Fan Error and more

[zaks707]

I have a Thinkpad T43 that is just over 2 years old and recently, within the last 2 weeks, the fan has been acting up and making strange clicking noises and I have been getting a "Fan Error" upon startup and it refuses to boot. I've been doing my best to try to not restart the computer because of this because I don't want to be without my laptop. I did get a chance to open it up when I braved shutting it down and 3 of the blades/fins of the fan had actually broken off and were floating around inside the case. I carefully removed them but this did nothing for the fan clicking and it just not working most of the time. I haven't noticed any change in the computer's operation without the fan running, but I'm sure that it isn't good for it to not be running. I was wondering how hard it would be to replace the fan and/or fan assembly and if there may be some other fix for this that I'm unaware of. Thanks.

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

With a couple of the blades broken off of the fan, even if it is still turning, that may not prove enough air flow to keep the CPU (or video chip) cool. I would suggest that you replace the fan assembly as soon as possible AND to not use the laptop until you do. I know that my T41 runs a little bit cooler than say a T23 or X24, but running without the fan can result in an unstable system. You can use the Hardware Maintenance Manual for the T43 (check the index here for your system's type number) to guide you with the disassembly of the system and the proper part numbers.

[Brad]

I second the welcome!

If you were able to open up your ThinkPad to see and remove the broken blades surely you can replace the fan. There are only a few more screws to remove and replace.

If your ThinkPad has a three year warranty then I would call for service. If its out of warranty fans are available for a reasonable price.

In any case I think replacing your fan will fix your problem.

Brad

[wearetheborg]

Yes, dont use the laptop until the fan has been replaced. Make sure to use thermal grease when replacing the fan assembly