Apple imac 17 inch late 2006 cd User Manual

							
iMac (17-inch (Mid 2006/Late 2006 CD) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 131
3. Does the computer display video after successfully resetting the computer’s PRAM?
Yes: Restart the computer from the Apple menu and make sure the computer is now 
working correctly.
No: Continue to next step.
4. Make sure the machine is powered off; power off the machine by holding in the Power Button 
on the rear of the machine. Turn on the machine. Observe the white LED on the front bezel 
during startup; it should go out after a few moments. Did the LED go off?
Yes: If the LED went off, this indicates that the main logic board has communicated with the 
LCD display for video signal and your main logic board should be good. You can confirm by 
connecting an external monitor and checking to see that you have video out. Go to Step 7.
No: Continue with the next step to reset system power management (SMC).
5. Follow instructions in the “General Information” chapter to reset the SMC. Does the computer 
display video after successfully resetting the SMC? 
Yes: Press and hold the power button until the computer powers off. Start the computer 
again and confirm that front LED is reliably going off. If the computer still has no video but 
the LED is reliably going off, continue with step 7.
No: Go to the next step.
6. Unplug the iMac and remove the SDRAM. Replace with known good SDRAM. Plug the iMac   
back in and power the unit on. Does the front LED go off after a few moments now?
Yes: Replace the original SDRAM and test again. If the front LED does not go off with the only 
the original SDRAM installed, replace the SDRAM. If the LED is now reliably going off after a 
few moments, but yet you still do not have any video, go to step 7.
No: If the LED remained on, the main logic board is not communicating with the LCD panel 
to generate video. Replace the main logic board.
7. With the LED going off, you may have a No Backlight condition or an LCD failure. In a dim room, 
turn the display at an angle to you and look closely at the display. Is the display completely black 
or can you see a dim, purplish light or glow to the display?
Completely black: Replace the inverter
Dim purplish light or glow: Replace the LCD panel.
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iMac (17-inch (Mid 2006/Late 2006 CD) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 132
Starts Up to Black Screen or No Video (iMac 17-inch Mid 2006 only) 
Refer to Knowledge Base article 303 0  or follow the procedure below.
An iMac (17-inch Mid 2006) may start up to a black screen (with no video). It may also occur if 
you have just changed the brightness of the display. If this happens, the computer will sound like 
it’s starting up, but the display stays black. In this case, if you hold down the power key to shut 
the computer down and then try to start it up again, the situation would not be resolved.
Shut down the computer by pressing and holding the power button on the back of the iMac 
until it turns off.
Reset the NVRAM. The computer should display a grey screen, then start normally.
To prevent it from happening again, update the system software to Mac OS X 10.4.8 .The 
update will require that you restart your computer after installing.
Note: If you choose not to install the Mac OS X 10.4.8 software update, the following steps 
will also prevent the issue from occurring again:
From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
Choose the Displays pane of System Preferences.
Temporarily select a resolution other than the 1440 x 900 native resolution.
Switch back to your preferred resolution and close System Preferences.
Display is tinted another color.
Reset the parameter RAM. Press the Command-Option-P-R keys. When you keep all the keys 
held down, you will hear the startup chime over and over again (about every ten seconds) 
until you let go. After you hear the second chime, you can let go of the keys. 
Does the computer display video after successfully resetting the computer’s PRAM? 
Yes: Problem resolved. Restart the computer from the Apple menu and make sure the 
computer display is no longer tinted another color. 
No: Continue to the next step.
Connect an external monitor to the mini-VGA port. Does the external display exhibit the 
same color tinting?  
Yes: Replace the logic board. 
No: Check the LVDS cable connection. If connected and same color tinting persists, replace 
the LVDS cable. Does color tinting persist after changing the LVDS cable? 
 Yes: Replace the LCD display panel. 
 No: Problem solved. Restart the computer from the Apple menu and make sure the 
computer display is no longer tinted another color.
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iMac (17-inch (Mid 2006/Late 2006 CD) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 133
Display
When displaying a single color over the screen area, the LCD panel shows\
 one or 
more pixels that are not properly lit
Active-matrix LCD technology uses rows and columns of addressable locations (pixels) that 
render text and images on screen. Each pixel location has three separate subpixels (red, green, 
and blue) that allow the image to be rendered in full color. Each subpixel has a corresponding 
transistor responsible for turning the subpixel on or off.
There are typically millions of these subpixels on an LCD display. For example, the LCD panel used 
in the Apple Cinema HD display is made up of 2.3 million pixels and 6.9 million red, green, and 
blue subpixels. Occasionally, a transistor does not work perfectly, which may result in the affected 
subpixel being turned on (bright) or turned off (dark). With the millions of subpixels on a display, 
it is quite possible to have a low number of faulty transistors on an LCD. Therefore, a certain 
number of subpixel anomalies is considered acceptable. Rejecting all but perfect LCD panels 
would significantly increase the retail price for products using LCD displays. These factors apply 
to all manufacturers using LCD technology—not just Apple products.
To determine whether or not the display has an acceptable number of pixel anomalies, follow the 
steps below:
Set the display image to one of the following colors: all-white display, all-red display, all-green 
display, or all-blue display.
Using a jeweler’s loupe, pocket microscope, or other magnifying device, identify and count 
each subpixel anomaly: 
• Bright subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always on 
• Dark subpixel anomaly = subpixel that is always off 
Important: Check the number of subpixel anomalies with the following chart: 
 
