Apple mac mini User Manual

							
32 - Mac mini Troubleshooting
 Symptom Charts
Sound
Distorted sound from speakers
1. Check balance in System Preferences: Sound: Output. Verify sound is correct with 
external speakers/headphones.
2. Check to see if the sound is the same from the internal speaker vs. external speakers.
3. Check that speakers are inserted correctly, and check cables for damage.
4. Compare same sound with two different units to make sure that sound is actually  distorted.
5. Remove the top housing and internal frame.
6. Check that the speaker is seated correctly and screwed to the internal frame.
7. Check for speaker cable damage and that the cable is securely connected to the  interconnect board.
8. Replace the speaker.
9. Replace the interconnect board.
10. Replace logic board.
No sound from speaker(s)
1. Check balance in System Preferences: Sound: Output. Verify sound is correct with  external speakers/headphones.
2. Check to see if the sound is the same from the internal speaker vs. external speakers.
3. Verify no external speakers or headphones are plugged in.
4. Shutdown computer and restart.
5. Reset PRAM (Press the power button, then hold down the Option-Command-P-R  keys until you hear the startup chime at least one additional time after the initial 
startup chime).
6. Remove the top housing and internal frame.
7. Check that the speaker is seated correctly and screwed to the internal frame.
8. Check for speaker cable damage and that the cable is securely connected to the  interconnect board.
9. Replace the speaker.
10. Replace the interconnect board.
11. Replace logic board. 
						

							
Mac mini Troubleshooting - 33
 Symptom Charts
Display
Dim display, but computer appears to operate correctly
1. Check that the display is compatible with the Mac mini. Refer to Knowledge Base 
article 300652: Mac mini: compatible Apple displays.
2. Check the brightness level in Display pane of System preferences.
3. Make sure that the monitor is turned on and has power. Make sure that the displays  power cord is plugged into a working wall outlet, and that its properly connected to the 
power adapter. (To check if the wall socket is working, plug in a lamp or other electrical 
device.)
4. Check that all video cable connections to the computer video port and to the monitor  are properly connected.
5. Examine the pins on the video cable connector to make sure they are not bent or  damaged in any way.
6. Connect a known working display (if you have an extra one available). If you see video  after doing so, replace your old display.
7. If the known-good display shows the same issue, replace logic board.
Scrambled or distorted video
1. Check that the display is compatible with the Mac mini. Refer to Knowledge Base  article 300652: Mac mini: compatible Apple displays.
2. Check connections on the back of the Mac mini.
3. Check that you are using the correct adapter (if necessary). 
4. Try a known-good display. If the known-good display solves the issue, replace the  display.
5. If the known-good display shows the same issue, replace logic board.
Fan Failure
1. Remove the top housing and the internal frame.
2. Check fan cable connection to the interconnect board, and check cable for damage.
3. Replace fan.
4. Replace the interconnect board.
5. Replace logic board. 
						

							
© 2005 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
 Service SourceUpgrades
                 Mac mini and Mac mini (Late 2005) 
						

							
Mac mini Upgrades - 1
 AirPort and Bluetooth Upgrade
AirPort and Bluetooth Upgrade
On the original Mac mini computer, Apple offered AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth as CTO 
(Configure to Order) options for Mac mini. For customers that bought the product in retail 
or want to add AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth later, Apple will provide an upgrade kit for 
service providers. The upgrade kit includes both AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth. They are 
not available as separate upgrades through service. 
The upgrade kit is available to Authorized Resellers and Service Providers. Installation of 
the upgrade kit must be performed by an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Damage 
resulting from installing the parts by anyone other than Apple or an Apple Authorized 
Service Provider will not be covered under the products warranty.
Note:   If the Mac mini is ordered CTO (Configure to Order), AirPort and Bluetooth can be 
ordered separately. The customer can choose either one, or both if they order CTO.
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• ESD wriststrap and mat
• Soft cloth (to protect the computer from scratches)
• Jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Kapton tape
• A modified putty knife (or order service part number 922-6761) 
						

							
2 - Power Mac G5 Upgrades
 AirPort and Bluetooth Upgrade
Upgrade Kit (M9870Z/A) Contents (original Mac mini)
Procedure
1. Shut down the computer.
Warning:  Always shut down the computer before opening it to avoid damaging its 
internal components or the components you are installing. Do not open th\
e computer 
or attempt to install items inside it while it is on. 
2. Unplug all external cables from the computer except the power cord.
3. Touch the metal case to discharge any static electricity from your body.
Important:  Always discharge static before you touch any parts or install any 
components inside the computer. To avoid generating static electricity, \
do not walk 
around the room until you have finished working and closed the computer.\
4. Unplug the power cord.
5. Put on an ESD wrist strap.
6. Place the computer on a clean, flat surface.  Caution:  To avoid scratching the case, 
use caution when using the putty knife.
7. Turn the computer over so the ports are facing you and the bottom of the computer  (gray color) is facing up. 
						

							
Mac mini Upgrades - 3
 AirPort and Bluetooth Upgrade 8. Hold the putty knife with the beveled edge facing the bottom housing. Insert the tool 
into the gap where the metal housing and the bottom assembly come together on the 
left side of the computer.  Important: Be extremely careful not to scratch or dent the 
top or bottom housing when inserting the tool.
9. Gently release the internal latches by prying the tool away from the computer.  Note:  You will hear little popping sounds as the latches release and the bott\
om 
moves away from the top housing, creating a gap at the top of the I/O pa\
nel. 
						

							
4 - Power Mac G5 Upgrades
 AirPort and Bluetooth Upgrade
10. Repeat the procedure on the right side of the unit.
11. Push the I/O panel upward until the top housing is removed. The popping sounds will 
continue as you push the I/O panel; this is normal. 
						

							
Mac mini Upgrades - 5
 AirPort and Bluetooth Upgrade 12. Set the top housing aside.
13. With a jeweler’s # 0 Phillips screwdriver, remove 3 screws on the internal frame. 
						

							
6 - Power Mac G5 Upgrades
 AirPort and Bluetooth Upgrade
14. Free the power button cable from the kapton tape on the internal frame. 
15. Lift the internal frame straight up and set it aside. 
						

							
Mac mini Upgrades - 7
 AirPort and Bluetooth Upgrade 16. Locate the mezzanine board that contains the AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth card. 
17. Turn over the mezzanine board so the AirPort Extreme card is facing down. Connect 
the mezzanine board to the connector on the logic board. Install the two screws on the 
mezzanine board.