Problem with imac

11 years ago

I have an iMac, approximately 10 years old. The screen is no longer
Working. The computer is on but the screen is dark. If I turn the computer off
And then back on the screen comes on briefly but goes dark again before the
Log in screen appears. Has anyone had a similar problem or have any idea what the problem might be?
Thanks!
Abbey

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Comments (7)

kudzu9
11 years ago
I suspect this is most likely to be a hardware problem that would not to too easy to fix on your own, After 10 years it could be many things, including a screen that is on its last legs, the graphics chip, etc. You will probably have to take it in to a shop to be diagnosed or bite the bullet and replace it with a newer model. As you can see from the link below, could be lots of things.

Here is a link that might be useful: iMac screen goes black

This post was edited by kudzu9 on Thu, Oct 23, 14 at 16:38
Elmer J Fudd
11 years ago
I don't think the discussion kudzu linked is relevant, it's about a new machine with possibly defective components.

Abbey, if you know someone with an external monitor, take your imac to their house and see if it will supply an image to the monitor. If it does, that's your first good alternative.

The second, in my opinion, is to say "Thank You" to it for 10 years of loyalty and replace it with something else. I wouldn't waste a penny or a moment's worth of effort to try to have anyone fix it.
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kbarb - San Francisco - Z10a
11 years ago
What model is it ? It's very hard to help w/o knowing some relevant information.

Does it have an LCD screen ?
If so it's usually the power inverter, which, if you have some repair skill is usually fairly easy to replace.

Try some of these diagnostic links :

How To Test a Computer Monitor That Won't Display Or Is Not Working
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbysymptom/ht/testmonitor.htm

http://www.lcdparts.net/howto/symptom.aspx

http://www.lcdparts.net/howto/FAQ.aspx

Those last two links are from a company that sells a lot of replacement parts.
writersblock (9b/10a)
11 years ago
There were two likely problems with those machines---I'm assuming this is a G5 imac? Pinched ribbon cables, which is probably still fixable, and exploding/corroding capacitors which took out the graphics because of where they were located in the machine. There was a recall for this about six years ago when apple would have replaced the doubtful part for free. Too late now.

If that's it, unless you are really good at resoldering logic boards it's time to move on. Pity you waited so long because I don't think you're likely to love Yosemite.

But it would probably be cheaper to find a whole 'nother old imac instead of fixing it if you need to 10.4 or whatever rather than an intel processor.
abbey_cny
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you to all for the advice. I am
Leaning towards replacing it but will probably have someone take a look at it just in case. I truly thought a Mac would last longer but I suppose even a Mac has its limits!

Abbey
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
11 years ago
Noticed this in the 'Recent Posts' sidebar & had to click because I have an old eMac approx. the same age & screen started blinking out about 6 months ago.

Sometimes I have to retry startup several times before it will come on & then screen blinks out after 30-45 minutes of use. If I thump the top or side it usually comes back on(which may mean a loose connection somewhere) Luckily, it's not my primary computer anymore.

My son tells me it might also be a bad tube(?) & I am considering seeing if it's worth repairing, since I use it @ work (childcare) for kids to play games & watch videos on. As stated above, linking to an external monitor may be another option.

I did replace it w/ a 2012 iMac & love it - huge screen, wireless keyboard & mouse & so much better functionality/compatibility. AND it cost almost exactly as much as my eMac did in 2004 ( & now they can be had for less, even). I feel like for a computer to last for 10 years is no small feat.
Elmer J Fudd
11 years ago
How long do PCs last is a question like "how long do dogs live"?

My experience of nearly 30 years of home computing is that if you get to 5 or 6 years of usage, especially with kids involved, you've done very well. Some don't last that long. New laptops purchased for each of three kids when off to college needed replacement at graduation. Actually one didn't make it that far.

The improvements to hardware and software that become available (and the value for money propositions they presented) have always been too compelling for me to resist replacing old machines after 4-5 years anyway.

For a PC to last 10 years, I'd guess that usage is light and undemanding and it doesn't get banged around much. Think of it as a dog living past a 20th birthday, it happens but it's not something to expect with each one.