Power Mac G4 Cube: Troubleshooting: Power: Random Activation of the Power Button

This article describes how a small number of Power Mac G4 Cube computers may self-activate the power switch.

Power Switch Information

The power button of the Power Mac G4 Cube computer is designed to function by sensing changes of static capacitance when a finger touches it. Pressing the power button when:

• the computer is off will turn it on.
• the computer is on and awake will put it to sleep.
• the computer is on and in sleep mode will awaken it.
• the computer is on and awake or in sleep mode will cause the computer to shut down if held for at least five seconds.

Symptom

A small number of Power Mac G4 Cube computers may exhibit the following symptoms without user interaction:

• If the computer is on, it may turn off or go to sleep.
• If the computer is off, it may turn on or wake up.

Products affected

• Power Mac G4 Cube

Solution

If your computer is experiencing any of the above symptoms, try the following steps:

1. Make sure the computer is on a sturdy, flat surface.
2. Make sure there is nothing on the top of the Power Mac G4 Cube computer.
3. Check the settings in the Energy Saver control panel. The computer may be in sleep mode according to these settings.
4. Verify the power adapter is plugged securely into the Power Mac G4 Cube computer.
5. Verify the A/C power cord is plugged securely into the wall socket and the power adapter.
6. Remove and reinstall the DC-to-DC Converter card.

For assistance with this step, review article 88037: "Power Mac G4 Cube: Power Switch Lights up, but Computer Does Not Turn On".

7. The computer may require the replacement of the power button gasket. Contact Apple to determine if a gasket replacement is appropriate for your computer.

If following the above steps do not solve the issue, contact Apple for further troubleshooting assistance.

Visit the AppleCare Web site for directions on how to contact Apple at http://www.apple.com/support/products/overview.html