iMac G5: Screws Broke!

[Sutekidane]

I got my 20" iMac G5 at a COMPUSA store about 2 months ago. Today, I went to install another 512mb ram module to bring it up to 1gb. After installation, I was screwing the 3 main screws that hold the back cover on. Well, I was in the process of screwing in the middle one, and I heard a snapping noise. Then the screw became loose and would just turn and turn. I could live with 2 of the clips remaining, but it looks like my imac is stuck closed!

This is driving me crazy, I'm going to have to bring it in, just to get a screw fixed. I tried and tried, and couldn't even begin to get it back open. I wonder how they'll fix it, it appears from the inside to be part of the main casing, since it isn't attached to the back cover. Any ideas?

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I guess you're s... no I won't go there...

Seriously... if you remove the other two screws, can you open it up or is it stuck...? If you can open it there's a chance you could reach the "stub" with a pair of tweezers or pincers and get it out...

 

[Sun Baked]

It appears you've been screwed by your new iMac G5.

Edit: Ouch, all 20 inches of it stuck in the back.

 

[Sutekidane]

Well, the screws are the stay-in kind, as they do not move when screwing or unscrewing. The screw didn't actually break, but the thing on it, that clamps to the back of the iMac, seems to have broken. Thus, it's stuck clamping the back cover on. Sorry if it sounds complicated, I'd assume it'd be easier to understand if you owned an iMac G5.

EDIT: as a long time mac user, I'm officially pissed. I just got rid of my gaming pc, to avoid all the hardware and software problems, and now my $1800 iMac, which I'm still paying for, is impossible to open. If I get a kernel panic from the memory I installed, then I'm gonna break something.

 

[mac-er]

EDIT: as a long time mac user, I'm officially pissed. I just got rid of my gaming pc, to avoid all the hardware and software problems, and now my $1800 iMac, which I'm still paying for, is impossible to open. If I get a kernel panic from the memory I installed, then I'm gonna break something.

Calm down. You do need to get it fixed in case something does happen.

Take it down to the Apple Store, I'm sure Apple has had it happen before, and they will fix you (or it) right up.

 

[Sutekidane]

UPDATE:
After chatting with a certified Apple tech who is a personal friend of my brother (knew him before he was a tech), the screw and clip is part of the face assembly which includes the entire LCD assembly. So, he said that the LCD would have to be broken for them to replace the whole thing. So, it means I'll have to find a way to break the 20" LCD in order to get my problem fixed. He said that they can pry the imac apart, but the since the screw is broken, that the lock will no longer function.

Wow, why am I not surprised by any of this.

 

[Coca-Cola]

Missing screw

Hey, I kinda have a similar problem. I lost a screw from my powerbook. It is missing. Where can I get just one screw? It's the one from the bottom corner of the display.

 

[Sutekidane]

Hey, I kinda have a similar problem. I lost a screw from my powerbook. It is missing. Where can I get just one screw? It's the one from the bottom corner of the display.

Dunno, maybe if you call Apple they'll tell you that the entire display has to be broken/defective, for them to replace the screw, since it's all part of one integrated unit.

 

[point665]

Sounds real odd... I mean it did break and let them look at it, because how are you supposed to access your machine guts now?

As for the PB screw... look on ebay id say, or then take out another screw of same type and goto a hardware store, they should have something that will work for you.

 

[Sun Baked]

Hey, I kinda have a similar problem. I lost a screw from my powerbook. It is missing. Where can I get just one screw? It's the one from the bottom corner of the display.

Ouch...

12-inch Aluminum Bezel Cosmetic Screw $7.50 @ www.pbparts.com

 

[latergator116]

UPDATE:
After chatting with a certified Apple tech who is a personal friend of my brother (knew him before he was a tech), the screw and clip is part of the face assembly which includes the entire LCD assembly. So, he said that the LCD would have to be broken for them to replace the whole thing. So, it means I'll have to find a way to break the 20" LCD in order to get my problem fixed. He said that they can pry the imac apart, but the since the screw is broken, that the lock will no longer function.

Wow, why am I not surprised by any of this.

Have you tried calling up Apple yet (1-800-APL-CARE)? Since your computer is under warranty and you obviously didn't do anything wrong to it, they should fix it for you.

 

[Sutekidane]

I called AppleCare, and they told me that it is a cosmetic problem and that it won't be covered. I think I'm gonna battle with CompUSA for this one, since it has a 2year TAP.

 

[Applespider]

I called AppleCare, and they told me that it is a cosmetic problem and that it won't be covered. I think I'm gonna battle with CompUSA for this one, since it has a 2year TAP.

Did the person on the other end of the phone understand the problem? I'd say not being able to get inside your Mac to upgrade RAM etc was a little more than cosmetic. What happens if in a couple of months, the midplane goes and Apple send you out a replacement?

 

[applemacdude]

dont give up

if you bother apple enough they WILL replace it even if they say its your fault

 

[latergator116]

I called AppleCare, and they told me that it is a cosmetic problem and that it won't be covered. I think I'm gonna battle with CompUSA for this one, since it has a 2year TAP.

Most of those people that you first get on the line don't know a thing. Ask them if you could speak to a product specialist or someone with higher authority.

 

[Sutekidane]

Well, I was able to pry the iMac apart using a flat head screwdriver. I'm just gonna see if I can get a replacement screw somewhere now, since it looks like the only thing that happened was that the screw head broke off the body.