Fan Error

[dogtag1968]

I'm having an issue with my R40 on startup. It dosen't happen all the time, but when it does it really makes me nervous.

After the IBM splash screen the computer makes 2 loud beeps and displays "Fan Error", then shuts off. I have only had the lappy for @ a month and didn't have this happen until after about a week. On restart I was able to press F1 and enter Bios Setup. I didn't do anything to the bios but after exit the computer started up and ran fine.

It happened a couple more times and I would repeat what I did the last time with success. But this morning when after having it off for a couple days, it wouldn't even let me into bios setup.

So after unplugging the ac adapter and removing the battery I used a paper clip and moved the fan and blew into the fan, hooked everything back up and it started and ran fine.

I hope I've explained everything well enough to be able to get some help with this, or at least some thoughts and ideas.


TIA,

Robin

[geofho]

Dogtag1968,

Hi, I know you posted this awhile ago so might have already found out what is wrong with your computer, but because I was having the same problem (and still am) I want to share what I know.

I also use a R40, but mine is exactly 4 years old now. Before getting the "Double Beep Fan Error" problems, for about a month, my laptop would have really strange loud fan noises, sometimes right at startup, sometimes during the middle of typing a paper. After that I replaced the heatsink and fan (bought a spare part on ebay) and that solved the problem for about 2-3 weeks. Ever since then, for the next 4 months I've just kept getting the messages but I just keep restarting until the computer starts.

A few things could be the problem:

1. The fan is dirty and is having a hard time keeping the computer cool.
2. The heatsink is having "connection" problems with the motherboard, making the motherboard think that there is no fan at all.
3. The fan is worn out and does not cool the computer enough.

Since your comp is new, I assume since you said you just got it, I highly doubt this is a problem of the heatsink/fan being worn out or dirty. You could try to apply some heatsink paste to the place where the motherboard connects to the heatsink.

[vanaya]

I had the same problem. It made noise for about 2 days before I opened her up. Since the heatsink/fan are easy to get to, I completely removed the fan and blew air out of it with canned air. Replaced it and powered up. That is when it would not boot with fan error.

So I took the fan back out and soaked a toothpick with wd-40. I tilted the fan so that I can rub the toothpick on to the bearings on both sides. I have not had any problems since then. I know this is not the recommended solution, so try at your own risk.

[dogtag1968]

Hey guys, thanks for your replys.
Since I posted the last post, I have'nt had any problems.

I use Notebook Hardware Control 2.0- Personal Edition, and the lappy has been running this seccion for a little over 12 hours and the CPU Temp is 40 degrees Celcius, and HDD temp is 45 degrees C. Altho I am using a laptop cooler.

Well if the Monster raises it's head again, I'll repost.

Once again, thank you.

Robin