I opened an iMac G5 and broke it...

I have a 20" Intel iMac from 2006 (so way out of warranty). The hard drive was failing, so I decided to replace it on my own, after checking some disassembly and repair information online.

But when I opened it up, I didn't realize that the ribbon cable between the logic board and the LCD was so short and I "snapped" it off at the LCD side. The connected still looked like it would work, so I completed the hard drive replacement.

I had a lot of difficulty re-connecting that ribbon cable and when I thought I had it, it turns out the computer would start, but no video. I tried twice with no luck.

So I took it to the Apple store and after their diagnostics, they said it would need a new logic board and possibly a new LCD, so they quoted a price of about $1500, which is more than the cost to buy a new one.

I'd rather fix this one, so I suppose I'm on my own now. I really don't think I damaged the logic board - just the ribbon cable. I could try getting a new ribbon cable and try with that.

Does anyone have any recommendations, experience, advice on what I could do next?

Thanks in advance,

Floyd

spinnerlys said:

Have a look at this website and see if you can find the damaged part: http://www.welovemacs.com/imacintelcore.html .

Also, you have no G5 iMac, if it is an Intel iMac.
G5 CPUs were made by IBM, the Intel CPUs by Intel and they are called Core Duo and Core 2 Duo.

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Thanks for the clarification. It's an early 2006 20" Intel.
And thanks for the link, the cable I think I destroyed is the LVDS cable.

MTI said:

If it truly is only a broken cable, they are available as replacement parts at substantially less than a logic board or LCD.

Although it may be overstatement . . . do the Apple "techs" ever have any fix other than "replace the logic board?"

I do understand that they will never work on a device "at the component level" such as capacitors, resistors, diodes or even socketed CPU or GPU microprocessors. Instead, they merely swap whole assemblies despite the fact that it is a $0.20 part on a $600 logic board that needs remedy.

It's like going into your car dealership with an oil leak, but instead of just replacing the headgasket, they will only replace the whole engine. Which works out well if it's under warranty . . .

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Yeah, that does make sense to me, but I suspect it could contribute to an intially higher initial cost, since they need to factor in warranty repairs in the price, no?

When I talked to the tech about what was damaged on the logic board, he just gave me a vague "a connector is broken" response. I'll try replacing the cable myself, as I suppose at this point I have nothing to lose.

Fixed

I replaced the LVDS cable after purchasing a replacement from Apple Palace ($51, with shipping) and the iMac is back up and functioning at (apparently) 100%.

When I picked up the iMac from the Apple Store, the Concierge was nice enough to tell me that it's a shame when computers become "not worth fixing"...

Thanks all for the advice.

zmttoxics said:

Lawl. Lesson learned I hope! Congrats.

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I'm not sure which lesson it was I was supposed to learn:
a) Bring it to Apple Store from the start
b) Don't bring it to the Apple Store even when I break it

I'm gonna learn lesson "b"...

BlackMax said:

Well done!!! This world wastes so much... More folks should adventure into the realm of DIY. It is extremely satisfying, not to mention easier on your wallet.

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Thanks! While I'd like to agree that more people should try some DIY, these iMac's really aren't built for a DIY "hack". But I did boost my confidence and restored peace in the house.

zmttoxics said:

How about lesson c..

c) Sometimes cables can be short and break easy.

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Perfect!