iMac Troubleshooting Mechanical Issues
Troubleshooting stand or hinge issues
Troubleshooting a computer that feels unusually warm, has unusual odors, or emits excessive noise, hum, or vibrations
Identify issues
Read these articles if you notice any of the following issues:
The computer or power adapter feels unusually warm.
Note: Desktop computers will run hotter and louder during periods of heavier use, as well as during initial setup and Spotlight indexing. This is normal behavior and isn’t considered a service issue.
The computer or power adapter emits a burning, smoky, or other unusual odor.
Note: Odors can be intentional or related to product newness. For example, there may be an unusual odor emitted from some USB-C cables. This odor is intentional to deter chewing by infants and pets.
The computer or power adapter emits noise or vibrations.
The computer emits excessive fan noise.
About fans and fan noise in your Apple product
If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.
Try quick troubleshooting steps
Compare the computer’s operating temperature to a similar computer. Be aware that temperatures and fan speeds fluctuate within a normal range depending on processes running and attached peripherals. Fan speeds may take several minutes to return to idle after heavy processor or I/O activity has ceased. This is normal behavior and isn’t considered a service issue.
Disconnect all peripheral devices from the computer.
Move the computer to a different location and plug the power cord into a different electrical outlet. Then check whether any noise is eliminated. Noise may be related to interference from other electrical devices operating near the computer or plugged into the same power outlet.
Ensure that the computer is on a flat, hard surface in an area that doesn’t block vents. Then check whether temperature issues are eliminated.
Inspect the computer for indications of liquid spills. A liquid spill can short internal circuits and stop fan operation.
Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.
Run manual and diagnostic tests
If your issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or checking for potential causes, run these diagnostic and manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Run the Mac Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite.
Note: This diagnostic suite will verify that thermal sensor readings are within limits. Check MRI results for any power, fan, or thermal warnings or failures.
Open and inspect the computer
If your issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the computer's repair manual to open and inspect the computer. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.
Follow repair manual procedures to open the computer.
Inspect internal components and the enclosure for indications of physical or liquid damage, contamination, or burned or darkened areas.
Inspect the area around the heat sink and each fan for accumulated dust or debris. Use an ESD-safe vacuum or compressed air to carefully remove dust and debris from the heat sink and fans. Ensure that each fan spins freely and is not obstructed.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer's issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Replace the part
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the affected fan.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer's issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.
Troubleshooting stand or hinge issues
Identify issues
Loose stand or hinge
Bent or broken stand or hinge
Run manual tests
Run these manual tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:
Inspect the stand. Verify that the stand securely holds the iMac in its upright position without wobbling when placed on a flat, hard, and smooth surface.
Inspect the hinge mechanism. Adjust the iMac back and forth on its hinge, listening for noise. Check whether the hinge movement feels firm—not tight or loose—as it holds the iMac in position. The hinge should operate smoothly along its entire movement.
Inspect the flange mechanism for impaired hinge movement or damage.
Place the iMac on a flat, solid surface. While another person applies downward pressure to the stand, face the iMac and firmly grasp both sides of the iMac enclosure, then gently attempt to rotate the entire enclosure left and right. The enclosure should not be able to move. Compare this state with a similar iMac model. If the enclosure rotates an abnormal amount, the mechanism mounts inside the enclosure may no longer be securely attached and may require an enclosure replacement.
Place the iMac on a solid, flat surface and check whether one side of the iMac appears to sit higher or lower than the other side.
Verify that both the stand and hinge operate properly and that they securely hold the iMac upright in all appropriate positions.
Replace the part
If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, consider replacing a part:
Replace the stand for stand issues such as wobbling, or if you find damage to the stand.
Replace the flange mechanism if hinge movement is impaired or if you find damage to the flange mechanism.
Replace the enclosure for issues with the iMac being loose on its stand or tilted to one side.
Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the computer's issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.