Help Imac G3 won't show video

Hi All,

I found an old iMac G3 in my basement and would like to use it as a test computer for various things, but when I turn it on nothing shows up on the screen. Please help

-Thanks

G'day and welcome to the forums.

Is it getting power, are you getting any chimes, does it have a hard drive and memory and do you have any system discs with the iMac?

Reply

Thanks for the welcome.
Yes it is getting power, it has a hard drive and RAM, i can hear the CRT turn on and the HDD spin,and no i don't have the discs.

You need a new Battery. What generation Imac is it. Some are easier to open than others.

As Mac SK suggests start with replacing the PRAM battery and here is a link on how to do that. After replacing, reboot holding down Option, Command P and R keys all at the same time. Keep us posted on your progress?

iMac replacement battery

And you can replace the PRAM battery through the small door underneath - if you are not a double jointed midget, it can be put back in with duct tape and a pair of long nosed pliers and a fair amount of swearing.
Not sure that the battery is the only problem as i have had them boot before with a flat PRAM battery. When you power on and then hold the T key does it show the firewire symbol on screen?

Smaller version of this;


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Collin Bl said:

And you can replace the PRAM battery through the small door underneath - if you are not a double jointed midget, it can be put back in with duct tape and a pair of long nosed pliers and a fair amount of swearing.

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Sorry Collin, but I have to correct you there - it's a great deal of swearing - in as many languages as possible! ;D

I had to remove the outer casing to replace the PRAM battery last time, and the job's due again soon. I suspect poor battery quality, but this iMac does sit powered off for long periods.

Whoever designed the positioning of the battery in the logic board must have had a grudge against the world in general.

Try 2 pieces of duct tape but make sure it only covers half or one side of the battery, then with a pair of long handle needle nose pliers, move it into position and press into place with appropriate digit then work the duct tape off. Worked for me.


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