Apple Technician Guide
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009)
iMac (20-inch, Early 2009), iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)
Updated: 2009-05-01
Apple Inc.
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this document may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the
written consent of Apple.
Every eort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate. Apple
is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
Apple
1 Innite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014-2084
USA
+ 1 408 996 1010
www.apple.com
Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S.
and other countries.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009)
Manual Updates 7
Updated 28 April 2009 7
Manual introduced 3 March 2009 7
Basics
Overview 9
Product Features 9
Dierences Between Models 9
Product Conguration 10
Serial Number Location 10
Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting 12
Update System Software 12
Firmware Updates 12
Troubleshooting Theory 12
Hardware vs. Software 12
Apple Hardware Test 13
Apple Service Diagnostic 13
Power On Self Test (POST) 13
Starting Up in Safe Mode 14
Resetting the Parameter RAM (PRAM) 14
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) 15
Diagnostic LEDs 16
Sensor and Fan Connector Locations 17
Block Diagram 18
Symptom Charts 19
Startup and Power 19
No Power, Dead Unit 19
Won’t Start Up 21
Intermittent Shutdown 23
Kernel Panic, System Crashes 25
No Video 27
Corrupted Video 28
Burnt Smell/Odor 30
Uncategorized Symptoms 31
Display 32
Backlight Issue/No Backlight 32
Incorrect/Missing Colors 37
Distorted/Blurred Image 38
Pixel Anomalies 40
Vertical/Horizontal Lines 41
Non-Uniform Brightness 43
Cosmetic Defects 44
Uncategorized Symptoms 44
Mass Storage 45
Hard Drive Not Recognized 45
Hard Drive Read/Write Error 47
Hard Drive Noisy 48
Optical Drive Not Recognized 50
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Eject Media 51
Optical Drive Read/Write Error 53
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specications 54
Optical Drive Noisy 55
Uncategorized Symptoms 57
Communications 58
AirPort/Bluetooth Issues 58
AirPort Card Kernel Panic 60
Ethernet Port/Device Issue 61
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair 62
Wireless Input Device Loses Connection 64
Uncategorized Symptoms 66
Input/Output Devices 67
Apple Remote Inoperable 67
Audio: Microphone 68
Audio: Built-in Speakers Have Distorted Sound 70
Audio: Built-in Speakers Have No Audio 71
Camera Issues 73
FireWire Devices Not Recognized 74
USB Devices Not Recognized 76
Wired Keyboard Does Not Function Properly 78
Keyboard: Specic Keys Do Not Respond 80
Wired Keyboard/Mouse Not Recognized 80
Uncategorized Symptoms 82
Mechanical 83
Noise/Hum/Vibration 83
Fan Failures / Thermal Issues 86
Stand/Hinge Issues 87
Physical Damage 87
Uncategorized Symptoms 88
Take Apart
General Information 90
General Tools 90
Opening the Unit 90
Required Special Tools for Glass Panel 90
Cleaning Tools Starter Kit 91
Cleaning Tool Resources 91
Cleaning & Handling the Glass Panel 92
Do’s and Don’ts 92
Handling a Broken Glass Panel 92
Safety 93
Logic Board Handling 94
ESD Precautions 95
ESD Guidelines 95
Reassembly Steps 96
Images in This Guide 96
Screw Sizes 96
Access Door 97
Memory 98
Glass Panel 100
Removal 101
Reassembly 102
Front Bezel 106
Camera 109
Battery 111
IR (Infrared) Board (Early 2009 only) 113
AirPort Extreme Card 115
Bluetooth Board (Early 2009 only) 11 7
LCD Panel 119
LVDS Cable 123
Hard Drive 125
Hard Drive Sensor Cable 129
Optical Drive 131
Optical Drive Sensor Cable 134
Optical Drive Fan 136
Optical Drive Data Cable 138
Inverter 140
Power Supply 142
Left Speaker 145
Ambient Temp Sensor Cable 147
CPU Fan 149
Right Speaker 151
Audio Board 153
Logic Board 156
Removal 157
Reassembly 158
Handling Logic Boards 160
Hard Drive Fan 161
Hard Drive Data Cable 163
Mechanism Cover 164
Stand 165
Mechanism 167
Chassis 169
Cable, DC, Power Supply/SATA/Inverter 172
Removal 173
Reassembly 175
Camera Cable 178
Microphone Cable 180
Rear Housing 182
Views
Exploded Views 184
iMac (20-inch Early 2009), Part 1 184
iMac (20-inch, Early 2009), Part 2 185
iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009), Part 1 186
iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009), Part 2 187
Screw Chart 188
Internal Views 190
I/O Ports 192
Feedback 193
Manual Updates
Updated 1 May 2009
Views:
Exploded Views: Corrected rear housing information for Mid 2009 model.•
Updated 28 April 2009
Basics:
Added section about dierences between Early 2009 and Mid 2009 models.•
Troubleshooting:
General Troubleshooting: Added sections about Apple Hardware Test and Apple Service •
Diagnostic, how to determine which version to use.
Block Diagram: Added note that Mid 2009 model does not have IR or Bluetooth.•
Take Apart:
Front Bezel: Added reassembly note to install bottom of bezel rst.•
Camera Board: Corrected screw size and part number.•
IR Board: Added note that Mid 2009 model does not have an IR Board.•
Bluetooth Board: Added note that Mid 2009 model does not have a Bluetooth Board.•
Optical Drive: Added reassembly note to avoid trapped inverter cables.•
Hard Drive Sensor Cable, Optical Drive Sensor Cable, Hard Drive Fan: Added details about •
connector pin sizes.
Logic Board: Added note that Mid 2009 model does not have IR or Bluetooth boards. Added •
note to route camera cable over, not under, the logic board. Removed note to transfer black
plastic airdam from old board to new board, as it should be included with new board.
2009-05-01
Views:
Exploded Views: Added 1 logic board part number for Early 2009 model. Added new •
exploded views for Mid 2009 model.
Screw Chart: Corrected camera screw size and part number.•
Manual introduced 3 March 2009
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) — Manual Updates 7
Apple Technician Guide
Basics
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009)
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Overview
Product Features
The iMac (20-inch, Early 2009) and iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009) computers have the same overall
look as the previous generation aluminum iMac. Distinguishing exterior features are Mini
DisplayPort (instead of mini DVI port) and 4 USB ports (instead of 3) on the rear, and a tapered
front edge on the stand.
New features:
Increased processor speed: 2.66GHz•
Mini DisplayPort•
4 USB 2.0 ports•
Increased RAM capacity: 2GB min, 8GB max•
Increased hard drive capacity in Early 2009 model: 320/640/1TB•
Dierences Between Models
The iMac (20-inch, Early 2009) and iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009) computers are very similar. The
dierences are that the Mid 2009 model does not have IR (Infrared) or Bluetooth, and has a
smaller capacity hard drive (160GB).
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Basics — Overview 9
Product Conguration
To conrm the conguration from the Apple menu, choose About This Mac. The processor
listing will show the speed of the processor followed by the processor type. The following table
shows the conguration at introduction:
Feature Specication
Processor 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
6MB shared L2 cache, 1066MHz frontside bus
Memory 2GB (2 x 1GB) 1066MHz DDR3 (optional 4GB, 8GB CTO)
Hard Drive Early 2009: 320GB Serial ATA 7200-rpm (optional 640GB, 1TB)
Mid 2009: 160GB Serial ATA 7200-rpm
Optical Drive 8x SATA SuperDrive
Display 20-inch, 1680x1050 resolution, 800:1 contrast ratio, 290 cd/m brightness,
160-degree viewing angle, glossy
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256MB shared memory
Wireless AirPort Extreme 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (only in Early 2009)
Input Devices wired keyboard, wired mouse, no remote, no modem
I/O Gigabit Ethernet, (4) USB 2.0, (1) FireWire 800
Audio I/O iPhone headset connector, microphone, stereo speakers, combo digital in
Video I/O Mini-DisplayPort (HDCP, dual-link, dual display; simultaneously supports
full native resolution on built-in display and up to 2560x1600 on an
external 30-inch display), iSight camera
Power Supply 180W universal
2009-05-01
Serial Number Location
The iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009)’s serial number is located on the base of the stand. When
replacing a stand, transfer the serial number to the new stand.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Basics — Overview 10
Apple Technician Guide
Troubleshooting
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009)
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
General Troubleshooting
Update System Software
Important: Whenever possible before beginning troubleshooting, ensure the latest software
and rmware updates have been applied.
Firmware Updates
Firmware is the name given to software that is written into memory circuits such as ash
memory, that will hold the software code indenitely, even when power is removed from the
hardware. Firmware on Intel Mac computers is designed to be updated if necessary through a
software update.
Information about rmware versions for Intel Macs can be found in the following Apple
Knowledge Base article:
kBase #HT1237: EFI and SMC rmware updates for Intel-based Macs
Troubleshooting Theory
For a review of basic troubleshooting theory, refer to:
http://service.info.apple.com/service_training/en/006/troubleshoot/
Hardware vs. Software
For information on how to isolate a hardware issue from a software issue, refer to the following
Apple Knowledge Base article:
kBase #TS1388: Isolating issues in Mac OS X
For information on how to troubleshoot a software issue, refer to the following Apple
Knowledge Base articles:
kBase #HT1199: Mac OS X: How to troubleshoot a software issue
kBase #HT2956: Troubleshooting Mac OS X installation from CD or DVD
kBase #TS1394: Mac OS X: Troubleshooting installation and software updates
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Troubleshooting — General Troubleshooting 12
Apple Hardware Test
There are two versions of Apple Hardware Test (AHT) for the iMac (20-inch, Early 2009). To
identify which version of AHT to use, check the third, fourth, and fth digits in the system serial
number. See examples below.
Apple Hardware Test 3A156• to be used on systems with the third, fourth, and fth serial
number digits below 913. Example: Serial number W 8 9 1 0 S M R D W K
Apple Hardware Test 3A168• to be used on systems with the third, fourth, and fth serial
number digits equal to or higher than 913. Example: Serial number W 8 9 1 3 8 M T 0 T F
The iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009) uses Apple Hardware Test 3A168.
Apple Service Diagnostic
The correct version of ASD for all iMac (20-inch, Early 2009) and iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009) is
Apple Service Diagnostic 3S131.
Power On Self Test (POST)
Intel-based Mac computers such as the iMac rely on a combination of tones and blinking LEDs
to display Power On Self Test (POST) error codes.
If the computer detects out-of-specication or no SDRAM or the RAM installed does not •
meet the appropriate specications, the screen will remain black but the computer will
beep. This error condition may be due to physically damaged RAM, installing the incorrect
type of RAM, or not having RAM installed.
Some RAM may appear to pass the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) but still cannot be used by •
the operating system. In this case, the computer will display a gray screen, sound three
tones and repeat the tones until the computer is turned o.
The solution to both of these situations is to rst re-seat the memory and test the computer •
again. If the memory fails the POST test again, try memory that has been veried to work
correctly on another system (i.e., “known-good”) or order new memory.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Troubleshooting — General Troubleshooting 13
Starting Up in Safe Mode
A Safe Boot is a special way to start Mac OS X when troubleshooting. Safe Mode is the state
Mac OS X is in after a Safe Boot:
Make sure the computer is shut down. 1.
Press the power button. 2.
Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key. 3.
Note: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not
before.
Release the Shift key when you see the screen with the gray Apple and progress indicator 4.
(looks like a spinning gear). During startup, ”Safe Boot” appears on the Mac OS X startup
screen. To leave Safe Mode, restart the computer normally, without holding down any keys
during startup.
For more information about Safe Mode, refer to the following Apple Knowledge Base articles:
kBase #HT1564: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? (Mac OS X)
kBase #TS1884: Safe Boot takes longer than normal startup
Resetting the Parameter RAM (PRAM)
If the computer is on, turn it o.1.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to 2.
hold these keys down simultaneously in Step 4.
Note: If the keyboard does not have an Option key, use the Alt key instead.
Turn on the computer.3.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. A simple way to do this with one hand is 4.
to put your right pinky nger on P, your right index nger on R, and your right thumb over
both the Command and Option keys.
Important: You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the 5.
second time.
Release the keys.6.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Troubleshooting — General Troubleshooting 14
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
The System Management Controller (SMC) is a chip on the logic board that controls all power
functions for your computer. If your computer is experiencing any power issue, resetting the
SMC may resolve it. The SMC controls several functions, including:
telling the computer when to turn on, turn o, sleep, wake, idle, and so forth;•
handling system resets from various commands; and•
controlling the fans.•
Note that resetting the SMC does not reset the PRAM. Resetting the SMC will not resolve issues
in which your computer is unresponsive—in these situations, restarting your computer will
generally suce. If your computer isn’t responding, perform these steps one at a time, in this
order, until the issue has been resolved:
Force Quit (Option-Command-Escape)1.
Restart (Control-Command-Power)2.
Force Shut Down (press the power button for 10 seconds)3.
Resetting the SMC can resolve some computer issues such as not starting up, not displaying
video, sleep issues, fan noise issues, and so forth. If your computer still exhibits these types of
issues after you’ve restarted the computer, try resetting the SMC.
How to Reset the SMC on an iMac
From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the 1.
power button for approximately ten seconds until it powers o).
Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord. 2.
Wait at least 15 seconds. The SMC reset occurs automatically once the iMac has been 3.
unplugged from the AC power source for several seconds.
Plug power cord back in, making sure the power button is not being pressed at the time. 4.
Reconnect keyboard and mouse to the computer. 5.
Press power button on the back to start up the computer. 6.
Note: The iMac does not have a button on the logic board for resetting the SMC, which
eliminates the need to open the computer to reset it (as is required for some other models).
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Troubleshooting — General Troubleshooting 15
Diagnostic LEDs
The iMac has built-in diagnostic LEDs on the main logic board that can help you to
troubleshoot the computer. The LEDs are located to the right of the battery (see photo below).
LED #1
Indicates the trickle voltage from the power supply has been detected by the logic board.
