Apple imac 21 5 inch late 2009 User Manual

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 91 2010-11-18
4. Open System Preferences > 
Speech. Verify if the “Speak 
selected text when the key is 
pressed” checkbox is selected. Yes
The key combination to speak 
text cannot be used for any 
other purpose. Either disable, 
or change to a more rare 
key combination (including 
Shift, Command, Option and 
Control).
No Go to step 6. M15
5.   With optical media in the drive, 
hold the media Eject key. Verify 
if the eject symbol...

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 92 2010-11-18
Keyboard: Specific Keys Do Not Respond
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Keyboard: Specific Keys Do Not 
Respond
•  One or more keys do not 
respond when pressed
•  Key sticks
•  Keycap missing
1.  If wireless keyboard is being used verify that it is 
properly paired with computer. Go to Wireless 
Input Device Doesn’t Pair symptom flow to 
resolve...

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 93 2010-11-18
Deep Dive
CheckResultAction Code
1.   Verify if computer recognizes 
keyboard or mouse when 
plugged into rear USB ports on 
back of iMac. Yes
Test device in all USB ports to 
ensure all other USB ports are 
working as expected.
Replace logic board if any 
USB port on rear fails.
Replace keyboard if any USB 
port on keyboard fails.
Go to step 2.  
M15
 
K11
No
Go to USB Device Not 
Recognized symptom flow.
2.  Verify if...

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Input/Output Devices 94 2010-11-18
Uncategorized Symptoms
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Uncategorized Symptoms
•  Unable to locate appropriate 
symptom code. 1.
  Reset SMC.
2.  Verify that external I/O device (where applicable) 
works on a known-good, same-model computer.
3.   For third party I/O devices, make sure necessary 
software is installed and up-to-date, and that 
device is supported with user’s system.
Deep Dive
Check ResultAction Code
1.   Verify...

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 95 2010-11-18
Mechanical
Noise/Hum/Vibration
Unlikely cause:  LCD panel, glass panel, enclosure, cables
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Noise/Hum/Vibration
•  Buzzing noise
•  Rattling noise
•  Ticking noise
•  Squeaking noise
1.  Verify that the vents on the bottom and 
back of the system are free of dust and other 
obstructions that might inhibit proper airflow 
through the system. 
2.  Launch Applications/Utilities/Activity Monitor. 
Determine...

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 96 2010-11-18
Deep Dive
CheckResultAction Code
1.   Verify if any tape, gasket, cable 
label, or cable is touching 
the fan blades and causing a 
ticking noise. Yes
Secure the material so it 
doesn’t touch fan blades. If 
tape adhesive has lost its 
stickiness, replace that section 
of tape.
No Go to step 2.
2.  Run Apple System Diagnostic. 
Verify if running ASD generates 
one or more errors. Yes
Go to ASD Error Codes 
table to decode error. Follow...

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 97 2010-11-18
8. Reinstall fans while carefully 
ensuring that there are no 
cables routed under or near 
fan assembly that might cause 
interference with fan blades. 
After reassembling system 
verify if noise issue is resolved. Yes
Noise issue resolved. Suspect 
issue caused by interference 
from wiring or possible 
distortion or fan housing 
when installed in system. P04
No Go to step 9.
9.   Temporarily remove LCD 
display then power ON system....

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 98 2010-11-18
Fan Failures / Thermal Issues
Unlikely cause:  speakers
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
Fan Failures / Thermal Issues
•  System feels very hot
•  Fan(s) not operating
•  Fan(s) running fast
•  System is noisy 1.
  Verify that vents on bottom and back of system 
are free of dust and other obstructions that might 
inhibit proper airflow through the system. 
2.  Verify that computer is not exposed to direct 
sunlight which may heat up...

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 99 2010-11-18
3.  Verify if any tape, gasket, cable 
label, or cable is touching 
the fan blades and causing a 
ticking noise. Yes
Secure the material so it 
doesn’t touch fan blades. If 
tape adhesive has lost its 
stickiness, replace that section 
of tape.
No Go to step 4.
4.  Remove fans and rotate blades. 
Check for any dust that could 
be clogging the fans. Verify 
if fan blades spin smoothly 
without interference from fan 
housing and fan...

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical 100 2010-11-18
Physical Damage
SymptomsQuick Check
Physical Damage
•  Broken glass
•  Bent stand
•  Broken hinge
•  Stripped screw/head
•  Stripped screw boss
•  Dent or scratch to chassis
1.  Verify if damage caused by user environment, 
accidental damage, or abuse. If applicable inform 
the user that Apple does not warrant damage 
caused by accident, abuse, misuse, flood, fire, 
earthquake, or other external causes. Refer to:...