Any iMac G3 experts?

[ScreenSavers]

I have a blueberry tray loading iMac G3 I bought on eBay a couple years ago. It was working great, and worked great every time I used it on and off for around a year. I got out again about six months ago and it wouldn’t power on.

It’s still won’t. No lights, no sound, nothing. It just acts like it’s not plugged in. Is there something obvious that could’ve gone out, like maybe a capacitor or something? I have plenty of experience with replacing capacitor’s but I’m not sure where to start.

 

[AL1630]

Have you tried a CUDA reset? My trayloader did something similar just a couple weeks ago, pressing the cuda button fixed it right up. If you need some help doing that, just let me know. It's good to try it before breaking out the replacement parts.

 

[ScreenSavers]

Have you tried a CUDA reset? My trayloader did something similar just a couple weeks ago, pressing the cuda button fixed it right up. If you need some help doing that, just let me know. It's good to try it before breaking out the replacement parts.

How do I do it? I’m gonna try it. Thanks!

 

[AL1630]

I followed this guide to remove the logic board, then the reset button is located (I think) near the back of the board. It's labeled either CUDA or PMU. Before you press it, pop out the PRAM battery, which looks like a little AA. Press the button ONCE, and don't hold it down. I would also check that PRAM battery with a voltmeter. If it's dead, that can cause issues as well.

 

[ScreenSavers]

I followed this guide to remove the logic board, then the reset button is located (I think) near the back of the board. It's labeled either CUDA or PMU. Before you press it, pop out the PRAM battery, which looks like a little AA. Press the button ONCE, and don't hold it down. I would also check that PRAM battery with a voltmeter. If it's dead, that can cause issues as well.

I know how to remove the logic board. I am going to try that as soon as I get back to the machine. Thank you!

 

[AL1630]

Yep, hopefully that's the fix!

 

[ScreenSavers]

Yep, hopefully that's the fix!

Well, it worked. Once. It turned on one time and I thought “great, it’s all fixed.” So I shut it down to reassemble and it won’t power on again after that once.

I’m leaning towards the PRAM battery at this point. I know macs from this era are really picky about that and mines super weak (.6v or so.) I’m gonna order some on Amazon now.

 

[ScreenSavers]

Update- ordered some on Amazon but borrowed a good one from my Sawtooth G4 and it seems that was the issue. Also found out the one in my B/W G3 and my Cube are both dead so ordered four. I’m sure the lime G3 iMac needs one too.

 

[AL1630]

That's good that it was an easy fix. Yeah, some machines are really sensitive to working batteries.

 

[ScreenSavers]

That's good that it was an easy fix. Yeah, some machines are really sensitive to working batteries.

Thanks for the tip. Appreciate your help.

 

[z970]

I am REALLY regretful that I donated (only to end up recycled, no less) one that I was personally close to ONE YEAR before I joined this subforum.

It sat on the floor for years beforehand, waiting for something to happen. Had it waited one more, it could have lived again.

Insult to injury, it had been given a new PRAM battery, too!

ARGH!

 

[AL1630]

I am REALLY regretful that I donated (only to end up recycled, no less) one that I was personally close to ONE YEAR before I joined this subforum.

It sat on the floor for years beforehand, waiting for something to happen. Had it waited one more, it could have lived again.

Insult to injury, it had been given a new PRAM battery, too!

ARGH!

Yep, I've always liked the iMac G3, it's what got me into PowerPC Macs.

 

[ScreenSavers]

Here’s the machine question in case anybody wanted to see it. My blue puck mouse is on the way.

It also has 512 MB ram but it only addresses 256. I guess some of them randomly can’t address 512 according to some articles I read online. I have a lime slot loader as well.