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Fan Error

Performance, hardware, software, general buying and gaming discussion..
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cshuy
Posts: 28
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:05 am
Location: West Des Moines, IA

Fan Error

#1 Post by cshuy » Mon Sep 07, 2009 5:13 pm

My R61e was starting to rattle near the fan area.

I blew it out with compressed air after turning it off.

now it is coming up with a 'fan error'.

I'm guessing this means the fan is burned out. Question is where can I get this replaced?

I have had this computer since March of last year.

Advice?
Formerly owned: Thinkpad 1400i, 750, T30, R61e, Thinkpad SL500, IdeaPad s10-3t
Currently own: X131e Intel, Yoga, and IdeaCentre

stephens241
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:48 am
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Re: Fan Error

#2 Post by stephens241 » Mon Sep 07, 2009 9:26 pm

If you're not be able to find a new fan through Lenovo, you can find both new and used fans on eBay. I just replaced my T42's fan using a unit purchased there. It is not that big of a deal to replace a ThinkPad's fan, but you'll need to know the precise model number rather than simply the fact that you've got a R61e to purchase the proper one. I followed on-line instructions to install my model by simply doing a web search for 'replacing T42 fan' with my model number.

Most computer shops can handle this repair, so long as you have the proper fan, if you are not keen on doing it yourself.

You can probably still run your ThinkPad by pressing the escape key when it boots to inform you of a fan error.

cshuy
Posts: 28
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:05 am
Location: West Des Moines, IA

Re: Fan Error

#3 Post by cshuy » Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:41 pm

I will admit that trying to replace the fan makes me more than a little nervous.

I'm also not entirely sure how much it will cost.
Formerly owned: Thinkpad 1400i, 750, T30, R61e, Thinkpad SL500, IdeaPad s10-3t
Currently own: X131e Intel, Yoga, and IdeaCentre

dr_st
Admin
Admin
Posts: 9692
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 6:20 am
Location: Israel

Re: Fan Error

#4 Post by dr_st » Tue Sep 08, 2009 12:36 am

Following the hardware maintenance manual for your machine should make this task far from complicated.

If you buy the fan new, it comes with thermal paste / pads preapplied so you don't need to worry about obtaining your own paste or spreading it correctly on the surface.

You can always buy from Lenovo/IBM, but sometimes they charge ridiculous prices. So far I haven't found any logic in that. The same part can be found for $30 and for $70 from the same official sources.
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T490 (20N3), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad

stephens241
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:48 am
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Re: Fan Error

#5 Post by stephens241 » Tue Sep 08, 2009 1:41 am

cshuy,

Without a doubt, there are certain problems that can arise with a small project like this. The thermal paste on my T42 got stuck to the motherboard, for example, so it was much tougher than I expected to pry the old fan off. Also, the diagrams captured from on-line did not quite match up with what I had to remove (e.g. an express-card). It took me about 2 hours to figure it all out, which I don't regret because the machine is not such a blackbox to me now.

The only really tedious aspect of the installation is keeping track of which screws go where as you open and close the case from the bottom.

I'll bet your local computer repair shop will install it for about $50 or $75, though.

krayzie
Posts: 28
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 2:45 pm
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Re: Fan Error

#6 Post by krayzie » Tue Sep 08, 2009 12:51 pm

Careful even with Lenovo when ordering repair parts as they could be used / refurbished as well. This was told to me by the agent when I called the following:

IBM Toronto Parts Order Center
1-800-263-2769
plsrep6@ca.ibm.com

I buy my repair parts on eBay from dealers in Hong Kong or Shanghai, much cheaper than with IBM / Lenovo and the parts always arrive new as claimed on the auctions.
Lenovo ThinkPad - Designed in USA - Engineered in Japan - Manufactured in China

ajkula66
SuperUserGeorge
SuperUserGeorge
Posts: 17303
Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 11:28 am
Location: Belgrade, Serbia

Re: Fan Error

#7 Post by ajkula66 » Wed Sep 09, 2009 12:32 am

"Laptopaid" which is pretty highly regarded eBay seller, offers a used fan for $28.80 shipped...not a bad deal IMHO...item # 290343809210

Good luck.
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

Cheers,

George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)

One FlexView to rule them all: A31p

Abused daily: T520, X200s


PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.

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