It's making these really odd grinding noises like somethings stuck in it -- but theres nothing but dust. I've tried cleaning it out however its still not working. Now, I turn on the computer and it works for about 5 minutes and then shuts down and the fan isn't working all together.
[No, I didn't take apart the computer to check the problem/clean it. I blew at it to remove dust and a good amount came out..]
2007-01-15 11:54:21 · 6 answers · asked by Hmm. 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
The fan is either very dirty, or needs servicing. The grinding may indicate either something is stuck in the rotating blade (on the inside where you cannot see it) or that the bearings inside the motor itself are giving out. You were smart to not try to open the laptop up as you would void any remaining coverage, and there is a good chance of damage if you are not a trained technican.
I would stop using the laptop and take it to a local service dept. If you have CompUsa or a reputable small business Id go there. It might run about $55.00 (the standard service fee) but you could be saving your laptop (and the price of replacing it). If the fan stops, turn off the system at once or you will in a very short time burn out your laptop.
2007-01-15 12:02:32 · answer #1 · answered by Chillyboy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most fans these days sill use bearings, and what I would imagine has happened is that the buildup of dust put a constant strain on the fan after it reached a certian point. By the time you started hearing that grinding / whisteling noise, thats an indicator a bearing was bad.
Take your can of air, and blow the fan for a second, then stop... does the fan still turn freely or does it stop almost as soon as you stop applying air?
If it stops really quick, you need to replace the fan, otherwise, your endangering your processor / motherboard
2007-01-15 19:59:40 · answer #2 · answered by Brent T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My IBM T23 has a similar problem - it does not start at times, since POST detects a stuck fan. What I do is blow hard into the place where the fan is there, probably that starts it moving - and then turn on the laptop. It has worked for me the last 50 times or so.
If the fan is really stuck, then the machine shuts down so the CPU would not overheat and melt the surrounding plastic. It is a defense mechanism.
2007-01-15 19:58:43 · answer #3 · answered by RS 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not try taking the case apart, then using compressed air to blow the dirt out.
The likely culprit is what a previous poster suggested, a fan clogged up with dirt/dustballs and can no longer turn, so the computer senses this and shuts down to prevent overheating.
I really believe a good, thorough cleaning is what you need to resolve the problem.
2007-01-15 20:01:05 · answer #4 · answered by InspectorBudget 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They sell replacement fans at radio shack and places like that . They are actually very simple to install. Otherwise you might need a new computer.
2007-01-15 19:58:56 · answer #5 · answered by tokes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fan itself may be bad! Contact the manufacturer and see if they can help you with tips or a new fan if it's under warranty.
2007-01-15 19:58:15 · answer #6 · answered by chris 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