K Service Source

Troubleshooting Flowcharts
Desktop Computers

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Desktop Computer Startup Problems - 1

Desktop Computer Startup Problems

Isolating a Hardware Problem
System Self-TestsStart up the customers system, and listen for diagnostic error chords. Diagnostic SoftwareIf the system passes the self-tests but the problem persists, try running the appropriate MacTest Pro program. If you suspect a hard drive problem, you should also run the Macintosh Hard Drive Test program. Symptom ChartsIf the customers system (or MacTest Pro) does not boot or MacTest Pro fails to find the problem, refer to the symptom charts in the manual that covers your customers computer. If you think you recognize the problem and you have the necessary replacement module with you, try module swapping.

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Desktop Computer Startup Problems - 2

Troubleshooting FlowchartsIf the customers system (or MacTest Pro) does not boot or MacTest Pro fails to find the problem and the problem is not clearly defined or not listed in the symptom charts, refer to the flowcharts in this section. These flowcharts present a step-by-step procedure for isolating the problem.

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Desktop Computer Startup Problems - 3

Hardware Troubleshooting Guidelines

1 2 The troubleshooting tools are designed to test a system in its minimum configuration. Disconnect external peripherals and remove all NuBus cards. After verifying that the computer is fully operational, reinstall or reconnect and test each expansion card and external device one at a time. When using the symptom charts in the manual that covers your customers computer, always try the solutions one at a time, in sequence, until you fix the problem. If the problem remains, reinstall the original module before trying the next solution. Use only known-good test equipment and diagnostic programs.

The hardware troubleshooting flowcharts verify each repair action by looping back to the start (Flowchart 1).

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Desktop Computer Startup Problems - 4 If a repair does not fix the problem, reinstall the original module, return to the flowblock of origin, and perform the next repair action on the list.

When instructed to replace the logic board only, place the customers SIMMs on the replacement logic board. There is never a need to move the ROM SIMM from one logic board to another. Certain logic boards, built early in production, use a ROM SIMM. Boards produced later have ROMs mounted directly on the logic board. Moving the ROM SIMM will cause the board to be rejected by Apple.

Always verify that the original problem has been fixed. To verify that the original problem is fixed, duplicate the conditions under which it appeared. To verify that there are no additional faults, run MacTest Pro.

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Desktop Computer Startup Problems - 5

Flowchart 1 Startup Problems

NOTE: At startup you should hear a medium-pitched soft chord. START Turn on system without startup disk. Is startup sequence normal? Yes Does disk icon with flashing "?" appear? Yes Boot appropriate MacTest Pro disk. No Go to Flowchart 4.

No

Go to Flowchart 2.

Yes

Does MacTest Pro main screen appear? No

Shut down and install known-good MacTest Pro disk. Switch on power.

Does test screen appear? Yes

No

Go to Flowchart 6.

Run MacTest Pro. Verify there are no system faults. Run Hard Disk Test. END

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Desktop Computer Startup Problems - 6

Flowchart 2 Startup Problems

START NOTE: During a normal chord sequence, you'll hear a single, mediumpitched startup chord only.

If an error is encountered at startup you will hear: 1. A medium-pitched startup chord 2. An error chord (a short, harsh chord) 3. A test monitor chord (four tones, low to high)

Is the startup chord normal? No

Yes

Return to Flowchart 1

The system detects a RAM SIMM or hardware problem: 1. Replace bad SIMMs on logic board. 2. Replace logic board. Install customer's SIMMs on replacement logic board. 3. Replace the original logic board and install known-good SIMMs on original logic board. Go to Flowchart 3

NOTE: If the first corrective action doesn't fix the problem, return the system to its original condition and perform the next action.

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Desktop Computer Startup Problems - 7

Flowchart 3 Startup Problems

START 1. Disconnect hard drive power and data cable connectors. 2. Disconnect disk drive 2 cable. 3. Run system from drive 1 only. Switch on system without startup disk. Is any video displayed? Yes Go to Flowchart 5, section A. Yes Does disk icon with flashing "?" appear? No Is video displaying unrecognizable garbage? No Is an error icon displayed? Yes No Yes Is LED lit and fan running? Yes NOTE: Suspected problem areas include system video, system logic and control, and system power.

No

No

Go to Flowchart 4.

1. Replace video cable. 2. Replace monitor. If now OK, troubleshoot monitor. If not OK, go to box below. 1. Replace video interface card. If now OK, troubleshoot replaceable RAM on bad card. 2. Replace logic board SIMMs. 3. Replace logic board. Install customer's SIMMs on replacement logic board. 4. Replace power supply. Go to Flowchart 5.

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Desktop Computer Startup Problems - 8

Flowchart 4 Startup Problems

START

Turn off system power, remove the top cover, and check the lithium batteries with a voltmeter. The batteries must read: 3.0 V or higher: Macintosh Compacts, LC Series/Quadra 605, Performa 400 Series. 3.2 V or higher: Quadra 610, 650,660AV, 800, 840AV, 900, 950, AWS 60, 80, 95, WGS 6150, 8150, 9150

NOTE: Suspected problem areas include system video, system logic and control, and system power.

Are batteries OK? No

Yes

1. Replace power supply. 2. Replace logic board. Install customer's SIMMs on replacement logic board. Go to Flowchart 6.

Replace bad battery and reset system. Is LED lit and fan running? Yes Does disk icon with smiling face or flashing "?" appear? Yes Go to Flowchart 6.

No

No

1. Replace video cable. 2. Replace monitor. If now OK, troubleshoot monitor. 3. Replace video interface card. If now OK, troubleshoot replaceable RAM on bad card. 4. Replace logic board SIMMs. 5. Replace logic board. Install customer's SIMMs on replacement logic board. 6. Replace power supply. Return to Flowchart 1.

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Desktop Computer Startup Problems - 9

Flowchart 5 Startup Problems

START

Switch off system power and remove cover. Disconnect: 1. SCSI data cable (from both hard drive and CD-ROM drive) 2. SCSI power cable (from both hard drive and CD-ROM drive)

Restart the system. 1. 2. 3. 4. Replace drive cable. Replace disk drive. Replace power supply. Replace logic board. Install customer's SIMMs on replacement logic board. Return to Flowchart 1.

Is any video displayed? Yes A

No

Insert MacTest Pro and switch on system power.

Does the MacTest Pro main window appear? Yes Run MacTest Pro. Verify there are no faults. END

No

1. 2. 3. 4.

Replace drive cable. Replace disk drive. Replace power supply. Replace logic board. Install customer's SIMMs on replacement logic board. Return to Flowchart 1.

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Desktop Computer Startup Problems - 10

Flowchart 6 Startup Problems

START Restart system with MacTest Pro. NOTE: Suspected problem areas include the hard drive, system logic and control, and system power.

Does the MacTest Pro main screen appear? Yes Run MacTest Pro. Run Macintosh Hard Drive Test. Verify absence of faults. END

No

1. Replace floppy drive cable. 2. Replace floppy drive. 3. Replace hard drive power and data cables. 4. Replace hard drive. 5. Replace power supply. 6. Replace logic board. Install customer's SIMMs or replacement logic board. Return to Flowchart 1.