Apple IMAC FLAT PANEL Service Manual

Service Source

iMac (Flat Panel)

Updated 22 March 2005

iMac (Flat Panel)

Power Mac G4 - 1

Service Source

Take Apart

iMac (Flat Panel)

Tools

The following tools are recommended for the take apart procedures.

• service repair kit (076-0900) includes:

– the service stand (076-0898) – diagnostic cables (076-0897)

• thermal paste (922-4757)

torque driver (076-0899)

•

• 1.5 mm hex driver (for LCD bezel screws)

• phillips #0 screwdriver)

• torx screwdriver set (6, 8, 10, 15, 25)

• plastic flatblade screwdriver or stylus

• needlenose pliers

• ESD wriststrap and mat

Service Stand

Tools

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 1

1. Support the computer by neck and the base (A). Gently position the computer in the service stand with the ﬂat panel facing up (B).

2. Note: The base of the computer can be rotated when servicing internal parts.

2 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

Tools

User Access Plate

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

• Phillips #0 screwdriver

Part Location

User Access Plate

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Position the computer in the service stand.

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 3

Procedure

1. Loosen the four captive screws on the access panel.

2. Remove the panel by grabbing onto two captive screws and lift the panel off the base.

4 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

User Access Plate

AirPort Card

Tools

This procedure requires no tools.

Part Location

AirPort Card

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Position the computer in the service stand.

• Remove the user access plate.

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 5

Procedure

1. Unplug all cables from the computer except the power cord.

2. Important: To avoid electrostatic discharge, always ground yourself by touching metal before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. To avoid static electricity building back up in your body, do not walk around the room until you have completed the installation and closed the computer.

3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to ground yourself.

4. Unplug the power cord.

5. Disconnect the AirPort antenna and pull the plastic tab to remove the card from the slot.

6 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

AirPort Card

Memory, SO-DIMM (userinstallable)

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Part Location

Note: The user-installable memory slot is identiﬁed as Slot J12 by Apple Hardware Test and Apple System Proﬁler.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Position the computer in the service stand.

• Remove the user access plate.

Note: There are two RAM expansion slots on the computer. One slot (top of the logic board) accepts the factory-installed standard PC-133 168-pin DIMM. The other slot (bottom of logic board) accepts a standard PC-133 144-pin SO-DIMM and is accessible on the bottom of the computer. Only the SO-DIMM slot is accessible by the user.

Memory, SO-DIMM (user-installable)

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 7

Procedure

1. Unplug all cables from the computer except the power cord.

2. Important: To avoid electrostatic discharge, always ground yourself by touching metal before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. To avoid static electricity building back up in your body, do not walk around the room until you have completed the installation and closed the computer.

3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to ground yourself.

4. Unplug the power cord.

5. Push the tabs outward to release the memory.

8 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

Memory, SO-DIMM (user-installable)

6. Remove the memory from the slot.

Memory, SO-DIMM (user-installable)

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 9

Bottom Housing

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

• Torx-15 screwdriver

Part Location

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Position the computer in the service stand.

• Remove the user access plate.

10 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

Bottom Housing

Procedure

1. Remove the four torx screws.

Replacement Note:

you do not have a torque driver, you will have to make sure these screws are tightened by hand FIRMLY, BUT NOT FORCIBLY. Or, purchase the service tool (076-0899) in order to ensure the thermal pipe is firmly mated with the top base. If the bottom housing is not securely attached to the base in this fashion, the CPU may overheat and become damaged.

Application’” in this chapter.Rotate the base so that the optical drive door is on the right.

These torx screws must be tightened to at least 17 in.-lbs. If

For more information, refer to “Thermal Paste

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 11

2. Rotate the base so the optical drive door is on the right. Gently open the bottom housing in the direction of the arrow. Note: Cables are still attached to the logic board.

Important: Diagnostic service cables allow the unit to run while the bottom housing is

open (as shown above). However, the computer cannot run for more than ﬁve minutes with the bottom housing open. If it is open longer, the CPU may overheat and become damaged.

12 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

3. Disconnect the following:

Power supply connector

A

B

Hard drive/optical drive data cable

C AC line filter connector

D AirPort antenna connector

E Plastic cable retainer and video cable

F Grounding screw

Note: View the document at a larger size to enlarge this graphic.

