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iMac Intel 27" EMC 2309 (Late 2009, Core 2 Duo 3.06 or 3.33 GHz) ID iMac10,1, EMC 2374 (Late 2009, Core i5 2.66 GHz or Core i7 2.8 GHz) ID iMac11,1

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Cannot start after swapping out Seagate 1TB HDD with 2TB SSD Hybrid

My native 1TB HDD had developed quite a few bad blocks and the number seemed to be increasing, so I replaced it with a 2TB SSD Hybrid. Before doing the swap, I put the new drive in an external enclosure and used CarbonCopy Clone to copy the old HDD to the new SSD. That all went well and generated a bootable SSD so I proceeded with the exchange. Old and new drives are Seagate, so I assumed the temp sensor would be fine and didn't replace it. I used the excellent IFixit guide to do the swap and the drive went in exactly as shown in the guide. I had a little difficulty hooking the four cables that connect the LCD screen to the computer, especially the flimsy Vertical Sync cable with the four foil ribbons. I wound up using a small piece of double-sided tape to keep the ribbons separate and aligned and attached to the plastic strip on the cable. After finishing with the LCD and glass screen installation, I hooked up all the external connections and tried starting the computer. Nothing happened.

My question is this: If one or more of the LCD attaching cables is not hooked up correctly, which one or combination would prevent the computer from starting? Or does it sound like I may have missed something? Is there some way for me to troubleshoot to find the culprit or is it time to call in the pros? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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when you say "Nothing Happened" No lights, no power or anything?

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That is correct - nothing.

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I would say something else happened doing the re-assembly procedure. I'm not trying to be an @%^, because I've done it before...It is plugged in right?

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Yeah, I did get that part right. I also tried it with and wihout any attachments I tried holding down the start buttonor 15 seconds, then pushed it again several times. Still no results. Don't fret about hurting my feelings - at this stage I'll take any help I can get.

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Try disconnecting the drive. Also do you think you put the display cable in backwards? Look at the connectors to see they are damaged.

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Do you have access to an external display? If you do give that a try. The other way while not as conclusive is to setup your system in Target mode and then connecting via FireWire a second Mac. What you are doing here is turning your iMac into an external drive to the other Mac.

At this point I suspect you have a damaged LVDS cable and/or the connector block is damaged.

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Unfortunately I don't have an external display or another Mac. I see your logic, though, I ordered a new LVDS cable as well as a vertical sync cable to try next. Hopefully, one of those will work. I think the person(s) that designed the interface cables for the display was not concerned about those who would have to repair/replace them. The Vertical Sync cable, in particular, with four flimsy ribbons is a sadistic design. Thanks for the help. I'll let you know how it works.

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Do take a magnifier and inspect the logic board connectors. Look for a discolored or bent pin.

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I'll try that. I've ordered a couple of replacement cables in case that's the problem. Thanks.

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Well, here's the latest. As you recommended, I examined the connectors and found that two of the cables were messed up. I replaced the display data cable and the vertical sync ribbon. I hooked up one cable at a time and tried to start the computer. I began with the LCD thermal sensor cable, then the display data cable followed by the LED backlight power cable finally the vertical sync ribbon. Previously, I could get the computer to start with none of them hooked up but it wouldn't start with all of them hooked up. Hooking them up one at a time and trying to start was successful each time, so that has made some headway. Now the problem is I don't have any video but can hear the computer starting and running. There's no backlight or anything.

I finally found the trouble shooting LEDs and, as far as I can see, LEDs 1-3 are on, but not 4. Unfortunately, I don't have another monitor to try. I don't suppose a regular TV would work would it?

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Out of ignorance, can I bother you to go through the orientation of the 4 different connectors? I think I figured out that on the display data cable, both ends go into their connection fitting with the exposed connections on the bottom. That is, the exposed wires go toward the display on one end and toward the logic board on the other end. Can they be connected the wrong way or do they only fit one way? Sorry for the seemingly trivial questions, but I don't have a lot of experience with the guts of it all.

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What are the diagnostic light showing? If none check the cable to the power supply. Since it's a blind connection it might not be fully plugged in.

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It appears that there are three lighted, but I can't see a fourth. Do the two ends of the display data cable go into the connectors with the open connections down? I assume that is the cable that would keep the display from showing any video, is that right? I can hear the startup and the fans running, but no display.

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Here's an update. I wound up replacing two cables: the display data cable and the vertical sync ribbon cable. I initially installed the display data cable the wrong way. That cable attaches with the wire connectors toward the "upper" side of the connection. In other words, you should be able to see some of the brass connections on the cable after it is installed. There was no visible clue why the original cable wasn't working (no obvious broken, loose or burned indication). On the vertical sync cable, I had messed the 4 thin ribbons up after disconnecting and reconnecting them while trouble shooting. You have to be really careful with those connections, in particular. The other ones are a little more sturdy. Anyway, thanks to all who offered help. Each of you contributed to me finally correcting the problem and saving some money at the same time. I appreciate your time, patience and, most of all, experience and helpful attitude.

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