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 appears on 
screen and that optical media 
is ejected if present. Yes
Normal media eject key delay. 
No repair necessary.
No
Go to Optical Drive Won’t 
Accept/Eject Media 
symptom flow.
6.  Open System Preferences > 
Language and Text > Input 
Menu. Check “Keyboard Viewer”. 
From the Input Menu (flag) in 
the Menu Bar, choose “Show 
Keyboard Viewer”. Verify if keys 
pressed appear in Keyboard 
Viewer. Yes
Keys recognized.  
Go to step 9.
No Keys not recognized.  
Replace keyboard. K01
7.   Open TextEdit or another text 
application and try typing 
something using the non-
responding keys. Verify if 
they are typed in this other 
application. Yes
Application-specific issue. 
Troubleshoot application.
No Create a new user account 
in System Preferences > 
Accounts, log out from 
current user and log in with 
new user to isolate a User 
account related issue. If issue 
persists, reinstall Mac OS X 
from Install DVD.  
						

							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 pairing issues.
2.  The caps lock key has a built-in delay to reduce 
accidental activation and must be held for 
approximately ½ second for it to be activated. See 
kBase #TS1578: Keyboard Caps Lock modified 
to reduce accidental activation.
3.   Inspect keyboard for signs of liquid spills or other 
contamination. Apple’s warranty does not cover 
accidental damage.
4.  If keycap is loose attempt to reattach it.
5.   For other keyboard issues jump to appropriate 
symptom flow.
Wired Keyboard/Mouse Not Recognized
Unlikely cause: LCD display, power supply, hard drive, optical drive, fans
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Wired Keyboard/Mouse Not 
Recognized
•  USB wired keyboard/mouse not 
recognized when plugged in.
•  Mouse scroll ball not working 
or not working as expected.
•  Mouse buttons not working or 
not working as expected. 1.
  Reset SMC.
2.  The iMac has 4 USB ports on rear of computer. 
Make sure to try each port to isolate a particular 
port malfunction.
3.   Test with a known-good wired keyboard or 
mouse to isolate a failed peripheral issue.
4.  Test a mouse when connected directly to ports 
on the back of iMac to isolate a keyboard USB 
port issue.
5.   Ensure that all software and firmware updates for 
this model have been installed to take advantage 
of any available bug fixes.  
						

							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 keyboard is working as 
expected. Yes
Go to step 3.
No
Go to Wired Keyboard Does 
Not Function Properly 
symptom flow.
3.   Verify if mouse has an issue 
with scroll ball. Yes
See kBase #HT3226: How to 
clean Mac products.
No Go to step 4.
4.  Verify if mouse has an issue 
with buttons. Yes
Go to step 7.
No Go to step 5.
5.   Verify if mouse has an issue 
with tracking. Yes
Go to step 6.
No Go to step 7.
6.  Try using mouse on another 
surface. Non-reflective, opaque 
surfaces without repetitive 
patterns work best. The surface 
should be clean but not shiny. 
Verify if mouse tracks correctly 
when used on another surface. Yes
Surface issue. Issue resolved.
No Go to step 7
7.  See kBase #HT1581: 
Troubleshooting Mighty 
Mouse and determining 
expected behavior.  Verify if 
this article resolves issue. Yes
Issue resolved.
No Replace wired mouse. K99  
						

							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 if existing symptom code 
applies to issue reported by 
user. Yes
Jump to appropriate 
symptom code flow.
No
Document reported failure 
and send feedback to 
[email protected]
stating that a suitable 
symptom code wasn’t found. 
Provide as much detail as 
possible. N99  
						

							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 whether an application or process is 
consuming a high percentage of CPU bandwidth. 
CPU-intensive applications can cause the fans 
to run fast in order to maintain the proper 
internal system temperatures. If needed, quit the 
application or restart the system to resolve the 
issue.
3.   Eject optical media from optical drive. Out-of-
balance optical media can generate audible 
noise. To resolve try a different brand of media. 
For additional information, go to Optical Drive 
Noisy symptom flow.
4.  Tilt display to hinge limits to determine if 
mechanical noise is generated by the hinge 
mechanism. For additional information, go to 
Stand/Hinge Issues symptom flow.
5.   Play sound sample at loud and soft volume 
levels to determine if the noise is caused by the 
left/right speakers or the amplifier circuit. Plug 
external headphones to identify whether the 
noise comes from audio out or from other source. 
For additional information, go to Audio: Built-in 
Speakers Have Distorted Sound symptom flow.
6.  Adjust the display brightness to determine 
whether the noise is related to the brightness 
level. For additional information, go to Noise/
Unstable Flickering symptom flow.  
						