4. Set the bottom housing aside.

Warning: Whenever the bottom housing is opened for service, you must do two things:

1.You must clean the original thermal film from the surfaces joining the thermal interface layer and reapply thermal paste to the thermal pipe.

2.You must tighten the four torx screws on the bottom housing to a minimum of

17 in.-lbs. If you do not have a torque driver, you will have to make sure these screws are tightened by hand FIRMLY, BUT NOT FORCIBLY. Or, purchase the service tool (076-0899) in order to ensure the thermal pipe is firmly mated with the top base. If the bottom housing is not securely attached to the base in this fashion, the CPU may overheat and become damaged.

follow either of these steps could cause the computer to overheat and damage internal components.

Refer to the topic, “Thermal Paste Application” for detailed information.

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 13

Failure to

Thermal Paste Application

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

• Plastic stylus or plastic spatula to remove the old thermal paste

• Plastic stylus or plastic spatula to spread the thermal paste

• Thermal paste (922-4757)

Part Location

14 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

Thermal Paste Application

Procedure

1. Thoroughly clean the original thermal ﬁlm from the mating surfaces (circled below) of the bottom housing and thermal pipe. Use a plastic stylus to scrape the surfaces clean. Note: Do not use an abrasive material or liquid cleaner.

2. Squeeze a thin ﬁlm of thermal paste onto the thermal pipe. Spread the paste evenly.

3. Replace the bottom housing. Warning:

that must be tightened to at least 17 in.-lbs. If you do not have a torque driver, you will have to make sure these screws are tightened by hand FIRMLY, BUT NOT FORCIBLY. Or, purchase the service tool (076-0899) in order to ensure the thermal pipe is firmly mated with the top base. If the bottom housing is not securely attached to the base in this fashion, the CPU may overheat and become damaged.

Important: Diagnostic service cables allow the unit to run while the bottom housing is

open (as shown above). However, the computer cannot run for more than ﬁve minutes with the bottom housing open. If it is open longer, the CPU may overheat and become damaged.

Thermal Paste Application

The bottom housing has four torx screws

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 15

RJ-11 Modem Filter Board

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

• Torx-6 screwdriver

Part Location

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Position the computer in the service stand.

• Remove the user access plate.

• Remove the bottom housing.

16 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

RJ-11 Modem Filter Board

Procedure

1. Remove two screws and disconnect the cable from the modem.

2. Remove the RJ-11 board from the I/O port.

Warning: Whenever the bottom housing is opened for service, you must do two things:

1. You must clean the original thermal film from the surfaces joining the thermal interface layer and reapply thermal paste to the thermal pipe.

2. You must tighten the four torx screws on the bottom housing to a minimum of

17 in.-lbs. If you do not have a torque driver, you will have to make sure these screws are tightened by hand FIRMLY, BUT NOT FORCIBLY. Or, purchase the service tool (076-0899) in order to ensure the thermal pipe is firmly mated with the top base. If the bottom housing is not securely attached to the base in this fashion, the CPU may overheat and become damaged.

follow either of these steps could cause the computer to overheat and damage internal components.

Refer to the topic, “Thermal Paste Application” for detailed information.

Failure to

RJ-11 Modem Filter Board

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 17

Modem

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

• Torx-8 screwdriver

Part Location

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Position the computer in the service stand.

• Remove the user access plate.

• Remove the bottom housing.

18 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

RJ-11 Modem Filter Board

Procedure

1. Remove two screws and disconnect the cable.

2. Lift the modem from the connector on the logic board.

Warning: Whenever the bottom housing is opened for service, you must do two things:

1. You must clean the original thermal film from the surfaces joining the thermal interface layer and reapply thermal paste to the thermal pipe.

2.You must tighten the four torx screws on the bottom housing to a minimum of

17 in.-lbs. If you do not have a torque driver, you will have to make sure these screws are tightened by hand FIRMLY, BUT NOT FORCIBLY. Or, purchase the service tool (076-0899) in order to ensure the thermal pipe is firmly mated with the top base. If the bottom housing is not securely attached to the base in this fashion, the CPU may overheat and become damaged.

follow either of these steps could cause the computer to overheat and damage internal components.

Refer to the topic, “Thermal Paste Application” for detailed information.

Failure to

RJ-11 Modem Filter Board

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 19

Memory (factory-installed)

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

• No tools are required

Part Location

Note: The factory-installed memory slot is identiﬁed as Slot J13 by Apple Hardware Test and Apple System Proﬁler.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Position the computer in the service stand.