This LED will remain ON whenever the iMac is connected to a working AC power source.
The LED will remain on even when the computer has been shut down or put to sleep. The
LED will turn o only if the AC power source is disconnected or the power supply is faulty.
LED #2
Indicates the main logic board has detected proper power from the power supply when
the computer is turned on. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned on and the
power supply is working correctly.
LED #3
Note: This LED is not used on systems that have integrated graphics, which includes all
congurations of the iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009).
LED #4
Indicates the computer and the LCD display panel are communicating. This LED will be ON
when the computer is turned on and video signal is being generated. If the LED is ON and
there is no image on the LCD display panel, the LCD display panel or inverter might be
installed incorrectly or need replacement.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Troubleshooting — General Troubleshooting 16
Sensor and Fan Connector Locations
Ambient temp sensor and fan connector locations are shown below. Ensure cables are
correctly routed and the sensors and fans are properly connected. If a sensor or fan is faulty or
not connected, Apple Hardware Test will generate an error code.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Troubleshooting — General Troubleshooting 17
MLB
Ambient
Temperature
Sensor
802.11n
Antenna
Bluetooth
Antenna
Display
Temperature
Sensor
AC/DC
Temperature
Sensor
Hard Drive
Temperature
Sensor
Optical Drive
HD Fan
ODD Fan
CPU Fan
SO-DIMM SO-DIMM
SpeakerSpeaker
IR Sensor
Audio Board
Power Button
AC Inlet
Camera
Microphone
Inverter
Temperature
Sensor
PCIe x1
DDR3-1066 DDR3-1066
USB 2.0USB 2.0
USB 2.0
SATA II
SATA II
12V in 20”
Antenna
Block Diagram
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated. Note the iMac (20-inch, Mid 2009)
does not have IR or Bluetooth.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Troubleshooting — General Troubleshooting 18
Symptom Charts
Follow the steps in the order indicated below. If an action resolves the issue, retest the system
to verify.
Note: A compilation of Quick Check tables is available at:
http://service.info.apple.com/QRS/en/quickreference.pdf
Startup and Power
No Power, Dead Unit
Unlikely cause: speakers
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
No Power, Dead Unit
No power•
No fan spin•
No startup chime•
No image on external display•
No hard drive or optical drive •
activity
Caps Lock LED on wired •
keyboard doesn’t light when
pressed.
Verify power source.1.
Verify power cable.2.
Listen closely for signs of activity from system 3.
including: rotating fans, hard drive or optical drive
activity, startup chime, etc.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Power ON system. Verify if 1.
there is any indication that the
system has powered up (fan
rotation, hard drive or optical
drive noise, backlight turns on).
Yes
No Go to step 2.
The symptom is powering
up. Jump to Won’t Start Up
symptom ow.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 19
Remove front bezel and locate 2.
diagnostic LED’s on logic board.
Plug power cord into system.
Verify whether diagnostic LED
#1 turns ON.
Yes Trickle voltage being supplied
by power supply. Go to step 3.
No Replace power supply.
Press power button while 3.
monitoring diagnostic LED’s.
Does diagnostic LED #2 turn
ON and remain ON after
pressing the power button?
Disconnect power then remove 4.
power supply and carefully
inspect AC inlet and DC output
connectors and cables for
damage or poor connections.
Were any problems identied?
Inspect power button and 5.
verify that it is properly
connected to the logic board.
Disconnect power button 6.
from logic board and verify
continuity between two pins
when power button is pressed.
Yes
Power supply functioning and
logic board detects supply
voltages. Jump to Won’t Start
Up symptom ow.
No Go to step 5.
Yes Replace damaged part. P16
No Go to step 5.
Yes Visual inspection OK.
Go to step 6.
No Reconnect power button.
X14
Replace rear housing (which
includes power button) or
logic board if damage is
present.
Yes Power button is functioning
correctly. Go to step 6.
No Power button faulty. Replace
X16
rear housing which includes
power button.
2009-05-01
Press power button and verify 7.
whether system turns ON.
Yes
Power supply is functioning.
If system still does not boot
jump to Won’t Start Up
symptom ow.
No Replace power supply. Retest. P01
Note: If No Power symptom persists after all steps have been followed use Minimum
Conguration troubleshooting to proceed. Try disconnecting the hard drive, optical drive,
AirPort, and Bluetooth modules to determine if one of them is preventing the power supply
from functioning.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 20
Won’t Start Up
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Won’t Start Up
No startup chime.•
Error tones during startup.•
Grey screen with fan noise, or •
other noise.
Will not progress beyond •
Apple logo or spinning gear.
Isolate OS by starting up from original install 1.
media for the computer, the same make and
model computer in Target Disk Mode, or
compatible known-good OS on an external drive.
Both AirPort and Bluetooth services are available
when booted from the Install disk.
Reset SMC and PRAM to clear any stored, 2.
corrupted information.
Start up in Safe Mode by holding the shift key 3.
down during startup to load only required kernel
extensions and disable all startup and login
items. See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564
If system generates error tones there may be an 4.
issue with the SDRAM. See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2341
Identifying when in the startup process the 5.
computer hangs can help isolate the issue.
See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2674
for information on the Macintosh startup
sequence, error codes and symbols used.
2009-05-01
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Boot the computer to Apple 1.
Hardware Test on the Install
DVD. Does the computer boot
up to this volume?
Remove the installed SDRAM, 2.
and test with known-good
SDRAM. Does the computer
startup properly now?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 21
Yes Run the extended tests
and proceed with results. If
AHT passes or boots with a
memory error, go to step 2.
No Go to step 2.
Yes SDRAM issue. Replace SDRAM.
Issue resolved.
No Go to step 3.
X02
Remove the coin battery on 3.
the logic board, and leave out
for approximately 1 minute.
Then reinstall the battery. This
will reset the logic board. Does
the computer startup properly
now?
Yes Issue resolved by logic board
reset. Measure DC voltage
on the battery touching the
battery with the red probe,
and grounding with the black
probe. If voltage is 2.7v or less,
replace the battery. See KBase
article http://support.apple.
com/kb/HT3250 for details
on using a digital multi-meter.
No Go to step 4.
Remove AirPort card and test. 4.
Does the computer startup
properly now?
Disconnect the hard drive SATA 5.
cable and startup to the Install
DVD on the optical drive, or
an external volume. Does the
computer startup properly
now?
Disconnect the optical drive 6.
and test. Does the computer
start without kernel panic now?
Yes
Go to AirPort Card Kernel
Panic symptom ow.
No Go to step 5.
Yes
Go to Hard Drive Not
Recognized symptom ow.
No Go to step 6.
Yes
Go to Optical Drive Not
Recognized symptom ow.
No Replace logic board. M02
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 22
Intermittent Shutdown
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Intermittent Shutdown
Powers o during startup.•
Powers o during desktop use.•
Computer restarts •
spontaneously.
Powers o when waking from •
sleep.
Isolate OS by starting up from original Install 1.
media for the computer, the same model
computer in Target Disk Mode, or compatible
known-good OS on an external drive. Both
AirPort and Bluetooth services are available when
booted from the Install disc.
Reset SMC and PRAM to clear any stored, 2.
corrupted information.
Start up in Safe Mode by holding the shift key 3.
down during startup to load only required kernel
extensions and disable all startup and login
items. See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564
Open System Preferences > Energy Saver > 4.
Schedule and make sure that a ‘Shut Down’ event
is not scheduled.
Make sure that power cord is securely attached to 5.
the back of the computer, and is not hindered by
a desk or other furniture.
Plug the computer directly into an AC outlet to 6.
test whether a surge protector, outlet strip, or UPS
is causing the issue.
2009-05-01
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify improper shutdown 1.
by opening the system.log
located in /var/log. Filter the
log for “shutdown cause”. Entries
of value “0” or a negative
value indicate an improper
shutdown. Did you nd entries
of improper shutdown?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 23
Yes Determine if user caused
improper shutdown. Use
known-good AC power cord
and AC outlet. Go to step 2.
No Revisit Quick Check examples
for possible software issues.
Check if user is running
other automating software
that may be shutting down
system. Verify issue and jump
to appropriate symptom
ow. No repair needed under
current symptom ow.
With known-good AC power 2.
cord and AC outlet, does the
unit continue to shutdown?
Yes Go to step 3.
No AC power cord/ outlet issue.
Issue resolved.
X03
Disconnect the hard drive 3.
power cable from the hard
drive and start the machine
from the Install DVD, the same
make and model computer
in Target Disk Mode, or
compatible known-good OS
on an external drive. Does
the computer continue to
shutdown?
Inspect and reseat DC power 4.
cable and AC inlet connections
to power supply and logic
board. Was damage observed
on the cables or connectors.
Install known-good power 5.
supply. Does system continue
to restart or shutdown?
After logic board replacement. 6.
does the computer continue to
shutdown?
Yes Go to step 4.
No
Possible bad software or hard
drive. Go to Hard Drive Not
Recognized symptom ow.
Yes Replace damaged cable.
Retest. Return to step 1 if
problem continues.
No Go to step 5.
Yes Reinstall original power
supply. Replace logic board.
Go to step 6.
No Power supply issue.
Issue resolved.
Yes Use Minimum Conguration
troubleshooting to isolate
failed module.
X03
P02
2009-05-01
No Logic board issue.
M08
Issue resolved.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 24
Kernel Panic, System Crashes
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Kernel Panic, System Crashes
Kernel panic on startup or •
desktop use.
System freeze during use.•
System freeze upon wake from •
sleep.
Isolate OS by starting up system from original 1.
Install media for the computer, the same make
and model computer in Target Disk Mode, or
compatible known-good OS on an external drive.
Both AirPort and Bluetooth services are available
when booted from the Install disc.
Ensure that all software and rmware updates for 2.
the computer have been installed.
Reset SMC and PRAM to clear any stored, 3.
corrupted information.
Start up in Safe Mode by holding the shift key 4.
down during startup to load only required kernel
extensions and disable all startup and login
items. See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564
Check the panic.log, located /Library/Logs/5.
Panicreporter, for information in the backtrace
that may give clues about the kernel panic.
For more information on kernel panics refer to 6.
KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1392
2009-05-01
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Boot the machine to Apple 1.
Hardware Test on the Install
DVD. Does the computer boot
up to this volume?
Remove all peripheral devices 2.
including the keyboard and
mouse. Does computer start
without kernel panic?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 25
Yes Run the extended tests and
proceed with results. If AHT
passes or boots with a kernel
panic, go to step 2.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Add peripheral devices one at
a time until the kernel panic
repeats. Replace the device
causing the issue.
No Go to step 3.
Use known-good SDRAM in 3.
the system. Does the computer
start without kernel panic now?
Yes Install user’s SDRAM and test.
If kernel panic repeats, replace
SDRAM. Verify that the correct
SDRAM is being used.
No Go to step 4.
X01
Remove AirPort card and 4.
test. Does the computer start
without kernel panic now?
Disconnect the hard drive SATA 5.
cable and startup to the Install
DVD on the optical drive, or
an external volume. Does the
computer start without kernel
panic now?
Disconnect the camera/6.
microphone cable. Does the
computer start without kernel
panic now?
Disconnect the audio board 7.
and test. Does the computer
start without kernel panic now?
Disconnect the optical drive 8.
and test. Does the computer
start without kernel panic now?
Yes
Go to AirPort Card Kernel
Panic symptom ow.
No Go to step 5.
Yes
Go to Hard Drive Not
Recognized symptom ow.
No Go to step 6.
Yes
Go to Camera Issues
symptom ow.
No Go to step 7.
Yes Replace audio board. X99
No Go to step 8.
Yes
Go to Optical Drive Not
Recognized symptom ow
No Replace logic board.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 26
No Video
Unlikely cause: hard drive, optical drive, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
No Video
No image.•
Backlight failure.•
Check brightness setting.1.
For no-video issues, connect an external 2.
display to verify whether iMac video circuitry is
functioning. If image appears on external display
go to Backlight Issue/No Backlight symptom
ow.
Reset SMC.3.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify boot chime present and 1.
fans running when system
powered ON. (Reset SMC and
clear PRAM if necessary for
proper boot up.)
Verify whether image is visible 2.
on LCD panel.
Yes Power ON self test OK. Boot
sequence started.
Go to step 2.
No
Yes Video present. Verify system
Go to Won’t Start Up
symptom ow.
functionality and return to
user or jump to appropriate
troubleshooting ow.
2009-05-01
Connect supported external 3.
display. Verify whether image
appears on external display
when system is booted.
Remove glass panel and front 4.
bezel. Do all three diagnostic
LED’s turn ON shortly after the
system is powered ON?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 27
No Go to step 3.
Yes
No Go to step 4.
Yes
No Replace logic board. Retest. M03
External display detected by
system. Video circuitry on
logic board functional. Go to
Backlight Issue/No Backlight
symptom ow.
Internal video circuitry
functional and
communicating with LCD
panel. Go to Backlight Issue/
No Backlight symptom ow.
Corrupted Video
Unlikely cause: power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Corrupted Video
Text and graphics appear fuzzy•
Image corrupted•
Deep Dive
Set System Preferences/Display LCD panel to 1.
native resolution. Non-native resolutions are
unable to produce optimal clarity.
Make sure all relevant software updates have 2.
been applied. Graphics driver updates may be
included with software updates.
When the issue occurs take a screenshot of the 3.
display (Command-Shift-3). View the screen shot
le on another known-good computer. If the
image corruption can be seen in the screenshot
then the issue is with the video drivers, software,
or video/logic board. If the issue cannot be seen
in the screenshot then the LCD panel and LVDS
cable should be tested further.
Clean the outside surface of glass panel using 4.
provided cleaning cloth.
Boot from install DVD or another known-good 5.
volume to determine whether a potential
software/driver issue exists.
2009-05-01
Check Result Action Code
Boot from Install DVD and 1.
verify whether issue is still
visible.
Verify whether issue is visible 2.
on an external display attached
to the DisplayPort.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 28
Yes Go to step 2.
