Power switch might be failing.

Imac, bought new off the shelf in August, 2012.

The switched used to require just a light touch to activate. Now, I have to put my thumb on the front of the computer and index finger on the rear (switch) and squeeze. It doesn't need great force to work, but it's rather concerning that it's failing (?). Could also be that the switch is now "broken in" and is suppose to need a larger force. So, the dumb question of the day is "How much effort is normal when using the on switch of the iMac?"

Do I have Apple Care? No! Hindsight being 20 / 20 ...

I don't think it's failing. My 2013 iMac requires a bit of push to get the on off power switch to activate. Sometimes it will make an audible "click", other times it's silent. In contrast, my 2011 iMac on off switch had a very positive feel to it and never made a clicking sound.

This doesn't really answer the question, but why are you even turning the iMac off at all? I mean, apart from very occasionally ...

I think I turn mine actually OFF about say, every three to six months (barring system updates, of course).

I have 3 of the iMacs with that switch. First was an iMac G5 iSight, 2nd a 2.16 Intel Core2Duo and 3rd a 2.4 Ghz iMac 2007. All I have to do is stick my fingers under the mac and press the button and it comes on. Never really had to press hard. I do not put my thumb on the front.

Member chas_m makes a good point. The only time I really turn off my iMac is when bad weather approaches such as today where we had severe weather warnings. Even though I use an UPS, its protection is not good enough to thwart a near or direct lightning strike.

As the switch now needs much more pressure than when new, hopefully it will last out the life of the iMac. The switch is part of the the case. It's a major job stripping down and rebuilding everything into a new rear case if it was to completely fail.

That's why I buy Apple Care Steve. ;D

chas_m said:

This doesn't really answer the question, but why are you even turning the iMac off at all?

Click to expand...

I do so because I pay for my own electricity. In fact, all of my computer paraphernalia
is on a power strip which I shut off at night. Power saved is negligible - I get that. But yes, I suppose it could be argued that I'm putting extraordinary wear on the switch. However, a once-daily click of the on switch should not be too taxing.

Again, not a failure, but definitely needs a firmer touch...or maybe my fingers are getting weaker.