• Remove the user access plate.

• Remove the bottom housing.

20 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

Memory (factory-installed)

Procedure

1. Push down on the ejector tabs to release the memory module.

2. Pull the memory up and out of the slot.

Warning: Whenever the bottom housing is opened for service, you must do two things:

1. You must clean the original thermal film from the surfaces joining the thermal interface layer and reapply thermal paste to the thermal pipe.

2.You must tighten the four torx screws on the bottom housing to a minimum of 17 in.-lbs. If you do not have a torque driver, you will have to make sure these screws are tightened by hand FIRMLY, BUT NOT FORCIBLY. Or, purchase the service tool (076-0899) in order to ensure the thermal pipe is firmly mated with the top base. If the bottom housing is not securely attached to the base in this fashion, the CPU may overheat and become damaged. Failure to follow either of these steps could cause the computer to overheat and damage internal components.

Refer to the topic, “Thermal Paste Application” for detailed information.

Memory (factory-installed)

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 21

Battery

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

• No tools are required

Part Location

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Position the computer in the service stand.

• Remove the user access plate.

• Remove the bottom housing.

22 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

Battery

Procedure

1. Using a ﬂatblade screwdriver, gently pry the battery from the battery holder.

Warning: Whenever the bottom housing is opened for service, you must do two things:

1. You must clean the original thermal film from the surfaces joining the thermal interface layer and reapply thermal paste to the thermal pipe.

2.You must tighten the four torx screws on the bottom housing to a minimum of

17 in.-lbs. If you do not have a torque driver, you will have to make sure these screws are tightened by hand FIRMLY, BUT NOT FORCIBLY. Or, purchase the service tool (076-0899) in order to ensure the thermal pipe is firmly mated with the top base. If the bottom housing is not securely attached to the base in this fashion, the CPU may overheat and become damaged.

follow either of these steps could cause the computer to overheat and damage internal components.

Refer to the topic, “Thermal Paste Application” for detailed information.

Failure to

Battery

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 23

Logic Board

Tools

This procedure requires the following tools:

• Phillips #2 screwdriver (for the plastic screw)

• Torx-15 screwdriver

Part Location

Note: The battery, RJ-11 board, AirPort card, modem, I/O port covers, and memory (on the top and the bottom of the logic board) need to be removed from the logic board before returning the board to Apple for service.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Position the computer in the service stand.

• Remove the user access plate.

• Remove the bottom housing.

• Remove the RJ-11 board.

24 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

Logic Board

Procedure

1. Remove the three metal torx screws and the one plastic screw.

Logic Board

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 25

2. Grab the logic board by the battery retainer and the hard drive connector. Lift the board and pull back to release the board from the bottom housing and I/O ports. Note: The I/O port covers may come out with the logic board when it’s removed.

3. Remove the I/O port covers from the logic board.

Warning: Whenever the bottom housing is opened for service, you must do two things:

1.You must clean the original thermal film from the surfaces joining the thermal interface layer and reapply thermal paste to the thermal pipe.

2. You must tighten the four torx screws on the bottom housing to a minimum of

17 in.-lbs. If you do not have a torque driver, you will have to make sure these screws are tightened by hand FIRMLY, BUT NOT FORCIBLY. Or, purchase the service tool (076-0899) in order to ensure the thermal pipe is firmly mated with the top base. If the bottom housing is not securely attached to the base in this fashion, the CPU may overheat and become damaged.

follow either of these steps could cause the computer to overheat and damage internal components.

Refer to the topic, “Thermal Paste Application” for detailed information.

Warning: Whenever the logic board is separated from the bottom housing, you must install new thermal pads to three surfaces on the bottom housing. The thermal pads help cool components on the logic board. Failure to apply these pads whenever the logic board

Failure to

26 iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart

Logic Board

is separated from the bottom housing could cause these parts to overheat. Short term separation, where the thermal pads are not handled excessively

if you are simply testing the logic board and only detach it for a few minutes)

does not require replacement. Refer to “Thermal Pad Installation” in this chapter for detailed information.

Important: Diagnostic service cables allow the unit to run while the bottom housing is open (as shown above). However, the computer cannot run for more than ﬁve minutes with the bottom housing open. If it is open longer, the CPU may overheat and become damaged.

(an exception would be

,

Logic Board

iMac (Flat Panel) Take Apart - 27