iMac G5 20" Model A1145 AirPort/Bluetooth Board Replacement

ID: 1141

Description: Replace a broken AirPort/Bluetooth board to...

Steps:

  1. Orient the iMac face-side down on a table with the bottom edge facing yourself.
  2. Remove the two Phillips screws securing the access door to the bottom grille of your iMac.
  3. The screws are captive in the access door.
  4. Before beginning the repair, unplug the computer and press and hold the power switch for 20-30 seconds, to discharge internal capacitors.
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  5. Remove the access door.
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  6. Remove the three T8 Torx screws securing the front bezel to the rear case along the lower edge of the iMac.
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  7. Turn the computer over.
  8. Use your thumbs to press both RAM arms in past the front bezel for enough clearance to lift it off the rear case.
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  9. While holding the RAM arms in with your thumbs, lift the lower edge of the front bezel enough to clear the rear case.
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  10. Re-orient your iMac so it sits upright on the stand.
  11. Insert a plastic card up into the corner of the air vent slot near the top of the rear case.
  12. Push the card toward the top of the iMac to release the front bezel latch.
  13. Pull the front bezel away from the rear case.
  14. Repeat this process for the other side of the front bezel.
  15. It may be necessary to apply several layers of duct tape to the top of the access card to aid in releasing the latches.
  16. If the bezel refuses to release, try pressing the lower edge back onto the rear case and repeat this opening process.
  17. Alternatively, you can use a strong magnet by holding it to the front top left/right corner of the display. You will hear a snapping sound when the hatch is released.
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  18. Lay your iMac stand-side down on a table.
  19. Lift the front bezel from its lower edge and rotate it away from the rest of your iMac, minding the RAM arms that may get caught.
  20. Lay the front bezel above the rest of the iMac.
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  21. If necessary, remove the piece of kapton tape wrapped around the microphone and camera connectors.
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  22. Disconnect both the camera and microphone cables.
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  23. Peel the lower EMI shield off the lower edge of the iMac and off the two vertical 4" sections on either side of the iMac.
  24. It is not necessary to peel the lower EMI shield off the display.
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  25. Tape the lower EMI shield up against the face of the display to keep it out of the way while you work.
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  26. Remove the single T10 Torx screw securing the right speaker to the rear case.
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  27. Lift the right speaker out of the rear case.
  28. The cable between the speaker and its connector is short, so either hold the speaker or allow it to hang from the iMac for the next few steps.
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  29. Remove the two Phillips screws securing the AirPort/Bluetooth board to the logic board.
  30. On some models, these may be T6 Torx screws.
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  31. Use your finger to lift the AirPort/Bluetooth board from its left edge, disconnecting it from the logic board.
  32. Lift the board from its left edge only.
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  33. Use the flat end of a spudger to pry both antenna connectors up off the AirPort/Bluetooth board.
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