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| Author | Resurrecting an iMac G3 (no boot) (Read 26765 times) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ReleaseTheGeese
32 MB  Posts: 37 Division 1 Computer Support 
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on: August 01, 2022, 16:03
Greetings. Hope this is the right place to ask for help. If not, I'd appreciate suggestions of other forums/websites where I might find advice. In short, I pulled down an iMac G3 (slot loader) from a loft. It had been lying there for almost a decade wrapped only in bin liner. Alas, this doesn't seem to have protected it from the elements as much as I'd hoped. The climate here varies yearlong from chilled to clammy, and the loft concentrates the temperature and moisture. Not ideal for electronics. When I plug it in and power it on, the power light flickers like a candle flame and the Mac does not boot. Out of the five times tried, I have heard the boot chimes once. The screen does not warm up or display anything, it doesn't even make that 'click' noise that I know from powered on CRTs. I also hear the CD drive struggle and make unhealthy noises. I unplugged it from the mains then plugged it in again, this time not pressing the button, and left it for 1/2 hr in case the capacitors or tube had 'discharged' over the years. This was in a vain attempt to recharge them. Still no joy. Would appreciate any pointers for what I can do to bring it alive again. Thanks. CM. |
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wove
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1024 MB Posts: 1363
Reply #1 on: August 01, 2022, 17:50
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That was not ideal storage. It might take it a few days to acclimate to more favorable conditions. You can open it up and check the insides. The concacts may be somewhat corroded, so it might be worthwhile to disconnect all the connectors and hit them with some contact cleaner. On the power connections from the power supply you could check the voltages. While open you can check capacitors for signs of bulging. CD drive may need cleaning and re-lubrication. You will want to check and replace the battery, and if it has leaked you will need to at minimum clean off and neutralize the goo that has leaked. The Powerbook Medic and iFixit usually have good directions and tips on cleaning fixing and restoration. Internet searches for the specific items needing attention typically turn up useful information. Good luck, it should like a fun undertaking.
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Bolkonskij
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Administrator 1024 MB  Posts: 2023
Reply #2 on: August 01, 2022, 19:30
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iMac G3? That new-fangled stuff? :-D Seriously, while we're focussing on System 7 / Mac OS 7, we're an open-minded community, so welcome compact-mac :-) That said, @wove's advice is solid. I would open it up too. Careful with the plastic clips, I heard they get brittle with the years. A flickering power button could indicate voltage spikes due to a faulty power supply, so keep a multimeter ready (I think wove said that too). Google the right voltage for your model. I've had some success with one of those "cleaning CD" discs they sell at the grocery store for a few bucks. Very often you just have some dust sitting on the lense. I've been able to get an Mac Mini G4 disc drive to work again with it. If you can physically access the lense, use a cotton swab on it. (careful!) Fixing up an iMac G3 is a rewarding journey, if you are into old hardware. It's like working on an oldtimer car. The moment you fixed it all up and it's working again (aka driving the old Cadillac out of the garage) is priceless. Good luck and keep us up to date! :-)
Last Edit: August 01, 2022, 19:52 by Bolkonskij
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ReleaseTheGeese
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32 MB Posts: 37 Division 1 Computer Support
Reply #3 on: August 07, 2022, 22:25
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Thanks for the friendly welcomes & tips. Ah yes, I thought the G3 was a little out of purview, but I also figured that those who are into older hardware would have relevant knowledge and advice. Maintaining these old boxen is a labour of love. Certainly, after I have the time to tinker with the G3 properly, I will update you if there is any success. Ideally, using the iMac itself!
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wove
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1024 MB Posts: 1363
Reply #4 on: August 07, 2022, 23:35
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I too love to fix old stuff up, sometimes the fixing is a lot more fun than the using. I have always felt that everything from the release of System 7 up to the release of OS X was just incremental updates to System7. I think for most here 7.6 was considered the sweet spot of that 90s decade as far as Mac OSes go. The iMac G3s had a lot of plastic to get through, but once opened up there is nothing all that different from any other computer hardware. By all means have with it.
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cballero
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1024 MB Posts: 1176 System 7, today and forever
Reply #5 on: August 08, 2022, 22:00
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I want to say you may find some of Apple's technical manuals over at the Mac Garden where it details parts, breakdown and things, although I like to hunt for breakdowns on YouTube if I can get lucky and find those there as well.. good luck (hopefully) restoring your G3 iMac!! 
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lilliputian
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64 MB Posts: 68 A Good Apple!
Reply #6 on: August 08, 2022, 23:38
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Leave it plugged in for several days and see if it brings it back to life. This is a common issue with iMac G3s and this method (first proposed to me by someone on the Mac Garden discord) worked to revive three iMac G3 DV SEs that came into my possession.
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lilliputian
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64 MB Posts: 68 A Good Apple!
Reply #7 on: August 08, 2022, 23:40
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Also: You may need to replace the PRAM battery and reset the PMU (a tiny button near the battery holder; replace the battery, then press, but not too long. More details on that are in the Service Source manual.) But the main thing is just leaving it plugged in for a week or so.
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