LCD Size 
(inches)
Acceptable Number of Subpixel 
Anomalies
Replace the Display
BrightDark Both BrightDark Both 
17 to 20up to 4up to 6up to 85 or more7 or more9 or more
If the number of subpixel anomalies exceeds the acceptable number listed in the chart, 
replace the LCD panel.
If the number of subpixel anomalies is acceptable, explain to the customer that the pixel 
anomalies are within specifications, and no repair is necessary. 
Important:  Do not release the specifications to customers. Instead, inform them that a 
certain number of subpixel anomalies is considered acceptable, and these factors apply to all 
manufacturers using LCD technology—not just Apple products.
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iMac (17-inch (Mid 2006/Late 2006 CD) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 134
Hard Drive
Flashing question mark, or an alternating question mark and Mac OS (face or a 
folder)
Note: When troubleshooting hard drive problems it is a good idea, if possible, to back up any 
important data. Some troubleshooting steps may require erasing the contents of the hard drive.
Boot from the system CD that came with the computer, and open Disk Utility. Does the hard 
drive show in Disk Utility? 
Yes: Run Repair Disk and Repair Permissions to correct any directory and permissions issues. 
Go on to Step 2. 
No: Go to Step 3.
Did Disk Utility successfully repair directory or permissions? 
Yes: Restart the computer to the hard drive. Go on to Step 3. 
No: Go to Step 3.
Did the computer successfully start to the internal Hard Drive? 
Yes: Run Apple Hardware Test version 3A108 or later for this machine and return to the 
customer if it passes. 
No: Boot the machine to Apple Hardware Test, version 3A108 or later, or to Apple Service 
Diagnostic for iMac, version 3S106 or later.
Did the machine successfully boot to the Diagnostic? 
Yes: Run the test suites.   
No:  Make sure you’re using the correct version of the Diagnostic, and that the disc is able to 
boot another machine that it supports. If so, then try booting from an external optical drive. 
If this is successful, you should replace the optical drive and retest the machine booting to 
the diagnostic disc.   
Did the tests pass? 
Yes: Reinstall the System Software that came with the computer and test.   
No: Replace the component (s) indicated by the test results.  
Hard Drive Issues
Note: The following information is for Intel-based and PPC Macintosh drive compatibility
Drives to be used in booting Intel-based Macintosh hardware should be formatted and 
partitioned with an Intel-based Macintosh disk utility running on Intel-based Macintosh 
hardware. That should ensure you get the correct default partition map and structure for 
reliable booting.
Intel-based Macintosh CPUs in Target Disc Mode will only mount on PPC machines running 
Mac OS X 10.4 or later, and may show one contiguous partition rather than separate 
partitions on the host machine.
Always make sure to use the OS that came with the machine if you need to reinstall software 
(ask the customer for the discs if necessary), and the diagnostics specifically designated for 
that hardware.
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iMac (17-inch (Mid 2006/Late 2006 CD) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 13
System hangs during normal startup process
Boot from the system CD that came with the computer. Use Disk Utility to verify the hard 
drive.
Using Disk Utility, reformat the hard drive.
Check all cable connections to and from the hard drive.
Replace the hard drive data cable.
Replace the hard drive.
Replace the logic board.
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iMac (17-inch (Mid 2006/Late 2006 CD) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 13
Optical Drive 
CDs or DVDs don’t show up on the Desktop.
Select Preferences from the Finder menu and make sure the option to show CDs, DVDs and 
iPods is checked: in the General window as shown below. 
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iMac (17-inch (Mid 2006/Late 2006 CD) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 13
Select System Preferences from the Apple menu and open the CDs & DVDs preferences 
window. Make sure that audio CDs are set to launch iTunes and movie DVDs set to launch 
DVD Player when those media are inserted, as shown below. 
Check that the drive can read discs normally. Insert an audio CD and check whether it shows 
up on your desktop or launches iTunes.  
Does the audio CD mount on the desktop or in iTunes? 
Yes: The drive seems to read CD discs okay. Go on to Step 4. 
No: Make sure the disc is readable by other computers. Try other CD discs. If none mount or 
no audio CDs launch iTunes, replace the optical drive.”
Eject the audio CD and insert the iMac Software Install and Restore DVDs that came with the 
customer’s computer, or insert a DVD movie.  
Does this disc show up on the desktop, or does the movie launch DVD Player? 
 