No Issue likely caused by
software or driver issue.
Troubleshoot for software
issues. Make sure all software
updates have been installed.
Yes Issue is NOT caused by
internal LCD panel.
Go to step 3.
No Go to step 5.
Remove logic board, inspect 3.
connectors for damage or
corrosion then reinstall. Verify
whether issue still occurs.
Yes Replace logic board.
Go to step 4.
No Issue likely caused by poor
connection. Return computer
to user.
M04
M04
Verify whether issue is still 4.
present with replacement logic
board installed.
Remove LVDS cable from LCD 5.
panel and logic board and
carefully verify whether there
is damage to the cable or
connectors.
Verify whether issue is still 6.
visible after reinstalling LVDS
cable.
Verify whether issue is still 7.
present with replacement LCD
panel installed.
Yes Return to step 1 and retest. X04
No Issue resolved with
M04
replacement logic board.
Return computer to user.
Yes Replace LVDS cable.
No Reinstall LVDS cable.
Go to step 6.
Yes Replace LCD panel.
Go to step 7.
No Issue resolved with
M04
replacement logic board.
Return computer to user.
Yes Return to step 1 and retest.
No Issue resolved with
L04
replacement LCD panel.
Return computer to user.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 29
Burnt Smell/Odor
Unlikely cause: speakers, microphone, enclosure
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Burnt Smell/Odor
Burning smell•
Unusual odor•
Verify source of smell/odor is emanating from the 1.
system.
If system is new refer to KBase article 2.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA22044
for information on new computer odors.
Disconnect all third-party devices and conrm 3.
whether the odor is being generated by the
device.
Inspect air intake and air outlets for obstructions. 4.
To prevent overheating make sure there
is sucient clearance to allow air to ow
unobstructed into and out of the system.
Verify whether system is functional.5.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify whether the source of 1.
the odor can be identied
by visually inspecting each
module and its associated
cables for signs of burned or
damaged components, smoke
residue, burned traces, or
melted or damaged wiring,
Yes Replace aected module(s).
Go to step 2
No Unable to locate source of
odor. Go to step 3.
P08
2009-05-01
Disconnect all third-party 2.
devices and cables. Power ON
system and verify whether
smoke or strong odor returns.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 30
Yes Power down system
immediately. Go to step 3.
No System functions correctly.
Verify system functionality
with third-party devices and
cables and return system
to user if problem has been
resolved. Consult third-party
companies as needed for
issues with those products.
Can the source of the odor be 3.
located using nose?
Yes Replace aect module(s) and
No Contact Apple for assistance
Uncategorized Symptoms
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
P08
retest system.
if you feel that there is a
possible safety issue with the
computer that has not been
resolved in the previous steps.
Uncategorized Symptoms
Unable to locate appropriate •
symptom code.
Make sure system is plugged into a known-good 1.
outlet.
Listen for boot chime, fan, optical drive, or hard 2.
drive noise which indicates system is powering
up. If noise is heard, go to Won’t Start Up
symptom ow. If no noise is heard go to No
Power, Dead Unit symptom ow.
Attempt to boot from Install DVD to isolate 3.
possible software issues.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify whether existing 1.
symptom code applies to the
issue reported by the user.
Yes Jump to appropriate
symptom code ow.
No
Document reported failure
and send feedback to
smfeedback6@apple.com
stating that a suitable
symptom code wasn’t found.
Provide as much detail as
possible.
N99
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 31
Display
Backlight Issue/No Backlight
Unlikely cause: hard drive, optical drive, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Backlight Issue/No Backlight
No image•
Partial backlight failure•
Backlight ickers•
Display dim•
Check System Preferences > Displays > Brightness 1.
control setting is above minimum.
For no-image issues connect an external 2.
display to verify whether iMac video circuitry is
functioning. Go to No Video symptom ow if no
image is visible on external display.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify boot chime present and 1.
fans running when system
powered ON. (Reset SMC and
clear PRAM if necessary for
proper boot up.)
Verify whether image is visible 2.
on LCD panel.
Yes Power ON self test OK. Boot
sequence started. Go to step
2.
No
Yes Video present. Verify system
Go to Won’t Start Up
symptom ow.
functionality and return to
user or jump to appropriate
troubleshooting ow.
2009-05-01
Connect supported external 3.
display. Verify whether image
appears on external display
when system is booted.
No Go to step 3.
Yes External display detected by
system. Video circuitry on
logic board functional. Go to
step 4.
No
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 32
Go to No Video symptom
ow.
Verify if LCD backlight is ON 4.
by looking for faint glow
from display when viewed in
darkened room with brightness
set at maximum.
Yes Internal LCD panel backlight
is functioning. Go to step 6.
No Go to step 5.
Shine bright (low heat) 5.
ashlight onto the front of the
LCD. With the system powered
ON verify whether a faint image
is visible.
Power ON system. Verify 6.
whether image is visible on
LCD panel.
Remove screws securing LCD 7.
panel and inspect LVDS cable
and connections for damage.
Reinstall. Power ON system.
Verify whether image is visible
on LCD display.
Yes LCD panel functional but
backlight is not ON. Inspect
and reseat four backlight bulb
connectors connecting LCD
panel to inverter, and inverter
connection to logic board.
Go to step 6.
No No image or backlight.
Go to step 7.
Yes Issue resolved by cable reseat.
Return computer to user.
No Replace inverter. Retest. Go to
step 7 if issue is still present.
Yes Issue cause by loose LVDS
connection. Verify system
functionality and return
system to user.
No Connecting external display
in earlier step conrmed that
logic board video circuitry
is functioning. Replace LVDS
cable rst, then LCD panel if
the issue persists. Retest.
M24
L03
M24
L03
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 33
Noise / Unstable Flickering
Unlikely cause: camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Noise / Unstable Flickering
Unstable image•
Flickering image•
Humming noise from display•
High frequency noise from •
display
Verify that intake vent on the bottom of the 1.
system is not obstructed.
Inspect system for 3rd party software that is 2.
being used to set fan speeds to a higher than
normal RPM. Some users may use this software
to monitor and control internal temperatures
potentially causing higher fan speeds to generate
higher than expected noise levels.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify if user issue is due to 1.
ickering or an unstable image
on the LCD.
Connect a supported external 2.
display to the DisplayPort.
Verify whether issue occurs
with external display.
Yes Suspected ickering issue, go
to step 2.
No For audible noise issues go to
step 8. All other issues go to
appropriate symptom ow.
Yes Suspect issue with video
circuitry. Go to Corrupted
Video symptom ow.
No Video circuitry OK. Go to step
3.
2009-05-01
Disconnect and carefully 3.
inspect the LVDS and backlight
bulb connections for signs of
damage, corrosion, or pinched
wires. Were any problems
observed?
Yes Replace damaged cable(s)
where needed, otherwise
reattach connectors. Retest.
No Go to step 4.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 34
L06
Power ON system and verify 4.
whether the issue still occurs.
Yes If connections are secure and
the display is still ickering,
go to step 5.
No Issue was caused by a poor
connection between display
and logic board or inverter.
Return computer to user.
Shine bright (low heat) 5.
ashlight into the front of the
LCD. Verify if an image is being
displayed when ickering issue
is occurring.
Verify whether noise varies 6.
when adjusting the brightness
level up and down.
Verify whether noise can be 7.
heard when computer is set
up with user seated in normal
user position. Adjusting the
brightness level up and down
may be necessary to recreate
the issue.
Verify whether noise is still 8.
present.
Yes Image present but backlight
L06
is ickering. Replace inverter
then retest.
No Replace LCD panel then
L06
retest.
Yes Noise appears to be
generated by the LCD panel
or backlight circuitry. Go to
step 7.
No
Noise is from another source.
Go to Noise/Hum/Vibration
symptom ow.
Yes Replace inverter. Go to step 8. L06
No Noises that are not audible
from the normal user position
are considered acceptable.
Return computer to user.
Yes Replace LCD display. Retest. L06
No Noise issue resolved. Return
L06
computer to user.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 35
LCD Image Issues
Unlikely cause: power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
LCD Issues
Incorrect/missing colors•
Distorted/blurred image•
Pixel anomalies•
Vertical/horizontal lines •
Non-uniform brightness•
Allow display to reach normal operating 1.
temperature for about 15 minutes before
evaluating front-of-screen performance.
Check display preferences for use of custom 2.
display prole.
Check brightness setting.3.
Clean glass panel while checking for dust/debris.4.
Deep Dive: General
Check Result Action Code
Verify if issue is incorrect/1.
missing colors.
Verify if issue is distorted/2.
blurred image.
Yes
No Go to step 2.
Yes
No Go to step 3.
Go to incorrect/missing
colors.
Go to distorted/blurred
image.
2009-05-01
Verify if issue is bright or dark 3.
pixel anomalies.
Verify if issue is vertical or 4.
horizontal lines.
Verify if issue is non-uniform 5.
brightness.
Yes
No Go to step 4.
Yes
No Go to step 5.
Yes
No LCD functioning OK. Return
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 36
Go to pixel anomalies.
Go to vertical/horizontal
lines.
Go to non-uniform
brightness.
to appropriate symptom chart
if user issue is still present.
Incorrect/Missing Colors
Unlikely cause: power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Incorrect/Missing Colors
Wrong color display•
Color/contrast issues•
Allow display to reach normal operating 1.
temperature for about 15 minutes before
evaluating front-of-screen performance.
Verify that System Preferences/Display settings 2.
are congured to use the default display prole.
Verify System Preferences/Universal Access/ 3.
Display “Enhance contrast”, “Use grayscale”, and
“Black on White/White on Black” settings are set
to defaults.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify system has been warmed 1.
up for ~15 minutes to stabilize
backlight before continuing.
Verify that the LVDS and 2.
backlight connections between
the logic board and LCD are
secure.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Allow system to warm up for
approximately 15 minutes
then go to step 2.
Yes Go to step 3.
No Reseat connections, replace
damaged cable(s) if needed.
Retest.
L14
2009-05-01
Set desktop pattern in system 3.
preferences to ‘Solid Gray Light’.
Verify if incorrect/missing color
issue aects entire display.
Set up display under test side 4.
by side with another knowngood display showing the
same image. Verify if issue is
noticeably worse on the display
being tested.
Yes Suspect poor video
connection. Replace LVDS
cable.
No Go to step 4.
Yes Replace LCD panel. L02
No Small variations in color
uniformity across display are
normal and do not warrant
replacement or repair of the
display. Return computer to
user.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 37
L14
Distorted/Blurred Image
Unlikely cause: power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Distorted/Blurred Image
Text and graphics appear fuzzy•
Image corrupted•
Set System Preferences/Display LCD panel to 1.
native resolution. Non-native resolutions are
unable to produce optimal clarity.
Clean outside surface of glass panel using 2.
provided cleaning cloth.
Boot from install DVD to determine whether 3.
potential software issue exists.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Boot from Install DVD and 1.
verify whether issue is still
visible.
Verify whether issue is visible 2.
on an external display attached
to the DisplayPort.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Issue likely caused by
software or driver issue.
Troubleshoot for software
issues. Make sure all software
updates have been installed.
Yes Issue is NOT caused by
internal LCD panel.
Go to step 3.
2009-05-01
Remove logic board, inspect 3.
connectors for damage or
corrosion then reinstall. Verify
whether issue still occurs.
Verify whether issue is still 4.
present with replacement logic
board installed.
No Go to step 5.
Yes Replace logic board.
Go to step 4.
No Issue likely caused by poor
connection. Return computer
to user.
Yes Return to step 1 and retest. X04
No Issue resolved with
replacement logic board.
Return computer to user.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 38
M04
M04
M04
Remove LVDS cable from LCD 5.
panel and logic board and
carefully verify whether there
is damage to the cable or
connectors.
Yes Replace LVDS cable.
No Reinstall LVDS cable.
Go to step 6.
Verify whether issue is still 6.
visible after reinstalling LVDS
cable.
Verify whether issue is still 7.
present with replacement LCD
panel installed.
Yes Replace LCD panel.
Go to step 7.
No Issue resolved with
replacement logic board.
Return computer to user.
Yes Return to step 1 and retest.
No Issue resolved with
replacement LCD panel.
Return computer to user.
M04
L04
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 39
Pixel Anomalies
Unlikely cause: logic board, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans, speakers, camera,
microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Pixel Anomalies
Dark dot anomalies•
Bright dot anomalies•
Debris on inside surface of •
glass panel
Debris on surface of LCD panel•
Clean outside surface of glass panel using 1.
provided cleaning cloth.
For information about pixel anomalies, see kBase 2.
article: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1721
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Determine if “defects” are dust/1.
debris on surface of glass panel
or LCD.
Determine if bright pixel 2.
defects exceed the acceptable
number. See kBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/
HT1721
Yes Clean LCD/glass panel.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Replace LCD panel. L08
No LCD panel meets bright pixel
defect specications. Go to
step 3.
2009-05-01
Determine if dark pixel defects 3.
exceed the acceptable number.
See kBase article http://
support.apple.com/kb/
HT1721
Determine if the combination 4.
of bright/dark pixel defects
exceed the acceptable
number. See kBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/
HT1721
Yes Replace LCD panel L08
No LCD panel meets dark pixel
defect specications. Go to
step 3.
Yes Replace LCD panel. L08
No Explain to user that LCD
panel is operating within
specications for pixel defects.
Do not replace LCD panel.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 40
Vertical/Horizontal Lines
Unlikely cause: power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Vertical/Horizontal Lines
Vertical lines•
Horizontal lines•
Boot from install DVD to determine whether 1.
potential software issue exists.
Verify if issue is visible on an external display.2.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Boot from Install DVD and 1.
verify whether issue is still
visible.
Verify whether issue is visible 2.
on an external display attached
to the DisplayPort.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Issue likely caused by
software or driver issue.
Troubleshoot for software
issues. Make sure all software
updates have been installed.
Yes Issue is NOT caused by
internal LCD panel.
