Sending in my T43 for repair because of fan noise?

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Senser · #1 Post by **Senser** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:07 am

Hi,

Since I cannot stand the fan noise my T43 fan produces (onces it turns on, it never turns off, and when using TPFanControl it generates a buzzing noise every 5 seconds) I called IBM support this morning. I'm already running the latest BIOS for the T43.

IBM Support claims that the fan noise is not a common problem of the T43 i.e. this could be fixed. Because my laptop is still in warrenty I'll probably send it in for repair. However, I read in other threads that this kind of fan noise is normal behaviour.

Since I really need my machine right now, I've decided to wait a little longer before returning. I'm still questioning about the effect of returning.

Anybody willing to share experience about what they can do to control the fan?

christopher_wolf · #2 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:11 am

Besides TP FCU? Not too much else unless you either use NHC2 and the fan control ACPI script or go into the registry and manually tweak the fan settings for the Power Manager keys.

If it is really making a buzzing noise, then that is beyond just annoying fan noise and an indication of a real problem. Try to get as much done on it now as you can, backup your data, then send it into IBM. It could just turn out to be the fan assembley anyway. At least you will know if it is fixable when you get it back from them.

pipspeak · #3 Post by **pipspeak** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:14 pm

Once my fan turns on it also never goes off, so I thought that was normal (if very annoying). I've also noticed that as my machine gets older (it's now 14 months old) that fan seems to be on more often and at a higher speed, despite no extra load on the machine.

I guess I should give Lenovo a call too.

agarza · #4 Post by **agarza** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 4:26 pm

Have you tried setting the fan speed to manual (1, 2, 3) setting on TP FControl ? What's your laptop temp readings (using TPFCU)?

Probably making a change of heatsink (the one that covers the Northbridge chip) would help, but that depends if your machine is overheating.

nirvana0001 · #5 Post by **nirvana0001** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 6:57 pm

i have the similiar situation, the problem just started last couple weeks. the fan sounds like blowing out, no matter what. sadly can't send in until chirstmas.

Senser · #6 Post by **Senser** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 6:15 am

If it is really making a buzzing noise, then that is beyond just annoying fan noise and an indication of a real problem. Try to get as much done on it now as you can, backup your data, then send it into IBM. It could just turn out to be the fan assembley anyway. At least you will know if it is fixable when you get it back from them.

I'm only hearing the buzzing noise when using TPFanControl with fanspeed > 0. A highly irritating noise, when I don't use TPFanControl, the fan just keeps blowing (which is also higly irritating.

).

Anyone else with the same issue?

christopher_wolf · #7 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 6:19 am

Does it "Pulse" audibly as well?

Senser · #8 Post by **Senser** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 6:26 am

christopher_wolf wrote:Does it "Pulse" audibly as well?

I'm not sure what you mean. The noise is not coming from the speakers. It's a pulsing noise with a 5 second interval.

In other threads I read that the noise is caused by a readout of the fan controller.

christopher_wolf · #9 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 4:58 pm

Well, most noisey Thinkpad fans have the habit of "pulsing." Meaning they quickly accelerate then slow down, then do it again a few seconds later. It has nothing to do with the speakers.

xcgames · #10 Post by **xcgames** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 7:24 pm

pipspeak wrote:Once my fan turns on it also never goes off, so I thought that was normal (if very annoying). I've also noticed that as my machine gets older (it's now 14 months old) that fan seems to be on more often and at a higher speed, despite no extra load on the machine.

I guess I should give Lenovo a call too.

get a cheap duster and blow your fan clean. 14 month I can bet you'll be amazed at the amount of dirt that's currently sitting in your thinkpad.

pipspeak · #11 Post by **pipspeak** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 10:56 pm

xcgames wrote:get a cheap duster and blow your fan clean. 14 month I can bet you'll be amazed at the amount of dirt that's currently sitting in your thinkpad.

I'll give that a go. I presume you can get to the fan assembly by simply taking the keyboard off... or is more required?

Sending in my T43 for repair because of fan noise?

Sending in my T43 for repair because of fan noise?

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