							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 
instructions in table for 
resolving error, then retest.
No Go to step 3.
3.   Verify if noise sounds like one 
or more fans are spinning faster 
than expected. Yes
Reset SMC by disconnecting 
power cord for ~15 seconds 
then retest. If issue continues 
go to step 3.
No Go to step 6.
4.  Verify if noise changes when 
optical drive is being accessed 
or media is inserted or ejected. Yes
Suspect issue with optical 
drive or media used.  
Go to Optical Drive Noisy 
symptom flow.
No Go to step 5.
5.   Mute the system volume. Verify 
if issue still occurs. Yes
Go to step 6.
No
Suspect issue with speakers 
or audio amplifier circuitry.  
Go to Audio: Built-in 
Speakers Have Distorted 
Sound symptom flow.
6.  Adjust brightness on display 
between maximum and 
minimum settings. Verify if 
issue changes depending on 
brightness level. Yes
Suspect issue with LCD 
display or backlight controller 
board. Go to Noise/Unstable 
Flickering symptom flow.
No Go to step 7.
7.   Remove fans and rotate 
blades. Verify if fan blades spin 
smoothly without interference 
from fan housing. Yes
Go to step 8.
No Replace affected fan. P04  
						

							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. 
Verify if source of noise can be 
located. Caution: The exposed 
power supply poses a serious 
shock hazard. Take proper 
precautions when working 
around an energized system. Yes
Identify, inspect,  and if 
necessary replace part that 
caused noise issue. P04
No Go to step 10.
10.  Disconnect these major 
modules/parts (hard drive, 
optical drive, fans, LCD display) 
one at a time then power ON 
the system. Determine if noise 
issue goes away when one of 
the modules is disconnected.  
Caution: The exposed power 
supply poses a serious shock 
hazard. Take proper precautions 
when working around an 
energized system. Yes
Identify, inspect, and if 
necessary replace part that 
caused noise to disappear 
when it was disconnected 
from the system. P04
No All parts verified. Verify that 
correct symptom flow is 
being used.  
						

							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 enclosure, making it 
feel hot to the touch.
3.   Verify computer is not running hotter than 
expected for normal operation. If possible, 
compare to a similarly configured system. Note: 
Power supply is located in upper left corner 
where highest temperatures can usually be felt.
4.  Launch Applications/Utilities/Activity Monitor. 
Verify if an application or process is consuming 
a high percentage of CPU bandwidth. CPU-
intensive applications can cause fans to run 
fast in order to maintain proper internal system 
temperatures. If needed, quit the application or 
restart the system to resolve issue.
5.   Reset SMC by unplugging power cord for ~15 
seconds. 
Deep Dive
Check ResultAction Code
1.   Run Apple System Diagnostic. 
Verify if ASD generates one or 
more errors. Yes
Suspect possible fan or sensor 
error. Go to ASD Error Codes 
table to decode error. Follow 
instructions in table for 
resolving error, then retest.
No Go to step 2.
2.  Verify if noise sounds like one 
or more fans running faster 
than expected. Yes
Fans running fast. Reset SMC 
by disconnecting power cord 
for ~15 seconds then retest. If 
issue continues go to step 3.
No Go to step 3.  
						

							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 blades are all 
intact. Yes
Go to step 5.
No Replace affected fan(s). P06
5.   Run Apple Service Diagnostics 
stand-alone tests in looping 
mode, and verify if all sensor or 
fans related tests pass. Yes
Noise issue resolved.
No Check for correct sensors/fans 
connections on logic board. 
Check for pinched cables. 
Compare with known-good 
similar system, and check 
for unlisted sensors. Replace 
affected sensor/fan. P06
Stand/Hinge Issues
Symptoms
Quick Check
Stand/Hinge Issues
•  Bent stand
•  Broken hinge
•  Stripped screw/head
•  Stripped screw boss
1.  Determine if damage caused by user /technician 
environment, accidental damage, or abuse. If 
so, inform user/technician the failures are not 
covered by Apple warranties. Refer to  
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty
2.  For hinge noise issues replace hinge mechanism.  
						

							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:  
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty
Uncategorized Symptoms
Check ResultAction Code
1.   Verify if existing symptom code 
applies to issue reported by 
user. Yes
Jump to appropriate 
symptom code flow.
No
Document reported failure 
and send feedback to 
[email protected] 
stating that a suitable 
symptom code wasn’t found. 
Provide as much detail as 
possible. N99