Go to step 3.
No Go to step 5.
2009-05-01
Remove logic board, inspect 3.
connectors for damage or
corrosion then reinstall. Verify
whether issue still occurs.
Verify whether issue is still 4.
present with replacement logic
board installed.
Remove LVDS cable from LCD 5.
panel and logic board and
carefully verify whether there
is damage to the cable or
connectors.
Yes Replace logic board.
Go to step 4.
No Issue likely caused by poor
connection. Return computer
to user.
Yes Return to step 1 and retest. X04
No Issue resolved with
replacement logic board.
Return computer to user.
Yes Replace LVDS cable.
No Reinstall LVDS cable.
Go to step 6.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 41
M04
M04
M04
Verify whether issue is still 6.
visible after reinstalling LVDS
cable.
Yes Replace LCD panel.
Go to step 7.
No Issue resolved with
replacement logic board.
Return computer to user.
M04
Verify whether issue is still 7.
present with replacement LCD
panel installed.
Yes Return to step 1 and retest.
No Issue resolved with
replacement LCD panel.
Return computer to user.
L04
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 42
Non-Uniform Brightness
Unlikely cause: power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Non-Uniform Brightness
Brightness not uniform •
Color not-uniform•
Verify System Preferences > Displays > Brightness 1.
level control is set above minimum.
Allow 15 minutes for backlight bulbs to reach 2.
normal operating temperature and output before
evaluating display.
Visually inspect glass panel for presence of dust, 3.
cigarette smoke, or other contaminants. Clean
glass panel if needed.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Determine if brightness 1.
uniformity issue is visible after
display has warmed up for ~15
minutes.
Use user provided examples 2.
showing brightness uniformity
issue. Determine if variation in
uniformity appears excessive
when compared to another
similar unit.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Display backlight can take
several minutes to stabilize.
Retest. If issue still not visible
return computer to user.
Yes Go to step 3.
No Demonstrate to user that LCD
performs similarly to another
unit of the same make and
model.
2009-05-01
Remove front bezel and 3.
loosen screws securing LCD.
Determine if brightness
uniformity improves.
With LCD panel screws 4.
removed inspect and then
reconnect the backlight
cables. Determine if brightness
uniformity improves.
Yes Inspect for mechanical
interference with screws,
chassis, wires making contact
with back of LCD. Reseat
components & cables; retest.
No Go to step 4.
Yes One or more backlight
connections were loose.
Return computer to user.
No Replace LCD panel. L07
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 43
L14
Cosmetic Defects
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Cosmetic Defects to LCD
Cracked LCD•
Scratched LCD polarizer •
Scorched or melted LCD•
LCD impact damage•
Foreign material on LCD or •
back side of glass panel.
Determine whether damage was caused by 1.
user environment, accidental damage, or abuse.
If applicable, inform the user that Apple does
not warrant damage caused by accident, abuse,
misuse, ood, re, earthquake, or other external
causes. For more information refer to:
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty
For dark and bright pixel anomalies, go to 2.
Pixel Anomalies symptom ow.
Uncategorized Symptoms
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Uncategorized Symptoms
Unable to locate appropriate •
symptom code.
Make sure brightness level is set above minimum.1.
Clean glass panel using provided cleaning cloth 2.
to make sure that external contaminants are
removed prior to evaluating display performance.
2009-05-01
Allow the iMac display to warm up approximately 3.
15 minutes before evaluating display color and
brightness uniformity performance.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify whether existing 1.
symptom code applies to the
issue reported by the user.
Yes Jump to appropriate
symptom code ow.
No
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Display 44
Document reported failure
and send feedback to
smfeedback6@apple.com
stating that a suitable
symptom code wasn’t found.
Provide as much detail as
possible.
N99
Mass Storage
Hard Drive Not Recognized
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, power supply, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Drive Not Recognized (H01)
Drive No Boot (H02)
Flashing Question Mark•
Boots to Grey Screen•
Boots to Blue Screen•
Use a known-good mouse. A stuck mouse button 1.
will not allow boot.
Boot from Install DVD. Verify S.M.A.R.T. status of 2.
drive using Disk Utility.
Repair disk using Disk Utility.3.
Erase disk and reinstall Mac OS using Install DVD.4.
Use Target Disk Mode to attempt to mount 5.
user’s hard drive on a known-good computer. If
mounted, use Disk Utility on host computer for
Quick Checks 2, 3 and 4.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Boot from Install DVD and run 1.
Disk Utility. Verify that user
hard drive is available for Disk
Utility to repair.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Go to step 5.
2009-05-01
Run Disk Utility ‘Repair Disk’ 2.
function and verify that it
completes successfully.
Reboot computer. Verify that 3.
system boots successfully and
that Disk Utility ‘Verify’ function
reports no errors.
Erase disk and reinstall Mac OS 4.
using Install DVD. Verify that
installation process completes.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 45
Yes Go to step 3.
No Go to step 4.
Yes Data error Issue resolved.
Return computer to user.
No Go to step 4.
Yes Go to step 8.
No Go to step 5.
H07
Inspect hard drive SATA and 5.
power cables and connectors
for bent pins, or other damage
to the cable.
Yes Replace damaged cable.
Go to step 8.
No Go to step 6.
H04
Reseat SATA and logic board 6.
hard drive connections and
verify whether computer starts
up.
Test with known-good hard 7.
drive. Verify that system boots
successfully and that Disk utility
‘Verify’ function reports no
errors.
Reboot computer. Verify that 8.
system boots successfully and
that Disk Utility ‘Verify’ function
reports no errors.
Reboot computer. Verify that 9.
system boots successfully and
that Disk Utility ‘Verify’ function
reports no errors.
Replace hard drive. Does drive 10.
format correctly with a GUID
partition map and install Mac
OS X without errors?
Yes Go to step 8.
No Replace SATA cable.
Go to step 8.
Yes Install user drive. Go to step 9.
No SATA cable veried or
replaced and known-good
hard drive installed. Suspect
possible SATA controller
issues. Replace logic board.
Go to step 1.
Yes Issue resolved. Return system
to user.
No Go to step 7.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Hard drive appears to be
defective. Go to step 10.
Yes Issue resolved by replacing
hard drive.
No SATA cable veried or
replaced and new hard drive
installed. Replace logic board.
H04
H05
M19
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 46
Hard Drive Read/Write Error
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, power supply, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Drive Read/Write Error (H03)
Drive Bad Sector/Defective (H05)
Drive Formatting Issues (H07)
Cannot save documents•
Read/write error message•
Hang when accessing or saving •
data
Boot from Install DVD. Verify S.M.A.R.T. status of 1.
drive using Disk Utility.
Repair disk using Disk Utility.2.
Erase disk and reinstall Mac OS using Install DVD.3.
Use Target Disk Mode to mount user’s hard drive 4.
on a known-good computer. Use Disk Utility on
host computer for Quick Checks 1 through 4.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Run Disk Utility ‘Repair Disk’ 1.
function and verify that it
completes successfully.
Reboot computer. Verify that 2.
system boots successfully and
that Disk Utility ‘Verify’ function
reports no errors.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Go to step 3.
Yes Data error. Issue resolved.
Return computer to user.
No Go to step 3.
H07
2009-05-01
Erase disk and reinstall Mac OS 3.
using Install DVD. Verify that
installation process completes.
Inspect hard drive SATA and 4.
power cables and connectors
for bent pins, or other damage
to the cable.
Reseat SATA and logic board 5.
hard drive connections and
verify whether computer starts
up.
Test with known-good hard 6.
drive. Verify that system boots
successfully and that Disk
Utility ‘Verify’ function reports
no errors.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 47
Yes Go to step 7.
No Go to step 4.
Yes Replace damaged cable.
Go to step 7.
No Go to step 5.
Yes Go to step 7.
No Replace SATA cable.
Go to step 7.
Yes Install user drive. Go to step 8.
No SATA cable veried or
replaced and known-good
hard drive installed, Replace
logic board.
H04
H04
Reboot computer. Verify that 7.
system boots successfully and
that Disk Utility ‘Verify’ function
reports no errors.
Yes Issue resolved. Return system
to user.
No Go to step 6.
Reboot computer. Verify that 8.
system boots successfully and
that Disk Utility ‘Verify’ function
reports no errors.
Replace user hard drive. Does 9.
drive format correctly with a
GUID partition map and install
Mac OS X without errors?
Yes Issue resolved.
No Hard drive appears to be
defective Go to step 9.
Yes Issue resolved by replacing
hard drive.
No SATA cable veried or
replaced and new hard drive
installed. Replace logic board.
Hard Drive Noisy
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, logic board, power supply, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Hard Drive Noisy (H06)
Noise during start up•
Noise during operation•
Noise when drive is copying or •
saving data
Start up from Install DVD. Verify S.M.A.R.T. status 1.
of drive using Disk Utility.
Repair disk using Disk Utility.2.
Determine if noise is comparable to another 3.
machine of the same model.
2009-05-01
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Boot from the Install DVD and 1.
run Disk Utility. Verify that user
hard drive is available for Disk
Utility to repair.
Run Disk Utility ‘Repair Disk’ 2.
function and verify that it
completes successfully.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 48
Yes Go to step 2.
No
Yes Go to step 3.
No Go to step 4.
Go to Hard Drive Not
Recognized symptom ow
Restart the computer. Verify 3.
whether the noise is still
present.
Yes Go to step 6.
No Data error issue resolved by
Disk Utility. Return system to
user.
H06
Erase disk and reinstall Mac OS 4.
using Install DVD. Verify that
installation process completes.
Note: Make sure data has been
backed up before erasing hard
drive.
With replacement hard drive 5.
installed reboot computer.
Verify whether noise is still
present.
With hard drive removed 6.
verify that rubber vibration
isolation grommets are
properly installed in hard drive
mounting bracket.
Reboot computer. Verify 7.
whether noise is still present.
Yes Go to step 3.
No Replace hard drive.
Go to step 5.
Yes Go to step 6.
No Issue resolved by replacing
hard drive.
Yes Go to step 8.
No Replace hard drive mounting
bracket. Go to step 7.
Yes Replace hard drive.
Go to step 6.
No Noise caused by chassis/ hard
drive bracket. Return system
to user.
H06
H06
Disconnect hard drive SATA and 8.
power connections then boot
from the Install DVD. Determine
if noise is caused by the fans in
the computer.
Disconnect the hard dive 9.
SATA and optical drive then
boot from an external volume.
Determine if the noise
disappears when the optical
drive has been disconnected.
Yes
Go to Fan Failures/Thermal
Issues symptom ow.
No Go to step 9
Yes Posible optical drive or media
issue. Go to Optical Drive
Noisy symptom ow.
No
Noise issue still present, but
does not appear to be caused
by hard drive. Go to Noise/
Hum/Vibration symptom
ow.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 49
Optical Drive Not Recognized
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, power supply, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Drive Not Recognized/Mount
(J05)
Discs inject and eject, but do •
not appear in Finder
Use Apple System Proler Serial-ATA section to 1.
see if the optical drive and any inserted media
appears.
Check Finder Preferences and make sure “CD’s, 2.
DVD’s and iPods” is checked under “Show these
items on the desktop” in the General section.
Check both CD and DVD media. If only one type 3.
of media is recognized, there is a laser issue.
Replace optical drive (J03).
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Is the optical drive listed in the 1.
Serial-ATA section of the Apple
System Proler?
Test both CD and DVD media. 2.
Can drive read both CD media
and DVD media?
Yes Go to step 2.
No Go to step 3.
Yes Go to step 6.
No Drive has a laser issue.
Replace the optical drive. If
both types media fail, check
Finder Preferences then go to
step 3.
J03
2009-05-01
Reseat SATA cable connections 3.
at logic board and optical drive.
Do both types of media read
reliably now?
Connect known-good optical 4.
drive to SATA cable. Do both
types of media reliably read
now?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 50
Yes Go to step 6.
No Go to step 4.
Yes SATA cable and port on logic
board good. Go to step 5.
No Replace SATA cable and test
(X03). If issue persists, replace
logic board (M19). Go to step
6.
Connect original optical drive 5.
to known-good SATA cable. Do
both types of media reliably
read now?
Yes SATA cable issue. Replace
SATA cable. Go to step 6.
No Go to step 2.
X03
Test read compatible known-6.
good CD and DVD media
(Install DVD). Verify media is
recognized and reads reliably.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace optical drive. J03
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Eject Media
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, power supply, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Drive Won’t Accept Media (J01)
Drive Won’t Eject Media (J02)
Cannot insert a disc into the •
drive
Cannot eject a disc placed into •
the drive
Use Apple System Proler Serial-ATA section 1.
to see if the optical drive appears. If not, go to
Optical Drive Not Recognized symptom ow.
Restart computer and hold down mouse button 2.
or keyboard eject key to cycle optical drive.
Inspect optical drive slot for obstructions.3.
2009-05-01
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify that optical drive is listed 1.
in the System Proler device
tree for Serial-ATA devices.
Verify all connection between 2.
logic board, ex cable, and
optical drive are secure. Visually
inspect cables and connectors
for any debris, damage or bent
pins. Verify that the optical
drive is listed in the System
Proler device tree.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 51
Yes Optical drive communicating
with logic board. Go to step 5.
No Logic board not
communicating with optical
drive. Go to step 2.
Yes Optical drive communicating
with logic board. Go to step 5.
No Replace damaged cables
and retest. If connections
are good and with no visible
cable damage, go to step 3.
X03
Connect known-good optical 3.
drive to SATA cable. Verify that
known-good optical drive is
listed in the System Proler
device tree.
Yes Go to step 4.
No Suspect SATA cable.
Go to step 7.
With known-good optical drive 4.
installed, test for media inject/
eject. Verify drive accepts and
ejects known-good media.
Inspect optical drive slot during 5.
disc insert/ eject. Verify that
discs can be inserted easily.
With known-good optical 6.
media (Install disc), test for
media inject/eject. Does drive
accept and eject known-good
media?
