Fan Error but fan is spinning

[ndee]

Hey there,
I have a T42p and all of a sudden when I try to start my machine, I get the message "Fan error" and after a couple seconds, it turns off.

Now, I removed the keyboard just to see if the fan is working and it actually was. So I'm wondering, what else could be the problem?

[richk]

It could still be the fan (spinning too slow or not right signal going back). It could also be the motherboard

[Stargate199]

I wonder if it could also be the CMOS battery. Older Thinkpads that got a fan error code could also be caused by a dead CMOS. That would be a quick and cheap fix if that is the problem.

[richk]

That's true about the CMOS battery, but when I have seen that condition, the battery has been bad enough to lose a lot of time also.

[wearetheborg]

I wonder if it could also be the CMOS battery. Older Thinkpads that got a fan error code could also be caused by a dead CMOS. That would be a quick and cheap fix if that is the problem.

Thats interesting. Do you guys think my T30 might be suffering from this problem ?
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=46189
Its been in heavy use for 6+ years, Probably last 4 years been on 24/7/365.
Before it died, it would also randomly freeze.
Also, on many occasions, when I booted up, it would ask me to set the time.

[Jason986]

Also, on many occasions, when I booted up, it would ask me to set the time.

That's the classic sign the CMOS battery is shot. Replace it and you should be back in business.