Apple imac 17 inch late 2006 User Manual

iMac (17-inch Late 2006) Troubleshooting — General Info 141
DDR Memory
The iMac (17-inch Late 2006) computer has two SDRAM slots in the bottom of the computer. 
The iMac ships from the factory with at least 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM, installed as a 512 MB DIMM in 
the top slot and a 512 MB DIMM in the bottom slot. ( The computer may come with more RAM, 
depending on how the computer was ordered from Apple.) The system can support up to 3 GB 
of memory. If you install two 2GB DIMMs, the “About this Mac” will show...

iMac (17-inch Late 2006) Troubleshooting — General Info 142
How to Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
The System Management Controller (SMC) is a chip on the logic board that controls all power 
functions for your computer. If your computer is experiencing any power issue, resetting the SMC 
may resolve it. The SMC controls several functions, including:Telling the computer when to turn on, turn off, sleep, wake, idle, and so forth.
• 
Handling system resets from various commands.
• 
Controlling...

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Diagnostic LEDs
The iMac (17-inch Late 2006) has three built-in diagnostic LEDs and a front power-on/sleep LED 
on the main logic board that can help you to troubleshoot the computer.
To Access the Diagnostic LEDs:v
Follow the take apart instructions to remove the RAM 
1.   access door, front bezel, and lower EMI 
shield.
Locate the SO-DIMM slot and LVDS video connector. The three diagnostic LEDs 1, 2, and 3 are 
2.  
located to the left of the...

iMac (17-inch Late 2006) Troubleshooting — General Info 14 4
LED #3
Indicates that the computer and the LCD display are communicating. This LED will be ON 
• 
when the computer is turned on and video signal is being generated.
Front LED Indicates that the computer has power but no video signal (e.g., the computer is starting up 
• 
or the display has entered Sleep mode, turning off the video signal). This LED will pulse when 
the entire system has entered Energy Saver mode.   

iMac (17-inch Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 145
Symptom Charts
How to Use the Symptom Charts
The Symptom Charts included in this chapter will help you diagnose specific symptoms related 
to the product. Because cures are listed on the charts in the order of most likely solution, try 
the cures in the order presented. Verify whether or not the product continues to exhibit the 
symptom. If the symptom persists, try the next cure. 
Note:  If a cure instructs you to replace a module, reinstall...

iMac (17-inch Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 146
Power Issues
No Power 
The iMac (17-inch Late 2006) will not turn on. The display remains black and there are no sounds 
from the fans or drives.
1. Verify the power outlet is good. Plug a different device into the socket to ensure there is power, 
or plug the iMac into another outlet. Does the iMac power on now?Ye s: Resolved. Bad outlet.
No : Go on to the next step.
2. Check the power cord. Use a known good power cord. Does the iMac power on...

iMac (17-inch Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 14 7
8  Press the power button. Check to see if LED # 2 comes On, comes on momentarily, or stays Off.
LED # 2 is On: The Power Supply is functioning. Go on to the next step.
LED # 2 comes on momentarily or stays Off: Replace the Power Supply.
9. At this point in the Power On process, you should hear a boot chime and see the front LED on 
the computer light up. When the main logic board and LCD panel communicate to deliver video, 
the front LED...

iMac (17-inch Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 14 8
No Video
No Video, No Boot Chime, White LED ON (Symptom 1)
The iMac (17-inch Late 2006) will turn on (indicated by the front LED ON), but there is NO boot 
chime and No Video on the display. The faint sound of the fans, hard drive, and optical drive may  
also be heard.
1. Follow instructions in the “General Information” chapter to reset the SMC. Does the computer 
display video after successfully resetting the SMC?Ye s: Problem solved.
No :...

iMac (17-inch Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 149
If you didn’t hear at least two startup chimes, go to the top of this section and begin 
 
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again. It’s important that you hear two startup chimes when performing this procedure. 
This indicates that you have successfully reset the computer’s PRAM (Parameter RAM).
3. Does the computer display video after successfully resetting the computer’s PRAM? Ye s: Restart the computer from the Apple menu and make sure the computer is now 
working...

iMac (17-inch Late 2006) Troubleshooting — Symptom Charts 150
Display is tinted another color.
Reset the parameter RAM. Press the Command-Option-P-R keys. When you keep all the keys 
1.  
held down, you will hear the startup chime over and over again (about every ten seconds) 
until you let go. After you hear the second chime, you can let go of the keys. 
Does the computer display video after successfully resetting the computer’s PRAM? 
Yes: Problem resolved. Restart the computer from the Apple menu and...