Replace SATA cable then test 7.
for media inject/eject. Does
drive inject and eject knowngood media?
Yes Known-good optical drive
resolved inject/eject issue.
Replace optical drive.
No Go to step 7.
Yes Go to step 6.
No Replace damaged optical
drive. Note: It may be possible
to reinstall the optical drive
bezel to correct this issue.
Yes Media issue. No repair
necessary. Suggest user
investigate use of dierent
media.
No Go to step 3.
Yes SATA cable resolved issue.
Return system to user.
No SATA cable veried or
replaced, and optical drive
veried or replaced. Replace
logic board and retest.
J03
J03
X03
M19
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 52
Optical Drive Read/Write Error
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, power supply, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Drive Read/Write Data Error (J03)
Errors when writing optical •
media.
Errors when reading optical •
media.
Hang when accessing or •
preparing to write data.
Test optical media in another drive of the same 1.
type in the same type of computer to rule out
media issue.
Check with known-good discs like the Install 2.
discs that came with the computer.
For write issues, check with known-good media 3.
that performs well in another computer and
optical drive of the same type.
Check both CD and DVD media. If only one type 4.
of media is producing errors, there is a laser issue.
Replace optical drive (J03).
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Is media free to spin without 1.
optical drive scraping edge or
surface of media?
Yes Go to step 2.
No Replace optical drive. J05
2009-05-01
Test both CD and DVD media. 2.
Can drive read both CD media
and DVD media?
Reseat SATA cable connections 3.
at logic board and optical drive.
Do both types of media read
reliably now?
Connect known-good optical 4.
drive to SATA cable. Do both
types of media reliably read
now?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 53
Yes Go to step 6.
No Drive has a laser issue.
Replace the optical drive. If
both types media fail, go to
step 3.
Yes Go to step 6.
No Go to step 4.
Yes SATA port on logic board
good. Go to step 5.
No SATA port on logic board bad.
Replace logic board.
J03
M19
Connect original optical drive 5.
to known-good SATA cable. Do
both types of media reliably
read now?
Yes SATA cable issue. Replace
SATA cable. Go to step 6.
No Replace optical drive. J03
X03
Test write data to compatible 6.
CD and DVD media. Verify
burned media is recognized
and reads reliably.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace optical drive. J03
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specications
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, power supply, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Optical Drive Not Performing to
Specications (J07)
Read or write speeds slower •
than expected
Test optical media in another drive of the same 1.
type in same type of computer to rule out media
issue.
For write issues, check with known-good media 2.
that performs well in another computer and drive
of the same type.
Check both CD and DVD media. If only one type 3.
of media is producing errors, you have a laser
issue. Replace the optical drive (J05)
2009-05-01
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Test both CD and DVD media. 1.
Can drive read both CD media
and DVD media?
Reseat SATA cable connections 2.
at logic board and optical drive.
Do both types of media read
reliably now?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 54
Yes Go to step 6.
No Drive has a laser issue.
Replace the optical drive. If
both types media fail, go to
step 3.
Yes Go to step 6.
No Go to step 4.
J03
Connect known-good optical 3.
drive to SATA cable. Do both
types of media reliably read
now?
Yes SATA cable and port on logic
board good. Go to step 5.
No Replace SATA cable and test
(X03). If issue persists, replace
logic board (M19). Go to step
6.
Connect original optical drive 4.
to known-good SATA cable. Do
both types of media reliably
read now?
Test write data to compatible 5.
CD and DVD media. Verify
burned media is recognized
and reads reliably.
The balance of some media 6.
may not perform at higher
speeds supported by the drive.
Does slowing the requested
burn speed allow the discs to
write reliably?
Yes SATA cable issue. Replace
SATA cable. Go to step 6.
No Replace optical drive. J03
Yes Issue resolved.
No Go to step 7. J03
Yes Media issue. No repair
necessary.
No Replace optical drive. J07
Optical Drive Noisy
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, power supply, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
X03
2009-05-01
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Optical Drive Noisy (J04)
Noise during boot•
Noise during operation•
Noise when drive is copying or •
writing data
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 55
Test optical media in another drive of the same 1.
type in same model of computer to rule out
media issue.
Test with known-good discs like the Install discs 2.
that came with the computer.
Check to see if noise occurs without media in the 3.
drive. If so, check if hard drive (H06) or fan (M18)
caused noise.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Test both CD and DVD media. 1.
Can drive read both CD media
and DVD media?
Reseat SATA cable connections 2.
at logic board and optical drive.
Do both types of media read
reliably now?
Connect known-good optical 3.
drive to SATA cable. Do both
types of media reliably read
now?
Connect original optical drive 4.
to known-good SATA cable. Do
both types of media reliably
read now?
Yes Go to step 6.
No Drive has a laser issue.
Replace the optical drive. If
both types media fail, go to
step 3.
Yes Go to step 6.
No Go to step 4.
Yes SATA cable and port on logic
board good. Go to step 5.
No Replace SATA cable and test
(X03). If issue persists, replace
logic board (M19). Go to step
6.
Yes SATA cable issue. Replace
SATA cable. Go to step 6.
No Replace optical drive. J03
J03
X03
Test write data to compatible 5.
CD and DVD media. Verify
burned media is recognized
and reads reliably.
The balance of some media 6.
may not perform at higher
speeds supported by the drive.
Does slowing the requested
burn speed allow the discs to
write reliably?
Yes Issue resolved.
No Go to step 7 J03
Yes Media issue. No repair
necessary.
No Replace optical drive. J07
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 56
Uncategorized Symptoms
Check Result Action Code
Verify whether existing 1.
symptom code applies to the
issue reported by the user.
Yes Jump to appropriate
symptom code ow.
No
Document reported failure
and send feedback to
smfeedback6@apple.com
stating that a suitable
symptom code wasn’t found.
Provide as much detail as
possible.
N99
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 57
Communications
AirPort/Bluetooth Issues
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
AirPort/Bluetooth Issues
Unable to join networks or pair •
devices
AirPort card not available•
Intermittent device or •
connection dropouts
Limited wireless range•
Deep Dive
Verify that AirPort or Bluetooth is turned ON and 1.
for AirPort issues make sure that a network is
selected.
For AirPort, check if the wireless access point 2.
requires special connection and encryption
protocols.
Check for nearby sources of interference such as 3.
microwave ovens or cordless phones. See kBase
article http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1365
Check the number of users trying to use AirPort 4.
in the area for possible network congestion
(available bandwidth).
Isolate potential OS issues by starting up from 5.
the original Install media for the computer, the
same model computer in Target Disk Mode, or
compatible known-good OS on an external drive.
Both AirPort and Bluetooth services are available
when booted from the Install disc.
2009-05-01
Check Result Action Code
Open System Proler. AirPort 1.
is listed under Network, while
Bluetooth is listed under USB. Is
AirPort/Bluetooth recognized?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 58
Yes Install all software updates for
AirPort/Bluetooth.
AirPort, go to step 3.
Bluetooth, go to step 4.
No Remove and reinstall the
AirPort/Bluetooth card and
retest. If still unrecognized,
replace the AirPort/Bluetooth
card. Go to step 2.
M11
Ensure that antenna cable(s) 2.
are connected properly and
not damaged, and all software
updates available for AirPort/
Bluetooth have been installed.
Do connection issues persist?
Yes AirPort, go to step 3.
Bluetooth, go to step 4.
No Issue resolved.
Create a computer-to-3.
computer network with
another Macintosh computer
using AirPort. See kBase article
http://docs.info.apple.com/
article.html?path=AirPort/5.0/
en/ap2110.html. Can you
connect successfully?
Make sure that your Bluetooth 4.
device is in discoverable mode,
and that your computer is also
in discoverable mode. Can you
successfully and reliably pair a
device now?
Try connecting to a known-5.
good network that does not
require password or has MAC
address ltering enabled. Can
you connect to a network
reliably now?
Yes Network or channel issue.
Go to step 5.
No Double check any password
required. Try connecting
another known-good
computer to the network.
If test computers connect,
replace AirPort card.
Go to step 6.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace Bluetooth card.
Go to step 6.
Yes Troubleshoot local network.
Possible password or MAC
address ltering issue.
No Replace AirPort card.
Go to step 6
M11
M11
M11
2009-05-01
With the AirPort/Bluetooth card 6.
replaced and antenna cable
inspected for damage and
replaced if necessary, are the
connection issues resolved?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 59
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace logic board. M11
AirPort Card Kernel Panic
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
AirPort Card Kernel Panic
Kernel panic on startup•
Kernel panic or freezing while •
attempting to connect to wi-
networks
Kernel panic while transferring •
data on wi- networks
Isolate OS by starting up from original Install 1.
media for the computer, the same model
computer in Target Disk Mode, or compatible
known-good OS on an external drive. AirPort
service is available when booted from the Install
disc.
Ensure that all software and rmware updates for 2.
the computer and AirPort been installed.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Remove AirPort card. Does 1.
computer start without kernel
panic?
Yes Reseat AirPort card and retest.
If problem continues replace
AirPort card. Go to step 2.
No
Possible logic board issue.
Go to Kernel Panic/System
Crashes symptom ow.
2009-05-01
With replacement AirPort card 2.
installed, does computer start
without kernel panic?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 60
Yes AirPort card issue. Issue
resolved.
No
Possible logic board issue.
Go to Kernel Panic/System
Crashes symptom ow.
N13
Ethernet Port/Device Issue
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Ethernet Port/Device Issue
No ethernet device present•
Unable to access network •
resources
Ethernet device shows no •
connection
Ethernet device unable to an IP •
address
Slow network performance•
Check the ethernet cable for damage, try a 1.
known-good ethernet cable – CAT5 or better
recommended for 100Mbps+ connections.
Check ethernet ports on the Mac and wall/switch 2.
for dust, debris, damage or bent pins.
Ensure distance from networking infrastructure is 3.
less than 300 feet/ 105 meters
Verify port, cable and network hardware with a 4.
known-good system. Isolate rewall, MAC address
ltering or hardware access control devices
Isolate OS by starting up from original Install 5.
media for the computer, the same model
computer in Target Disk Mode, or compatible
known-good OS on an external drive.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Visually inspect the ethernet 1.
port of the computer to ensure
that all pins will make physical
contact with the CAT5 ethernet
cable.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Pins are damaged, bent at or
missing. Replace logic board.
M24
2009-05-01
Boot from original Install media. 2.
Verify Network Link status
active by using Network Utility
under the “Info” tab. Is the Link
Status “Active”?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 61
Yes Go to step 3.
No If same ethernet cable gives
an “Active” link status on a
known-good computer of
same model, replace logic
board
M10
Connect the computer to 3.
another Macintosh computer
using CAT5 ethernet cable.
See kBase article http://
docs.info.apple.com/article.
html?path=Mac/10.5/en/8429.
html. Can you connect
successfully?
Yes Ethernet communication
good. Go to step 4.
No If same ethernet cable and
computer connects to a
known-good computer of
same model, replace logic
board.
M10
Check for speed and duplex 4.
issues on the network. Open
System Preference > Network;
click the Advanced button,
then the Ethernet tab. Is the
speed and duplex reported
what is expected?
Check for MTU (Maximum 5.
Transmission Unit) issues.
See article http://support.
apple.com/kb/HT2532. Does
changing the MTU settings on
the computer resolve the issue?
If changing the speed, duplex 6.
or MTU settings allows
connectivity, check with
another computer of same
model. Does the known-good
computer produce the same
results?
Yes Go to step 5.
No
Yes Go to step 6.
No Ethernet controller damaged.
Yes Check with ISP or Network
No Verify with known-good OS. If
Change the speed and duplex
settings. See kBase article
http://docs.info.apple.com/
article.html?path=Mac/10.5/
en/8711.html. Go to step 6.
Replace logic board.
Administrator concerning
speed, duplex and MTU
settings.
the issue persists, replace the
logic board.
M10
M10
2009-05-01
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t
Pair
Can’t get system to recognize •
the Bluetooth keyboard or
mouse
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 62
Remove and reinstall the batteries for the device.1.
Check that device is powering on.2.
Use known-good batteries with the device.3.
Ensure that device is being used within 30-foot 4.
range for Bluetooth devices.
Ensure that the latest Software Updates have 5.
been applied.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Without any wired input 1.
devices connected, start the
computer. Does the computer
show the Bluetooth Mouse
Setup assistant?
Restart the machine without 2.
any wired input devices
attached. Does the computer
show the Bluetooth Mouse
Setup assistant?
Restart the machine without 3.
any wired input devices
attached. Does the computer
show the Bluetooth Mouse
Setup assistant?
With a wireless mouse on, and 4.
in discoverable mode, can you
successfully pair the mouse
with the assistant?
Yes Bluetooth hardware is active.
Go to step 4.
No Inspect and reseat Bluetooth
cable to Bluetooth card.
Replace a damaged cable.
Go to step 2.
Yes Bluetooth hardware is active.
Go to step 4.
No Reseat the Bluetooth card to
the logic board. Go to step 3.
Yes Bluetooth hardware is active.
Go to step 4.
No Replace the Bluetooth card.
Yes Check for stability.
Go to step 5.
No
Go to Wireless Input Device
Loses Connection symptom
ow.
2009-05-01
With the wireless mouse 5.
paired, does the mouse stay
connected?
With the wireless mouse 6.
paired, does the mouse stay
connected?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 63
Yes Issue resolved.
No Inspect and reseat the
Bluetooth antenna cable.
Replace a damaged antenna
cable (only available as part
of rear housing) or Bluetooth
card if the antenna connector
is damaged. Go to step 6.
Yes Antenna issue. Issue resolved.
No
Go to Wireless Input Device
Loses Connection symptom
ow.
Wireless Input Device Loses Connection
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Wireless Input Device Loses
Connection
Wireless keyboard, mouse, or •
other wireless input device
loses connection.
Remove and reinstall the batteries for the device.1.
Check that device is powering on.2.
Use known-good batteries with the device.3.
