Fan Error problem

[Tõnis]

My machine is out of warranty, and I've got the "Fan Error" problem. I took the battery out yesterday when cleaning the screen. When I put it back in and powered up there was a noise (like when one touches a metal fan with his fingertips), but then the noise stopped and the computer ran fine. I only used the computer for a short time (maybe 15 minutes) and then either shut it off or hibernated it (I forget which one). When I started it again a little while later, it made the noise again, and some smoke (or dust? it didn't smell like smoke) came out of the fan area. I quickly forced a shutdown by pressing the power button. I tried again later, and after the Thinkvantage screen got the Fan Error message screen.

I called IBM, ordered a new fan, received it overnight, replaced it, but I'm still getting the Fan Error message. I also learned that I could get to Windows by pressing Escape. Windows loads up and works fine. The only problem I can gather is the fan doesn't work. I ordered yet another fan which will come on Monday in case this one is defective, but I'm doubtful that that's the case.

I've done some reading and searching, but I'm at a loss what to do. Here are my questions:

1. Could there be an easy fix, like some setting. that I might be missing? I mean, is there some reset in the BIOS or anywhere else that might fix this? I've never tampered with my BIOS or updated it. Or, is my problem with Power Manager?

2. Could removing my battery before cleaning have somehow caused the problem?

3. Is there anything else I can try if the new fan itself isn't defective, short of sending the machine to Lenovo for a time-consuming and/or costly repair?

Also:

I'm using the computer now with the UltraBay drive removed and a desk fan blowing air into the machine. I'm also running Mobile Meter, and my CPU/CPU/HDD temperature readings are staying steady around 46/41/29 when my external fan is running. Part of the plastic grill next to my heat sink is missing and the heat sink doesn't even get hot with my external fan running. With the fan off, it starts to get hot, and the Mobile Meter readings start to creep upward. Is this okay to do until this problem gets somehow sorted? Are these temperature readings reasonable and how high is too high (in case I want to shut the fan off for awhile)?

Sorry for not searching more, but I'm desperate at this point. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and experience.

Tony

[virge]

I'm using the computer now with the UltraBay drive removed and a desk fan blowing air into the machine. I'm also running Mobile Meter, and my CPU/CPU/HDD temperature readings are staying steady around 46/41/29 when my external fan is running. Part of the plastic grill next to my heat sink is missing and the heat sink doesn't even get hot with my external fan running. With the fan off, it starts to get hot, and the Mobile Meter readings start to creep upward. Is this okay to do until this problem gets somehow sorted? Are these temperature readings reasonable and how high is too high (in case I want to shut the fan off for awhile)?

You can go through the Power Manager program and set the CPU to it slowest setting for both AC and battery. This will help it stay cool (but it will run slower). The temps you have seem to be good for now. I start worrying when I hit 70C for the CPU and 45C for the HDD. Not sure about the GPU but it generally runs hotter than the CPU.

[ajkula66]

What GPU do you have?

[Tõnis]

What GPU do you have?

I'm not sure what that means. If you mean the display adapter, I looked in Device Manager and it lists two "Mobile Intel(R) 965 Express Chipset Family" components. Is that the GPU, or should I look somewhere else?

[Tõnis]

I am using the lowest speed for the most part, Virge. I bought one of those little chill mat fan units to use for now, and the temperatures seem to be staying fine.

I start worrying when I hit 70C for the CPU and 45C for the HDD.

Those parameters are a good guide, so thank you for that.

Tõnis

[virge]

When I put it back in and powered up there was a noise (like when one touches a metal fan with his fingertips), but then the noise stopped and the computer ran fine.

Tõnis, I just reread your post-- it sure sounds like there might be something physically stopping the fan. I know its a long shot, but have you checked to see if three might be something getting stuck in the fan blades? Try plugging it in, but leave it flipped over (not installed), then turn on the power briefly too see if it will spin up. DONT leave it powered on for more than a few seconds because CPU will overheat without the fan and heatsink. Try with both the old and new fan.

Hopefully its a problem with the fan and not motherboard. You may want to also try out the fan in another Thinkpad. What model do you have?

[Tõnis]

Virge, I'm at a loss. I have the new fan already installed, and the machine boots into Windows and runs fine if I press Esc during the fan error. In fact, I've been using it for several days, with an external desk fan and/or usb chill fan under the unit. I'm monitoring the temps with Mobile Meter, and it's running reasonably cool on the low processor setting. It works fine; the factory fan just doesn't work. I'm expecting my 2nd replacement fan from IBM tomorrow to rule out whether the replacement fan they sent me was defective. I think the possibility of that being the case is slim, but, with the amount of defective parts coming right off the shelf in many industries, it's nevertheless a possibility.

Another idea I'm coming across as I read more on line is that the backup battery might need to be replaced. I don't really notice any problem -- it keeps the date and time -- but, I wonder ... does it provide any power to the fan during start up? If so, perhaps it has enough power to perform its other functions but not enough power to do its fan related function. Could that be a possibility? If that is a possibility, I suppose I could also get a can of air and blow it into the fan during start up and see if that fools the BIOS into not giving the error.

Thanks for taking another look. My ThinkPad's an R61. I, too, hope it's not the motherboard ...

[Tõnis]

UPDATE ***** EXCELLENT NEWS ***** UPDATE


I changed the CMOS battery and started the ThinkPad. No change. No whirring fan and an immediate FAN ERROR message/shutdown. I then installed the second fan IBM sent me. It was noticeably different, because it came with the thermal grease already applied. The first one didn't, and I had to apply it. I started the machine up, and it worked properly. The fan is running like a champ.

I still have the chore of returning the first defective fan to IBM and waiting for it to apply a credit to the credit card, but I guess the point to keep in mind is this: so many things fail right out of the box these days. Therefore, if your machine still doesn't work after you replace some obvious part, and you're stumped, try another part to rule out the possibility that the first part is defective.

Thanks again to the members who replied in this thread. Thanks also to this site and to its helpful participants who constantly amend and update the valuable information here.

Tõnis

[virge]

Congrats and thanks for the update. Don't forget to adjust your power settings so that your CPU isn't running on the slowest setting anymore.