iMAC G5 SHUTS DOWN AT START UP

A

arktikgal

Registered
This has been a great computer - bought new in 2004. recently started to click "off" as it was just powering up. I thought there was a bug - so did a clean and install for OS X - but still does it.

The only way to start computer is to hold the Options & Alt key and P and R key at start up until I hear 6 dinging noises of start up (why six is the magic number I don't know . . but it is the only combo that works!).

Once it is up and running no problems . . .

Can anyone tell me what the problem might be . . . I figure it must be a hardware issue??

I am worried the whole computer may crash - . . .

Can you help me??

Warm thanks from the "chilly" North (NWT)

Arktikgal
 
Apple had an iMac G5 Power Supply Repair Extension Program going on for a while because of known problems with certain models of the iMac G5.

http://www.apple.com/au/support/imac/powersupply/repairextension/

Rumor has it they're still repairing iMac G5s free-of-charge for this problem, even though that link states that the program has expired. I suggest working with Apple, either at an Apple Store or on the phone, being polite but persistent, and realizing that you may have to work your way up the chain -- and deal with some very basic help in the beginning ("Have you restarted your computer?" "Let's try zapping the PRAM..." "Let's try an Archive and Install of OS X..." etc.).
 
That iMac G5 power problem is usually fixed by replacing the power supply.
I have seen bad hard drives cause shutdowns, and it's also very possible that you are having the old "swelling/leaking capacitors" issue that has plagued the original iMac G5.
 
Thanks for the suggestions Delta
I only recently had the PSU issue resolved with a new unit via Apple and the hard drive is brand new ...In fact it has only been shuting down since I have installed the new drive.
The "swelling/leaking capacitors" thing is something to look at though.
Cheers
 
If you are using Leopard, the hard drive, if failing, will be scanned several times during boot. If the drive does not pass the scan, the system will shut down.
Your replacement power supply might be not working as well as it should.
You can take the back off, and look at the various small cans (capacitors) on the logic board. The swelling problem, if it exists, will be easily visible. The tops of the 'caps' should be completely flat, with no brown 'goo' visible on the tops.
 
ElDiabloConCaca said:
Apple had an iMac G5 Power Supply Repair Extension Program going on for a while because of known problems with certain models of the iMac G5.

http://www.apple.com/au/support/imac/powersupply/repairextension/

Rumor has it they're still repairing iMac G5s free-of-charge for this problem, even though that link states that the program has expired.
Click to expand...

They were but usually only for folks who had Applecare that expired. But even now is these situations, most of those machines are so far out of warranty by now Apple is starting to get more comfortable saying no. But it never hurts to try?
 
djackmac said:
They were but usually only for folks who had Applecare that expired. But even now is these situations, most of those machines are so far out of warranty by now Apple is starting to get more comfortable saying no. But it never hurts to try?
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. I hadn't paid for AppleCare and I still got the parts replaced twice because of this repair extension program way after my 1-year standard coverage was over. The policy regarding the extension program was to cover the user 3 years after initial date of purchase, whether one had purchased AppleCare or not, because this was a defect. Unfortunately, the repair program itself expired last December. They might honor it on a case-by-case basis, but more than likely Apple will charge something.
 
Just to keep you up to date ... after some time and attempts at booting with a new drive and recently installed PSU my PPC iMac G5 seems not to like OS 10.5 and so I returned to 10.4.11 and all is fine ..... Interesting ... I have no idea why it refused to accept the latest OS. Any thoughts?
 
How much RAM did you have installed? I've seen issues more than once installing 10.5 on the G5s where it wouldn't install unless you drop the RAM down to 512MB. After it installs increase the RAM and all is well afterwards?
 
djackmac said:
How much RAM did you have installed? I've seen issues more than once installing 10.5 on the G5s where it wouldn't install unless you drop the RAM down to 512MB. After it installs increase the RAM and all is well afterwards?
Click to expand...

Now that's peculiar. :confused: I'll have to keep a eye out for that when I do upgrade mine to Leopard. I've got 1.5 GB RAM on my iMac G5.
 
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