Ensure other devices pair and keep connection 4.
without issue. If not, go to AirPort/Bluetooth
Issues symptom ow.
Ensure that device is being used within 30-foot 5.
range for Bluetooth devices.
Ensure that the latest Software Updates have 6.
been applied.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Open System Preferences > 1.
Bluetooth. Paired items and
their connection status are
shown. Is the device listed?
Yes Device has been paired.
Go to step 2.
No The device is not paired. Make
device discoverable and open
Bluetooth Setup Assistant.
Go to step 3.
2009-05-01
Make sure device is on. 2.
In System Preferences >
Bluetooth, select the device
and from the Action menu
(gear icon) choose “Connect”.
Does the device connect
successfully?
With the device on, run the 3.
Bluetooth Setup Assistant.
Can you successfully pair the
device?
With the device on, run the 4.
Bluetooth Setup Assistant.
Can you successfully pair the
device?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 64
Yes Go to step 7.
No Delete pairing in System
Preferences. Go to step 3.
Yes Go to step 7.
No Restart the machine.
Go to step 4.
Yes Go to step 7.
No Create a new Admin User.
Go to step 5.
Log into new Admin User 5.
account. With the device
on, run the Bluetooth Setup
Assistant. Can you successfully
pair the device with the New
User?
Yes User-based issue.
Troubleshoot software on
User account. No repair
needed.
No Remove the following le: /
Library/Preferences/com.
apple.Bluetooth.plist
Go to step 6.
Restart the computer. With the 6.
device on, run the Bluetooth
Setup Assistant. Can you
successfully pair the device?
With the device paired and 7.
connected, is the device
connection stable if used
normally?
Is the device performing to 8.
stated specications?
Yes Go to step 7.
No
Go to AirPort/Bluetooth
Issues symptom ow.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Check device documentation
on standard length of
operation, and other
operational factors.
Go to step 8.
Yes Educate user. Issue resolved.
No Replace device.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 65
Uncategorized Symptoms
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Uncategorized Symptoms
Unable to locate appropriate •
symptom code.
Verify System Preferences/Network settings 1.
are congured appropriately to support
communication method.
For ethernet connection issues verify that the 2.
cable being used functions when used with
another known-good system.
For wireless connection issues review user 3.
environment to determine whether possible
interference from other 2.4GHz communications
devices might be contributing to issue.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1365
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify whether existing 1.
symptom code applies to the
issue reported by the user.
Yes Jump to appropriate
symptom code ow.
No
Document reported failure
and send feedback to
smfeedback6@apple.com
stating that a suitable
symptom code wasn’t found.
Provide as much detail as
possible.
N99
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Communications 66
Input/Output Devices
Apple Remote Inoperable
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Apple Remote Inoperable
Apple Remote doesn’t bring up •
Front Row
Apple Remote doesn’t control •
iTunes
Apple Remote doesn’t control •
computer volume
Make sure you’re using the Apple Remote 1.
within 30 feet of the computer, and have an
unobstructed line-of-sight to the computer.
Make sure you’re pointing the lens end of 2.
the Apple Remote directly at the front of the
computer.
Make sure “Disable remote control infrared 3.
receiver” checkbox in the Security preference
pane is not checked.
Ensure that all available Software Updates have 4.
been applied to the computer.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Open Photo Booth or iChat’s 1.
video preview window. Point
the Apple Remote at the builtin iSight camera and press any
button on the Apple Remote.
Do you see a white, ashing
light in the video preview?
Yes The Apple Remote is
functioning. Go to step 2.
No The Apple Remote is not
functioning. Replace the
Apple Remote battery.
Go to step 3.
2009-05-01
Open System Preferences > 2.
Security. Is “Unpair” available in
this preference pane?
With a replacement battery, do 3.
you now see a white ashing
light from the Apple Remote in
the video preview window?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 67
Yes Click the “Unpair” button to
disable possible pairing with
another Apple Remote.
Go to step 4.
No Possible IR board issue.
Go to step 5.
Yes Battery issue. Issue resolved. X05
No Apple Remote defective.
Replace the Apple Remote.
X04
After clicking “Unpair”, does the 4.
computer now respond to the
Apple Remote?
Yes Pairing issue. Issue resolved.
No Possible IR board issue.
Go to step 5.
Open the Apple System Proler. 5.
Selecting USB, do you see “IR
Receiver” listed?
After clearing lens, does the 6.
computer now respond to the
Apple Remote?
After reseating or replacing the 7.
IR cable, does the computer
now respond to the Apple
Remote?
Yes IR Receiver reporting on USB
bus. Check for lens block.
Go to step 6.
No Inspect and reseat IR cable to
IR board. If necessary, replace
damaged IR cable. Go step 7.
Yes Lens blocked. Issue resolved.
No Lens damaged or inoperable.
Replace IR board.
Yes IR cable issue. Issue resolved. X03
No IR Receiver failure.
Replace IR board.
Audio: Microphone
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Audio: Microphone
Microphone not working•
Microphone audio garbled•
No sound•
Verify that no tape, sticky notes, or other objects 1.
are blocking the microphone port that is located
on top of the front bezel above the camera. The
microscopic perforations on top of the front
bezel must be free of obstructions in order for
the microphone to function.
Launch System Preferences and select Sound/2.
Input options. Verify that the sound input option
is set to system’s internal microphone.
Launch System Preferences and select Sound/3.
Input options. Verify that the ‘Input Volume’
setting is not set at the minimum level.
Launch System Preferences and select Sound/4.
Input options. Verify that ‘Input Level’ indicator
moves when speaking into the microphone.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 68
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify that boot chime is 1.
present when system is
powered on. Note: make sure
audio output preferences are
not set to mute.
Launch System Preferences and 2.
select Sound/Input options.
Verify that system’s Internal
Microphone is selected.
Launch System Preferences and 3.
select Sound/Input options.
Verify that ‘Input Volume’ is set
above minimum sensitivity.
Launch System Preferences and 4.
select Sound input options.
Verify that ‘Input Level’ indicator
moves when speaking into the
microphone.
Disconnect, carefully 5.
inspect, then reconnect
the microphone cable and
connectors where they mate
with the front bezel and the
audio board. Was any damage
to the cabling or connectors
observed?
Yes Go to step 2.
No Audio board not detected by
system. Reseat audio board,
then replace audio board if
problem persists.
Yes Go to step 3.
No Select display’s internal
microphone. Retest.
Yes Go to step 4.
No Set ‘Input Volume’ slider to the
middle position. Retest.
Yes Microphone and audio board
functioning. Go to step 6.
No Suspect bad microphone.
Replace front bezel which
contains the microphone.
Yes Replace damaged part
(front bezel, audio board,
or microphone cable).
Go to step 7.
No Go to step 6.
M09
M09
L14
2009-05-01
Record sound sample using 6.
Garageband or iMovie HD.
Verify that sound quality of
sound sample is normal during
playback.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 69
Yes Microphone circuitry OK.
Return system to user.
No Replace front bezel which
includes the microphone.
M09
Audio: Built-in Speakers Have Distorted Sound
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Audio: Built-in Speakers Have
Distorted Sound
No audio from one or both •
speakers
Audio from speakers distorted•
Launch System Preferences and select Sound/1.
Output options. Verify that the sound output
option is set to system’s internal speakers and the
balance control is set to the center position.
Obtain known-good high-quality sound le 2.
or use iTunes music store sound samples to
evaluate sound quality. Verify suspect sound les
on another system to determine whether the
distortion is caused by the system or the sound
le.
Set volume control to mid-range. Overdriving the 3.
built-in speakers can cause distortion.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Launch System Preferences and 1.
select Sound/Output options.
Set speaker balance 100%
to LEFT speaker then play a
sound le. Verify that sound is
generated by the LEFT speaker
and that the sound quality is
acceptable.
Yes LEFT speaker and amplier
circuitry OK. Go to step 2.
No Distortion detected in LEFT
speaker. Set ‘Balance’ slider to
the middle position.
Go to step 3.
2009-05-01
Set speaker balance 100% to 2.
RIGHT speaker then play a
sound le. Verify that sound
is generated by the RIGHT
speaker and that the sound
quality is acceptable.
Connect external speakers or 3.
headphones to Headphone
Out port then play a sound
le. Verify that sound quality is
acceptable.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 70
Yes RIGHT speaker and amplier
circuitry OK. Set ‘Balance’
slider to the middle position.
Go to step 3.
No Distortion detected in RIGHT
speaker. Go to step 4.
Yes Suspect bad speaker.
Go to step 4.
No Audio CODEC or amplier
issue suspected. Replace
audio board. Retest.
M09
Inspect LEFT and RIGHT speaker 4.
cones and speaker connection
cable for damage. Do speakers
have visible damage?
Yes Replace damaged speaker.
Retest.
No Go to step 5.
M09
Install known-good speaker 5.
into location where distorted
sound was heard. Verify that
sound quality improves.
Yes Speaker bad. Replace speaker
and retest.
No Suspect speaker amplier.
Replace audio board.
Audio: Built-in Speakers Have No Audio
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Audio: Built-in Speakers Have No
Audio
No audio from one or both •
speakers
Audio from speakers distorted•
Launch System Preferences and select Sound/1.
Output options. Verify that the sound output
option is set to system’s internal speakers.
Launch System Preferences and select Sound/2.
Output options. Verify that the ‘Output Volume’
setting is set above the minimum level and that
the ‘mute’ option is not selected.
M09
M09
Launch System Preferences and select Sound/3.
Output options. Verify that ‘Balance’ is set
to middle position so that the left and right
speakers are utilized.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify whether boot chime 1.
is present when system is
powered on. Note: make sure
audio output preferences are
not set to mute and volume is
set to mid-range.
Yes Go to step 2.
No Audio board not detected by
system. Reseat audio board,
then retest. Replace audio
board if problem persists.
M09
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 71
Launch System Preferences and 2.
select Sound/Output options.
Set speaker balance 100%
to LEFT speaker then play a
sound le. Verify that sound is
generated by the LEFT speaker
and that the sound quality is
acceptable.
Yes LEFT speaker and amplier
circuitry OK. Go to step 3.
No Go to step 6.
Set speaker balance 100% to 3.
RIGHT speaker then play a
sound le. Verify that sound
is generated by the RIGHT
speaker and that the sound
quality is acceptable.
Verify whether user-reported 4.
audio issue has been resolved.
Boot system from Install DVD or 5.
another known-good bootable
volume. Verify whether issue
still occurs.
Connect external speakers 6.
to Headphone Out port
and set System Preferences
Sound/Output to external
speakers, then play a sound
le. Verify that sound quality is
acceptable.
Yes RIGHT speaker and amplier
circuitry OK. Set ‘Balance’
slider to the middle position.
Go to step 4.
No Go to step 6.
Yes Issue no longer present.
Return system to user.
No Go to step 5.
Yes Go to step 6.
No Known-good boot volume
works OK. Troubleshoot
for software issue. Isolate
whether issue is application
specic or whether possible
operating system conict.
Make sure user data backed
up before removing or
reinstalling software.
Yes Audio board, internal
speakers, and external
headphone port functioning
correctly. Return system to
user.
No Go to step 7.
2009-05-01
Disconnect and carefully 7.
inspect exible cable and
connectors connecting audio
board to MLB for damage such
as bent pins or pinched/cut
wires.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 72
Yes Replace damaged part(s)
then retest. Return to step
1 if problem continues to
verify whether symptom has
changed.
No Replace audio board then
retest.
M09
M09
Camera Issues
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans, speakers, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Camera Issues
Camera not detected•
No green LED for camera•
Excessive blooming•
Poor white balance•
Poor focus•
Green image•
Image distortion•
Launch System Proler and conrm that system’s 1.
USB hub and built-in camera are visible.
Verify camera lens and glass panel are clean and 2.
free of contaminants. Use cleaning cloth to clean
glass panel if needed.
Launch PhotoBooth to verify that the green 3.
indicator LED near the camera lens turns on and
that the image quality is acceptable.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Launch System Proler and 1.
conrm that the display’s USB
hub is visible in the USB tree.
Verify that camera is visible in 2.
display’s USB tree.
Yes USB hub recognized.
Go to step 2.
No
Yes Camera recognized.
USB hub not recognized.
Go to USB Devices Not
Recognized symptom ow.
Go to step 3.
2009-05-01
Launch PhotoBooth. Verify that 3.
green LED near camera lens
turns ON and image appears
normal.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 73
No Inspect and reseat camera
cable and connectors at the
camera and the logic board.
Retest. Replace camera cable
if problem persists.
Yes Camera functioning. Obtain
additional information from
user. Return system to user.
No Replace camera. Retest. M13
L14
FireWire Devices Not Recognized
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
FireWire Devices Not Recognized
FireWire external drive not •
recognized
FireWire printer not recognized•
For external FireWire drives, make sure any 1.
external power source is plugged in and
operating to isolate a power issue with the
device.
Test with a known-good FireWire device to isolate 2.
a failed peripheral issue.
Test with a known-good FireWire cable to isolate 3.
a FireWire cable issue.
Ensure that all available Software Updates have 4.
been applied to the computer.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Unplug all FireWire devices 1.
from the computer. Start the
computer and reset PRAM.
Reconnect the FireWire device
in question. Is the FireWire
device recognized?
Yes Issue resolved.
No Possible logic board failure.
Go to step 2
2009-05-01
Use a known-good FireWire 2.
cable with a known-good
FireWire device (another
Mac in FireWire Target Disk
mode is good). Is this device
recognized?
Is the FireWire device 3.
recognized on a known-good
computer of the same model?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 74
Yes Try the FireWire device in
question with a known-good
computer of the same model.
Go to step 3
No FireWire not recognized.
Replace logic board.
Yes Test the FireWire device with
a known-good cable on user’s
computer. Go to step 4
No FireWire device may need
additional power. Use a
powered FireWire hub.
Go to step 5.
M12
Is the FireWire device 4.
recognized with a known-good
FireWire cable on the user’s
computer?
