Power Mac G4 Cube: Replacing the Power Button Gasket
Be sure to carefully follow these instructions. Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage to your equipment and may void your warranty.
Replacing your computer's power button gasket requires five basic steps:
- Turn off the computer.
- Remove the computer core from the enclosure.
- Remove the installed gasket.
- Install the replacement gasket.
- Reinstall the computer core in the enclosure.
Note: Written and video instructions covering customer-installable parts are available at http://www.info.apple.com/installparts.
Tools Required
- No tools are required for this procedure.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Static electricity, a normal and natural phenomenon, builds up on your body as you walk around. You experience an electrostatic discharge (ESD) when you touch an object and feel a spark. ESD can cause damage to the internal components of your computer. Avoid walking around while performing this procedure, and follow the instructions carefully when you are asked to discharge static electricity.
Removing the Computer Core from the Enclosure
1. Place your computer on a clean, flat surface.
2. Shut down the computer by choosing Shut Down from the Special menu. Then wait five minutes for the computer's internal components to cool down.
3. Unplug all cables from the computer except the power cord.
Note: If you have never plugged in the computer, connect the computer's power cord and plug it in.
4. Turn the computer upside down on a soft clean cloth.
5. Touch the bare metal at the port access covers on the back of the computer.
Important: To avoid electrostatic discharge, always ground yourself by touching the port access covers before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. To avoid static electricity building back up in your body, do not walk around the room until you have completed the installation and closed the computer.
6. Unplug the power cord.
7. Push down on the latch to release it. Allow the latch to extend completely.
8. Gently pull the core from the computer enclosure and place it on a soft cloth.
Removing the power button gasket
The power button gasket is a small, flexible, gray ring. Place your hand in the computer enclosure and lift out the installed gasket.
Figure 1 Removal of power button gasket
Installing the New Power Button Gasket
1. Insert the new power button gasket into the recessed area that encircles the power button.
2. Press the gasket into place to ensure that it is secure.
3. Install the computer core back into the enclosure as described in the next section.
Replacing the Computer Core in the Enclosure
1. Holding the core by the latch, insert the core into the computer.
Note: The core fits into the enclosure only one way. Position the ports on the core so that they are toward the back of the enclosure.
2. With a flat hand, press down on the latch until it locks into place. Firmly press the core to ensure it is fully secured within the enclosure.
Important: Do not lift or carry the computer by the core latch. The enclosure could fall off the core and be damaged.
3. Turn the computer upright and reconnect all cables.
4. Restart the computer.
Warning: Never turn on the computer unless all of its internal and external parts are in place and it is closed. Operating the computer when it is open or missing parts can damage the computer or cause injury.