used eMac won't turn on at all

guitargler · guitargler #1 (**permalink**)

04-30-2012, 02:45 PM

I picked up a 2002 eMac at a yard sale. It has no RAM (I'm hoping I have a stick or two that it'll accept), but my main problem is that it won't turn on. I've plugged it in using multiple cables and outlets that I know work, and it does nothing. The power button may be stuck - I'm not sure how much it should go in, but just the bottom half-ish of mine goes in very slghtly. I know it's receiving power, as when I plug it in, I can hear the fuzz of electricity in it (especially if I press an ear to the screen). I've tried the pmu reset button. Did I buy a 50 pound paperweight, or is there anything I can do?

chscag · chscag #2 (**permalink**)

04-30-2012, 02:49 PM

That's a very old machine (10 years old) and very likely has a bad power supply. Those machines were especially prone to bad power supplies, particularly the electrolytic capacitors.

If you would really like to dig in and repair it, go to iFixit: The free repair manual and look up the take apart instructions. Also keep in mind that the CRT monitor may not be working very well either. So unless you're prepared to spend some money on repairs, you might want to pass on it.

guitargler · guitargler #3 (**permalink**)

04-30-2012, 03:04 PM

thanks. just looked and saw no teardown guides (I'll dig around elsewhere), but I did find out I'm missing my PRAM battery. I think I read somewhere that it'll boot without it, but that's one more thing to replace..

dtravis7 · dtravis7 #4 (**permalink**)

04-30-2012, 03:14 PM

Not sure about the Emac but I know some iMacs around that same vintage would NOT power on without the PRAM battery.

guitargler · guitargler #5 (**permalink**)

04-30-2012, 03:22 PM

Alright, I'll try to pick up a PRAM battery soon and try it with that. Fairly sure I'd seen someone say they fixed an eMac using some process involving removing the PRAM battery, booting, then turning it off and putting the battery back, but that was for a different problem.

pigoo3 · pigoo3 #6 (**permalink**)

04-30-2012, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitargler

thanks. just looked and saw no teardown guides (I'll dig around elsewhere)...

You NEED to look a bit harder! The link that "chscag" mentioned for iFixit.com DEFINITELY has install guides for the PRAM battery, ram, and Airport card.

Don't give up so easily!

- Nick

guitargler #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 30, 2012 Posts: 3	04-30-2012, 02:45 PM I picked up a 2002 eMac at a yard sale. It has no RAM (I'm hoping I have a stick or two that it'll accept), but my main problem is that it won't turn on. I've plugged it in using multiple cables and outlets that I know work, and it does nothing. The power button may be stuck - I'm not sure how much it should go in, but just the bottom half-ish of mine goes in very slghtly. I know it's receiving power, as when I plug it in, I can hear the fuzz of electricity in it (especially if I press an ear to the screen). I've tried the pmu reset button. Did I buy a 50 pound paperweight, or is there anything I can do? Last edited by guitargler; 04-30-2012 at 03:08 PM. Reason: pmu, not PRAM
	QUOTE Thanks

chscag #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31,978 Mac Specs: 21.5" iMac 2.5 GHz i5, iPad 3rd Gen., 3 iPods	04-30-2012, 02:49 PM That's a very old machine (10 years old) and very likely has a bad power supply. Those machines were especially prone to bad power supplies, particularly the electrolytic capacitors. If you would really like to dig in and repair it, go to iFixit: The free repair manual and look up the take apart instructions. Also keep in mind that the CRT monitor may not be working very well either. So unless you're prepared to spend some money on repairs, you might want to pass on it. Community Guidelines
	QUOTE Thanks

dtravis7 #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 04, 2005 Location: Modesto, Ca. Posts: 25,788 Mac Specs: iMac C2D Late 2007 20" with 10.8.3, Macbook Santa Rosa 4GB Ram OSX 10.8.3	04-30-2012, 03:14 PM Not sure about the Emac but I know some iMacs around that same vintage would NOT power on without the PRAM battery. ...Dennis Mac-Forums Community Guidelines
	QUOTE Thanks

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guitargler #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 30, 2012 Posts: 3	04-30-2012, 03:22 PM Alright, I'll try to pick up a PRAM battery soon and try it with that. Fairly sure I'd seen someone say they fixed an eMac using some process involving removing the PRAM battery, booting, then turning it off and putting the battery back, but that was for a different problem.
	QUOTE Thanks

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