Yes FireWire cable issue. Issue
resolved.
No FireWire device may need
additional power. Use a
powered FireWire hub. If the
issue persists, check for any
rmware updates for the
FireWire device. Go to step 5.
Using a powered FireWire 5.
hub, and having installed any
software or rmware update
for the device, is the FireWire
device recognized now?
Is the FireWire device 6.
recognized with a New User?
Yes Device recognized. Required
additional power from hub or
update. Issue resolved.
No Device may require additional
software, or there may be a
conict in the Mac OS. Test in
New User. Go to step 5
Yes Software Issue. Troubleshoot
software on User account.
Issue resolved.
No Apply all Mac OS updates. If
the issue persists, replace the
FireWire device.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 75
USB Devices Not Recognized
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
USB Devices Not Recognized
USB wired keyboard/mouse not •
recognized
USB external drive not •
recognized
USB printer not recognized•
For printers and external USB drives, make sure 1.
any external power source is plugged in and
operating to isolate a power issue with the
device.
The iMac has 4 USB ports on the rear of the 2.
computer. Make sure to try each port to isolate a
particular port malfunction.
Test with a known-good wired keyboard or 3.
mouse to isolate a failed peripheral issue.
Test with a known-good USB cable when dealing 4.
with a printer or external USB drive, to isolate a
USB cable issue.
Ensure that all available Software Updates have 5.
been applied to the computer.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Unplug all USB devices from 1.
the computer except for the
keyboard and mouse. Start
the computer and reset PRAM.
Are the keyboard and mouse
recognized?
Yes Test in all USB ports to ensure
all USB ports working as
expected. Replace logic board
for any port failures.
No Possible logic board failure.
Go to step 2.
2009-05-01
Did Bluetooth Mouse Setup 2.
assistant launch after startup?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 76
Yes Bluetooth detected via
Internal USB, but external USB
devices not recognized.
Go to step 3
No Bluetooth not recognized
via internal USB. Disconnect
mouse and keyboard.
Go to step 4
Are known-good mouse and 3.
keyboard recognized?
Yes Test original mouse and
keyboard. Replace if still not
recognized. Go to step 5.
No External USB ports not
functioning. Replace logic
board.
With no USB devices 4.
connected, restart the
computer. Did Bluetooth
Mouse Setup assistant launch
after startup?
With known-good mouse and 5.
keyboard working, test other
USB peripheral in question
(USB external drive or printer,
etc.). Is the device recognized
via Apple System Proler under
USB?
Does powered USB hub resolve 6.
issue?
Yes Bluetooth detected via
Internal USB. Go to step 3.
No Bluetooth not recognized
via internal USB. Internal and
external USB not functioning.
Replace logic board.
Yes Device recognized. Test in all
USB ports to ensure all USB
ports working as expected.
Replace logic board for any
port failures.
No Device may require more
power than supplied by USB
ports. Try powered USB hub.
Go to step 6.
Yes Test device on another
computer of the model. If
another computer does not
require a powered USB hub
to allow functionality, replace
the logic board
M15
2009-05-01
No Test device on another
computer of the same model.
If another computer does not
recognize the device, replace
the device.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 77
Wired Keyboard Does Not Function Properly
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Wired Keyboard Does Not
Function Properly
Some or all keys on the •
keyboard don’t work
Eject key or Caps Lock key •
doesn’t seem to work
Some keys don’t work as •
expected
The iMac has 4 USB ports on the rear of the 1.
computer. Make sure to try each port to isolate a
particular port malfunction.
Test with a known-good wired keyboard to 2.
isolate a failed peripheral issue.
Test the keyboard on another Mac. If it works 3.
here, you may have bad USB port if the keyboard
doesn’t work at all, or a software issue if the
keyboard is working but not as expected.
Ensure that all available Software Updates have 4.
been applied to the computer.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Do any of the keys on the 1.
keyboard work?
Yes Go to step 2.
No Go to USB Devices Not
Recognized symptom ow.
2009-05-01
Is Caps Lock working as 2.
expected?
Is the Media Eject key working 3.
as expected?
Yes Go to step 3.
No
Yes Go to step 4.
No To prevent accidentally
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 78
Go to Keyboard: Specic
Keys Do Not Respond
symptom ow.
ejecting media, Mac OS X
adds a slight delay to the
Media Eject key before it
takes eect. Go to step 5.
Open System Preferences > 4.
Speech. Is “Speak selected
text when the key is pressed”
enabled?
Yes The key combination to speak
text cannot be used for any
other purpose. Either disable
or change to a more rare
key combination (including
Shift, Command, Option and
Control).
No Go to step 6. M15
With optical media in the drive, 5.
hold the Media Eject key. Does
the disc eject normally and the
eject symbol appear?
Open System Preferences > 6.
Universal Access > Keyboard. Is
“Slow Keys” enabled?
Open System Preferences > 7.
Universal Access > Keyboard. Is
“Mouse Keys” enabled?
Open System Preferences > 8.
International > Input Menu.
Check “Keyboard Viewer”.
Then, from the Input Menu in
the Menu Bar (ag), choose
“Show Keyboard Viewer”. When
typing on the keys that are not
responding, do they show in
the Keyboard Viewer?
Yes Media Eject key delay. No
repair necessary.
No
Go to Optical Drive Won’t
Accept/Eject Media
symptom ow.
Yes With “Slow Keys” on, you need
to press a key for a longer
period of time for it to be
recognized.
No Go to step 7.
Yes With “Mouse Keys” on, you
cannot use the Numeric
Keypad to enter numbers. It
will move the mouse pointer
instead.
No Go to step 8.
Yes The keys are being
recognized. Go to step 9
No The keys are not being
recognized. Replace keyboard.
K01
2009-05-01
Open TextEdit or another text 9.
application and try typing
something using the nonresponding keys. Do they type
in another application?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 79
Yes Application-specic issue.
Troubleshoot the application.
No Test another User to isolate
a User account issue. If the
issue persists in multiple User
accounts, reinstall Mac OS X
from the Install DVD.
Keyboard: Specic Keys Do Not Respond
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Keyboard: Specic Keys Do Not
Respond
One or more keys do not •
respond when pressed
Key sticks•
Keycap missing•
If wireless keyboard is being used verify that 1.
it is properly paired with the system. Jump to
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair symptom
ow to resolve pairing issues.
The caps lock key has a built-in delay to reduce 2.
accidental activation and must be held for
approximately ½ second for it to be activated.
Refer to http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1578
for additional information.
Inspect the keyboard for signs of liquid spills or 3.
other contamination. Apple’s warranty does not
cover accidental damage.
If the keycap is loose attempt to reattach it.4.
For other keyboard issues jump to the 5.
appropriate symptom ow.
Wired Keyboard/Mouse Not Recognized
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
2009-05-01
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Wired Keyboard/Mouse Not
Recognized
USB wired keyboard/mouse not •
recognized when plugged in.
Mighty Mouse scroll ball not •
working or not working as
expected.
Mighty Mouse buttons not •
working or not working as
expected.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 80
The iMac has 4 USB ports on the rear of the 1.
computer. Make sure to try each port to isolate a
particular port malfunction.
Test with a known-good wired keyboard or 2.
mouse to isolate a failed peripheral issue.
Test a mouse when connected directly to ports 3.
on the back of the iMac to isolate a keyboard USB
port issue.
Ensure that all available Software Updates have 4.
been applied to the computer.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Does the computer recognize 1.
at all the keyboard or mouse
when plugged into the rear
USB ports on the back of the
iMac?
Is keyboard working as 2.
expected?
Does the Mighty Mouse have 3.
an issue with the scroll ball?
Doe the Mighty Mouse have an 4.
issue with the buttons?
Yes Test in all USB ports to ensure
all USB ports working as
expected. Replace logic board
for any rear port failures.
Replace keyboard for any
keyboard USB port failures.
Go to step 2.
No
Yes Go to step 3.
No
Yes
No Go to step 4
Yes
Go to USB Devices Not
Recognized symptom ow.
Go to Wired Keyboard Does
Not Function Properly.
See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/
kb/HT1537 for steps to
correct.
See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/
kb/HT1581 for steps to
determine expected behavior.
Go to step 7.
2009-05-01
Does the Mighty Mouse have 5.
an issue with tracking?
When used on another surface 6.
does the mouse track correctly?
See KBase article 7. http://
support.apple.com/kb/
HT1581 to further determine
expected behavior. Did this
article resolve the issue?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 81
No Go to step 5.
Yes Try using the mouse on
another surface. Nonreective, opaque surfaces
without repetitive patterns
work best. The surface should
be clean but not shiny.
Go to step 6.
No Go to step 7.
Yes Surface issue. Issue resolved.
No Go to step 7.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Replace Mighty Mouse. K99
Uncategorized Symptoms
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Uncategorized Symptoms
Unable to locate appropriate •
symptom code.
Verify that external I/O device (where applicable) 1.
works on another system.
For third party I/O devices make sure necessary 2.
software is installed and up to date, and that the
device is supported with the user’s system.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Verify whether existing 1.
symptom code applies to the
issue reported by the user.
Yes Jump to appropriate
symptom code ow.
No
Document reported failure
and send feedback to
smfeedback6@apple.com
stating that a suitable
symptom code wasn’t found.
Provide as much detail as
possible.
N99
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 82
Mechanical
Noise/Hum/Vibration
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, glass panel, enclosure, cables
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Noise/Hum/Vibration
Buzzing noise•
Rattling noise•
Ticking noise•
Squeaking noise•
Verify the vents on the bottom and back of the 1.
computer are free of dust and other obstructions
that might inhibit proper airow.
Launch Applications/Utilities/Activity Monitor. 2.
Determine whether an application or process is
consuming a high percentage of CPU bandwidth.
CPU-intensive applications can cause the fans
to run fast in order to maintain the proper
internal system temperatures. If needed, quit the
application or restart the computer.
Eject optical media from optical drive. Out-of-3.
balance optical media can generate audible
noise. Try a dierent brand of media. For
additional info jump to Optical Drive Noisy
symptom ow.
Tilt display to hinge limits to determine if noise 4.
is generated by the hinge mechanism. For
additional info, jump to Stand/Hinge Issues
symptom ow.
Play sound sample at loud and soft volume 5.
levels to determine if the noise is caused by the
left/right speakers or the amplier circuit. For
additional info, jump to Audio: Built-in Speakers
Have Distorted Sound symptom ow.
2009-05-01
Adjust the display brightness to determine 6.
whether the noise is related to the brightness
level. For additional info, jump to Noise/Unstable
Flickering symptom ow.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 83
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Run Apple Hardware Test from 1.
system or Install DVD. Did AHT
generate any errors?
Does noise sound like one or 2.
more fans running faster than
expected?
Does the noise change when 3.
the optical drive is being
accessed or media is inserted
or ejected?
Mute the system volume. Verify 4.
whether the issue still occurs.
Yes Go to Apple Hardware Test
(AHT) Error Codes table
to decode error. Follow
instructions in table for
resolving error, then retest.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Reset SMC by disconnecting
power cord for ~15 seconds,
then retest. If issue continues
go to step 3.
No Go to step 5.
Yes
No Go to step 4.
Yes Go to step 5.
No
Suspect issue with optical
drive or the media being
used. For additional info,
jump to Optical Drive Noisy
symptom ow.
Suspect issue with speakers
or audio amplier circuitry.
For additional info, jump to
Audio: Built-in Speakers
Have Distorted Sound
symptom ow.
2009-05-01
Adjust the brightness on the 5.
display between the maximum
and minimum settings.
Determine whether the issue
changes depending on the
brightness level.
Remove fans and rotate 6.
the blades. Verify that fan
blades spin smoothly without
interference from fan housing.
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 84
Yes
No Go to step 6.
Yes Go to step 7.
No Replace aected fan(s). P04
Suspect issue with LCD
display or inverter. For
additional info, jump to
Noise/Unstable Flickering
symptom ow.
Reinstall fans while carefully 7.
ensuring that there are no
cables routed under or near
fan assembly that might
cause interference with the
fan blades. After reassembling
system verify that the noise
issue is resolved.
Yes Noise issue resolved. Suspect
issue cause by interference
from wiring or possible
distortion or fan housing
when installed in system.
Proper reassembly resolved
issue.
No Go to step 8.
P04
Temporarily remove LCD 8.
display then power ON system.
Determine whether source of
noise can be located.
Caution: The exposed power
supply poses a serious shock
hazard. Take proper precautions
when working around an
energized system.
Disconnect these major 9.
modules/parts (hard drive,
optical drive, fans, LCD display
one at a time then power ON
the system. Determine if noise
issue goes away when one of
the modules is disconnected.
Caution: The exposed power
supply poses a serious shock
hazard. Take proper precautions
when working around an
energized system.
Yes Identify, inspect, and if
necessary replace the part
that caused the noise issue.
No Go to step 9.
Yes Identify, inspect, and if
necessary, replace part that
caused the noise to disappear
when it was disconnected
from the system.
No All parts veried. Verify that
the correct symptom ow is
being used.
P04
P04
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 85
Fan Failures / Thermal Issues
Unlikely cause: speakers
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
System Runs Hot
System feels very hot•
Fan(s) not operating•
Fan(s) running fast•
System is noisy•
Verify the vents on the bottom and back of the 1.
system are free of dust and other obstructions
that might inhibit proper airow.
Verify the computer is not exposed to direct 2.
sunlight which may heat up the enclosure,
making it feel hot to the touch.
Verify the computer is not running hotter than 3.
expected for normal operation. If possible,
compare to a similarly congured system. Note:
The power supply is located in the upper left
corner where the highest temperatures can
usually be felt.
Launch Applications/Utilities/Activity Monitor. 4.
Determine whether an application or process is
consuming a high percentage of CPU bandwidth.
CPU intensive applications can cause fans to
run fast in order to maintain the proper internal
system temperatures. If needed, quit the
application or restart the system.
Reset SMC by unplugging power cord for ~15 5.
seconds.