Yes: The computer is reading CD and DVD media. This may be related to a specific disc or 
discs the customer is using and you should examine those discs. 
No: The optical disc is reading CD media, but not DVD media. Try other DVD discs. If none 
mount or movie DVDs do not launch DVD Player, replace the optical drive adapter board
If after replacing the optical drive adapter board the drive still won’t mount any optical 
media, replace the optical drive. If the issue persists, then replace the logic board. 
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iMac (17-inch (Mid 2006/Late 2006 CD) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 13
The computer won’t burn discs.
Check whether the drive can read CDs and DVDs normally. Perform the steps above for “CDs 
or DVDs don’t show up on the Desktop.”
Try a test burn by creating a Burn Folder, as follows. 
• In the Finder, choose “New Burn Folder” from the File menu.  
 
• Open the Burn Folder, drag an item inside for testing, and click “Burn” in the upper right 
corner of the window. 
  
• When prompted, insert a blank disc and follow the dialog instructions. 
Does the disc burn successfully (problem solved), fail with an error, or is the disc ejected?
If the disc fails to burn with an error, check for these error messages. 
Unknown Error -214 3 24 0.
 See Knowledge Base article 24 0 and 20 for more 
information. 
Buffer underrun error. See Knowledge Base articles 24 0 and 20 for more information. 
Unknown Error. If you see “Unknown Error” without “-2147352480”, you will want to see 
Knowledge Base article 1 2224 for more information. 
If the blank disc is ejected, try another blank disc. If the issue persists, try another brand and 
speed of blank media; if you’re using blank CD media, see if this happens with blank DVD 
media. If the drive consistently rejects all blank media, or only rejects blank CD media while 
accepting blank DVD media or vice versa, replace the optical drive adapter board and test.  
Does the drive successfully burn to disc after replacing the optical drive adapter board? 
Yes: Problem solved. 
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iMac (17-inch (Mid 2006/Late 2006 CD) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 13
No: Replace the optical drive. Does it burn correctly now? 
 Yes: Problem solved. 
 No: Replace the logic board.
Discs won’t insert.
Is there a disc already in the drive? 
Yes: Eject the disc before inserting another. Refer to Knowledge Base article 100 - “iMac: If 
You Can’t Eject a CD or DVD, or Open the Drive Tray”. If none of these options will eject the 
disc, you may have to disassemble the drive to recover the disc. See Knowledge Base article 
 32 - “Macintosh: How to Remove a Stuck Disc From a Slot-Loading Drive.” 
No: Reseat the optical drive. Perform the “Optical Drive” procedure in Take Apart to reseat the 
drive in the mounting aperture and reconnect the optical drive to the logic board.
After reinstalling the optical drive, can you now insert a disc? 
Yes:  Issue resolved. Run diagnostics and return the system to the customer.   
No: Replace the optical drive adapter board.   
Yes: Problem solved. Run diagnostics and trying inserting a disc again.
After replacing the optical drive adapter board, can you insert a disc now? 
Yes: Issue resolved. Run diagnostics and return the system to the customer.   
No: Replace the optical drive.
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iMac (17-inch (Mid 2006/Late 2006 CD) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 140
Optical disc constantly ejects
Disconnect all peripheral devices, especially the mouse in cases where the disc is constantly 
ejecting. Retest. If the issue is resolved, reconnect peripherals one-at-a-time until faulty 
peripheral is identified.
Try cleaning the disc. If the disc is dirty or scratched, it may not mount.  
Is the issue resolved? 
Yes: Problem solved. 
No: Try a different disc. If the issue persists, go on to the next step.
Boot from Apple Hardware Test (hold down the “D” key at startup). If you can boot to this 
volume, run the Quick and Extended tests.  
Does the unit pass the tests?  
Yes: Restart to the internal hard drive and test again. 
No: Replace the component (s) indicated by the test results. If you cannot boot to Apple 
Hardware Test because it ejects, go on to step 4. 
Boot from the system install DVD (use Startup Manager, hold down the Option key at 
startup). If you can boot from this volume, perform an Archive and Install with the Install 
DVD that came with the computer and test.  
Is the issue resolved?
Yes: Problem solved. 
No: If you cannot boot to Apple Hardware Test or to the Install DVD because they eject, 
reseat the optical drive adapter board to the logic board and retest.
Replace the optical drive adapter board.
Replace the optical drive.
Replace the logic board
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