the computer shuts down. Could there just be a connection loose? I also found this piece loose (attached picture) in the box. Any thoughts?

Thank you!

 

[DDave]

I've had a couple of mini's and never had that problem. But check all the connections and make sure they are secure. If you don't see a problem, i would take to a repair place, as there may be a loose wire/connection on the logic board. And repeated shorting can cause permanent damage to the mini.
Also most Apple stores will diagnose for free, let them look at it and tell you what's wrong. If it's just something lose they will fix for free.

Good Luck

 

[bouda]

I've had a couple of mini's and never had that problem. But check all the connections and make sure they are secure. If you don't see a problem, i would take to a repair place, as there may be a loose wire/connection on the logic board. And repeated shorting can cause permanent damage to the mini.
Also most Apple stores will diagnose for free, let them look at it and tell you what's wrong. If it's just something lose they will fix for free.

Good Luck

Thank you. Wish I had an apple store close! I do not see any loose connections, but I am not technical enough to start taking it apart.

 

[bouda]

So I took it apart with some directions from ifixit.com and couldn't figure it out. I was screwing in the the screw by the power button and as I tightened it, the computer would come on. So I loosened the screw and everything worked great. Took the machine apart again because it seemed the wires leading to the power button where under part of the plastic casing that tightened against it when the screw was tight. I moved the wires, and now no issues.