2009-05-01
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
Run Apple Hardware Test from
system or Install DVD. Did AHT
generate any errors?
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 86
Yes Suspect possible fan or sensor
error. Go to Apple Hardware
Test (AHT) Error Codes table
to decode error. Follow
instructions in table for
resolving error, then retest.
No Go to step 2.
Does noise sound like one or more
fans running faster than expected?
Yes Fans running fast. Reset SMC
by disconnecting power cord
for ~15 seconds then retest. If
issue continues go to step 3.
No Go to step 3.
Remove fans and rotate the
blades. Verify that fan blades spin
smoothly without interference
from fan housing and that the fan
blades are all intact.
Yes Go to step 7.
No Replace aected fan(s). P06
Stand/Hinge Issues
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Stand/Hinge Issues
Bent stand•
Broken hinge•
Stripped screw/head•
Stripped screw boss•
Determine whether damage caused by user /1.
technician environment, accidental damage, or
abuse. If so, inform user/technician the failures
are not covered by Apple warranties. Refer to
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty
For hinge noise issues replace mechanism.2.
2009-05-01
Physical Damage
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Physical Damage
Broken glass•
Bent stand•
Broken hinge•
Stripped screw/head•
Stripped screw boss•
Dent or scratch to chassis•
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 87
Determine whether damage caused by user 1.
environment, accidental damage, or abuse. If
applicable inform the user that Apple does not
warrant damage caused by accident, abuse,
misuse, ood, re, earthquake, or other external
causes. For more information refer to:
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty
Uncategorized Symptoms
Check Result Action Code
Verify whether existing 1.
symptom code applies to the
issue reported by the user.
Yes Jump to appropriate
symptom code ow.
No
Document reported failure
and send feedback to
smfeedback6@apple.com
stating that a suitable
symptom code wasn’t found.
Provide as much detail as
possible.
N99
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 88
Apple Technician Guide
Take Apart
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009)
© 2009 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
General Information
General Tools
The following tools are required to service the computer:
ESD-safe workstation, including an ESD mat and wrist or heel strap•
ESD bags•
Magnetized Torx T10 screwdriver•
Magnetized Torx T8 screwdriver•
Magnetized Torx T6 screwdriver•
Magnetized Phillips #2 screwdriver•
Black stick (nylon probe, Apple part #922-5065) or other non-conductive nylon or plastic •
at-blade tool
EMI tape (Apple part #922-8691)•
Soft, clean towel or cloth (to protect the display and removed parts from scratches)•
Refer to the following Apple Knowledge Base article to purchase tools:
kBase #HT3452: Hand Tools for Desktop and Portable Repairs
Opening the Unit
The • iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) has a glass panel that attaches to the front, which must
be removed prior to replacing any module on the unit.
Important: • The glass panel should only be removed by Apple-authorized technicians.
Read and follow all of the cleaning and handling recommendations to prevent damaging
the glass and LCD panel.
Follow ESD precautions when the front bezel and the LCD display are removed.•
Required Special Tools for Glass Panel
Special tools are required to remove, handle and clean the glass panel, such as the following.
These are available as a starter kit, too.
922-8252 – Suction cups, Pkg of 2•
922-8253 – Gloves, lint-free, anti-static, Pkg of 2•
922-8258 – ESD bags, 24”x20”, Pkg of 5. To prevent the buildup of static charges which may •
attract dust particles, store the LCD panel in an ESD bag when it is removed from the unit.
922-8259 – Microfoam bag to store the glass panel, Pkg of 5•
922-8261 – Sticky silicone roller (6-inch) to clean the glass panel•
922-8262 – Sticky sheet pads to clean the silicone roller•
922-8263 – Polishing cloths, anti-static, optical-grade micro-terry, Pkg of 5•
iKlear Apple Polish or Brillianize anti-static spray cleaning solution. If you are unable to •
source iKlear or Brillianize, IPA (isopropyl alcohol) can be used to clean the glass.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — General Information 90
Cleaning Tools Starter Kit
The following tools are oered in the starter kit (076-1277):
Suction cups, 1 pair•
Gloves, lint-free, anti-static, 2 pairs•
Sticky silicone roller (6-inch) to clean the glass panel•
Sticky sheets to clean the silicone roller, 2 pads•
Polishing cloths, clean, anti-static, optical-grade micro-ber “terry” style, 5 cloths•
Microfoam bag to store the glass panel, 5 bags•
ESD bag for LCD panel storage, 5 bags•
Cleaning Tool Resources
Note: Apple Retail technicians should refer to standard internal resources for tool ordering.
MCM Portal •
http://www.mcmb2b.com/appleasp
LENSPEN: the LapTop Pro or the VidiMax are very eective in removing ngerprint smudges •
on the LCD and on the inside surface of the glass.
http://www.lenspen.com/
iKlear •
http://www.klearscreen.com/iKlear.aspx
iKlear US/Canada dealer nder
http://www.klearscreendealers.com/default.html
iKlear International dealer listing
http://meridrew.com/international.html
2009-05-01
Brillianize •
http://www.brillianize.com/
Brillianize dealer locator
http://www.brillianize.com/Pages/lookup.html
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — General Information 91
Cleaning & Handling the Glass Panel
Follow the cleaning procedures in this manual to ensure the glass panel is free of dust and
other particles before returning the computer to the customer.
The glass panel is not tempered and will break into sharp pieces of mishandled. •
A scratched or broken glass panel is not covered under warranty.
Removing the glass panel requires special tools such as lint-free gloves, rubber suction cups, •
microfoam storage bags, and the iKlear cleaning solution.
To prevent contamination, wear lint-free gloves and handle the glass only by the edges.•
Do’s and Don’ts
DO
Handle glass panel using lint-free gloves.•
Use only a sticky silicone roller to clean the inside surface of the glass and the LCD panel.•
Use iKlear ONLY on the outside surface of the glass panel.•
Place the glass panel into a clean protective microfoam bag when removed from the unit.•
Store the glass panel in a safe area where it will not be broken or damaged.•
Store the LCD panel in an anti-static bag to prevent the buildup of static charges which may •
attract dust particles to the display’s surface.
Store the silicone roller and sticky paper within a temperature range of 39-104 F (5-40 C).•
If the silicone roller is no longer tacky, wash it in warm soapy water or wipe with isopropyl •
alcohol. If the tackiness does not return, replace the silicone roller.
DON’T
Touch the inside of the glass with bare hands or dirty gloves. Fingerprints will be dicult to •
remove.
Place the glass panel onto a work surface where it may collect dust and other contaminants •
unless it has rst been placed into a protective microfoam bag.
Handling a Broken Glass Panel
The glass panel is not tempered and will break into sharp pieces if mishandled.
If the glass is broken it must be carefully removed from the unit to prevent irreparable damage
to the front surface of the LCD. If the front surface of the LCD is scratched by broken glass, the
LCD may need to be replaced.
Do not handle broken glass unless you are wearing protective cut-resistant gloves. The lint-free
gloves used to prevent contamination of the glass panel are not suitable for handling broken
glass.
Use a broom and dust pan to sweep up as much of the broken glass as possible. Glass
fragments may have travelled several feet from the location of the glass panel, so be sure to
thoroughly clean the entire area. Use a vacuum to remove the smaller fragments not picked up
by the broom.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — General Information 92
Safety
Warning: HIGH VOLTAGE: The AC/DC power supply PCB remains powered up whenever the
system is plugged in, whether or not the system has been turned on. Use extreme caution
when troubleshooting the system with the front bezel removed.
Don’t work alone. In the event of an electrical shock it is important to have •
another individual present who can provide assistance.
Keep one hand in your pocket when working on any iMac system that is plugged •
in. This will help ensure that your body does not provide a path to ground in the
event that you accidentally make contact with the line voltage.
Don’t wear jewelry, watches, necklaces, or other metallic articles that could •
present a risk if they accidentally make contact with the power supply circuitry.
Use extreme caution when working around the power supply. The power supply contains a
high voltage capacitor that may remain charged for several minutes even when the computer
is unplugged. Never touch the leads on the top side of the power supply, especially the
capacitor leads located near the warning sign.
Important: If the computer is shut down by removing the power cord, allow the power supply
a good 2-3 minutes to discharge the capacitors before handling it. However, if you select “Shut
Down” via the Apple menu, the computer will discharge the power supply capacitor almost
immediately.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — General Information 93
Logic Board Handling
IMPORTANT: Always use two hands to support the logic board and heatsink. Handling the
board incorrectly could ex the board and damage the chips and circuitry.
Never handle the board by the heatsink.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — General Information 94
ESD Precautions
Static electricity, a normal and natural phenomenon, builds up on your body as you walk
around. In fact, static electricity is created any time two dissimilar materials rub against each
other (such as shoes and carpet) and then pull apart. The word “static” simply means that the
electrical charge builds up on one of the two materials because it has nowhere to go. That
is, until the charged material (this could even be your body) comes close to another material
that has a dierent charge, or no charge at all. Then, like water trying to seek its own level, the
accumulated electrical charge immediately discharges between the two materials in a tiny
spark. This is what is known as Electro-Static Discharge (ESD).
The discharge of static electricity near active electronic systems can cause memory corruption
or temporary failure of systems. It can cause irreparable damage to sensitive chips and printed
circuitry of electronic components. Such damage is basically a hole blasted in the integrated
circuit by the ESD. It can be a very small hole, but can result in hard-to-trace behaviors in the
system. The part may be immediately inoperable, or it may be the cause of extremely dicult
troubleshooting problems in the future.
While only a few volts of static electricity can damage an integrated circuit, you can pick up
a static charge of several hundred volts by simply walking across a room. In contrast, you
will only feel a static shock if it is in the range of thousands of volts. This means you can be
damaging the equipment you work on and not even know you are doing so.
ESD Guidelines
Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of ESD damage:
Handle ALL circuit boards, such as logic boards, video cards, memory DIMMs, hard drive 1.
assemblies, optical drive assemblies, etc. by the board’s or assembly’s edges only. Avoid
touching any edge connectors, exposed circuitry, printed circuits or surface components on
any boards or assemblies.
Before working on any circuit board or assembly containing ESD-sensitive circuits, ground 2.
yourself and the equipment you are working on to an earth or building ground. Use
a grounded conductive workbench mat and a grounding wrist strap, and ground the
equipment to the mat.
Make sure you are NOT grounded when you work on plugged-in equipment, discharge a 3.
cathode-ray tube (CRT), work on an unplugged CRT that has not been discharged, or are
performing live adjustments (such as checking voltage on logic board test points).
Never place components on any metal surface. Always place unshielded components on a 4.
grounded ESD mat.
Do not touch anyone who is working on ESD-sensitive circuits or circuit boards of any kind. 5.
If you touch someone who is properly grounded, your “zap” or body charge could aect the
components they are working on.
2009-05-01
Use static-shielding storage bags for modules with circuit boards on them. Before you leave 6.
your bench to take a board to a storage place, put the board in a static-shielding bag. Leave
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — General Information 95
all Apple replacement modules in their ESD-safe packaging until you need them.
Do not wear polyester clothing or bring plastic, vinyl, or Styrofoam into the work 7.
environment. The electro-static eld surrounding these materials can’t be totally removed.
If possible, keep the humidity in the service area between 70% and 90%, and use an ion 8.
generator. Charge levels are reduced (but not eliminated) in high-humidity environments.
Using an ion generator helps neutralize the charge surrounding nonconductors, however,
this type of device cannot provide total protection.
If you have ESD mats in your service area, it is important to clean them at least once a week. 9.
To clean them you need a cleaner that is specically designed for ESD mats. Otherwise the
mats will not properly ground equipment placed on them.
When you work at a user’s site, you must take the same precautions to avoid ESD damage. 10.
Take time to make the work area ESD-safe. Use a workbench mat and wrist strap. Be sure
everything is properly grounded, and never set parts on the oor.
More information about ESD, including details on how to setup an ESD-safe workstation, can be
found in the Apple Knowledge Base:
kBase #HT3451: Electrostatic Discharge Precautions and Myths
Reassembly Steps
When there are no replacement steps listed, replace parts in the exact reverse order of the
Removal procedure.
Images in This Guide
Small dierences in appearance between the images pictured and the actual computer you are
servicing may exist, however the steps and sequence are the same unless otherwise noted.
Screw Sizes
All screw sizes shown are approximate and represent the total length of the screw.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — General Information 96
First Steps
Shut down computer.•
Wait 10 minutes.•
Unplug all cables and •
the power cord.
Put on ESD strap. •
Place computer face •
down on a clean, soft,
lint-free cloth so the
bottom is facing you.
Access Door
Tools
ESD wrist strap•
Clean, lint-free cloth•
Phillips #2 screwdriver•
Removal
Loosen captive 1
Phillips #2 screw.
Remove access door 2
(922-8186).
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — Access Door 97
First Steps
Remove:
Access Doo• r
Memory
Tools
ESD wrist strap•
Clean, lint-free cloth•
Black stick•
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — Memory 98
Removal
Untuck tab 1
in memory
compartment
(a black stick can
help) and pull it
to eject installed
memory module.
Reassembly
Orient notch on 1
memory module with
notch in memory slot.
Press memory 2
module fully into slot
until you hear a click.
Fold black plastic tab 3
over each memory
module.
Replace access door 4
and tighten captive
screw.
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — Memory 99
First Steps
Shut down computer.•
Wait 10 minutes.•
Unplug all cables and •
the power cord.
Put on ESD strap.•
Caution: The glass panel
is not tempered and will
break into sharp pieces if
mishandled. A scratched
or broken glass panel is
not covered by warranty.
How to handle a broken
glass panel
Glass Panel
Important:
This procedure requires
special tools, which are
oered individually or as
part of a cleaning kit.
Tools
ESD wrist strap•
lint-free gloves•
suction cups•
sticky silicone roller•
sticky sheets to clean •
the silicone roller
microfoam bag •
to store glass panel
2009-05-01
iMac (20-inch, Early/Mid 2009) Take Apart — Glass Panel 100
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