iMac button stopped working .

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I have an aluminium cased iMac with which the power button stopped working and the machine dead . Its out of warranty so i took it to a specialist who said that the button is part of the structure and can't be repaired so the machine not able to be mended , Is that right that Apple built a machine that could be rendered useless because of a button ? Was there a re-call i missed or can it be fixed . I am sick of macs right now.
 

pigoo3

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chscag

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Is that right that Apple built a machine that could be rendered useless because of a button ? Was there a re-call i missed or can it be fixed . I am sick of macs right now.

No that is not right. Next time take your iMac to a qualified Apple service center or an Apple Store and have it diagnosed properly. Your iMac can be repaired by someone who knows how.
 
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chas_m

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That "specialist" must be a specialist in cars, but he doesn't know doodly-squat about Macs apparently.
 
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The switch is integral with the body, so it looks like the case has to be replaced. (Is a replacement case even available?) I researched this a bit because my switch is flaking out too ('12 iMac). Though it's not dead, I have to be careful to press it in the center for it to work. Surely there's got to be a way to by pass the bad switch with a jury rigged one of some kind.
 

dtravis7


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It CAN be replaced. Don't listen to so called Specialists

Check the iFixit URL Harry just posted.
 
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Sorry Dennis got that 'n' in there somehow.
 

dtravis7


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Sorry Dennis got that 'n' in there somehow.

Not a problem. I also was interested and clicked it and when it did not work figured I would find it in case the OP returns. It's sort of a pain as you have to take out the Logic board, but otherwise can be fixed! Thanks for posting it as it got me to check iFixit! :D

BTW I have never had a button on my many iMacs or Minis ever not work. Maybe I am lucky! :D Grin

Actually on the 20" models you do not have to take out the Logic board but just the Hard Drive Fan.
 
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The official Apple way to repair when the power switch fails is to replace the rear cover. The power switch is integrated into the case and isn't available as an Apple supplied spare part. The rear cover as Apple call the case, is available to Apple Stores and AASP's as long the the iMac isn't vintage. Who ever looked at the OP's iMac wasn't much of a specialist.

If it was my iMac I would simply fit a momentary make push button switch adjacent to the old one, cut the old switch's 2 wires and solder to the replacement, simple. I've never had a power switch fail in the white cased or later aluminium iMac's, and only 4 in the 21.5" and 27" models since their introduction, not a common problem. When they do fail, pushing the button doesn't feel right, or the button doesn't move in. It's easy to check by attempting to power on by shorting out the 2 pins on the back of the logic board socket the switch connects to with the tip of a small screwdriver.

I doubt the OP will be back, trolls rarely do. I'm only posting this in case anyone else ever has a switch problem.
 
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chas_m

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^^^ what he said.

Most of the time (in my experience as a former Apple tech), the button was damaged by abusive use or on occasion would "catch" on the edge of its recession. Everything else techiesteve said I agree with 100 percent.
 

dtravis7


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So Chas, then you are saying IFixit and their article is wrong? Interesting as I know people who have fixed them! :D
 

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