Cleaning the fans?

So lately I've been having this intermittent fan chirping problem, and I've just now realized that this sound is coming directly from the vent behind my mac, so I ASSUME the fan may be all gunked up with dust and whatnot since the vent itself was VERY dirty.
My question is, is it possible to remove the imacs back-casing to clean this fan?(if so, how exactly do you do it?) and does this void the applecare warranty or something? I'm weary of blowing canned air into vent directly since that never seems to clean things properly.
Or am I better off taking the computer to an apple store, even if its a simple cleaning issue?

Hi miarque
Vacuuming out the vents probably won't clear up a fan noise, for that you would need to take it in for service!
It would be better to vacuum the dust out rather than blow it deeper into the iMac, but be for you do any vacuuming or blowing first shutdown and disconnect the power. The iMac's main air intake is the grills on the bottom and the HD intake is under the stand, the exhaust is the upper slots on the back.
Dennis

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How do I clean the fan?

My G5 acts up fairly regularly and I think all the service tech did last time was clean the fan. Is this possible? and if so how do I do it (including opening the case).

The case is easy to open ...
http://www.ehow.com/how_5968418_open-g5-tower-case.html
Then if very dirty take it outside, you'll need some compressed air, canned may work but I use a 100 PSI compressor.

I have a hp pavillion 6885se laptop how do i take apart to clean the fans?

my laptop says its a hp dv 6700 model, but registeed as a 6885se so it confuses me product # is kn928ua,
i need to disasemble it to clean the fans and heat sink . the manuals hp gave me isnt getting me there can yall give me the link?

Hi,
Please use the following link:
http://www.insidemylaptop.com/disassemble-hp-pavilion-dv6500-dv6600-dv6700-dv6800-notebooks/
HP does not supply Maintenance & Service guide for dv6800 series, only a bunch of not-so-good manuals:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/DocumentIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&contentType=Support...
but you can use the following manual for reference:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01295877.pdf
Regards.
BH
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It is recommended to clean the fan of the MBP R 13 "?.

Hi, i bought this laptop on january 8 but, the laptop is Late 2012 so, i like to take care of my stuff, i'm very careful. It is ok if i clean the Fan with an spray or something?.

Problem with the Retina's is there is no user serviceable parts inside, so from Apple's standpoint you shouldn't have a reason to enter the inside of the machine to clean the fans and/or temporarily remove them to clean the cooling grill behind them that really get caked up with dust and lint.
Mine dissected was each side being half logged with lint, I removed it in a effort to save the machine but it was too late, you can see the residue.
There is no policy from Apple concerning this maintenance task, so if your under AppleCare or warranty I would advise taking it to them and getting the dumb deer in the headlights look from them because that's very well likely what your going to get.
It serves Apple's purposes and the store employees that your machine dies faster due to overheating because it turns over hardare faster and force you to buy a newer one.
If they discovered you have been inside the machine, stripped screw heads, break tape, painted screw heads etc., then they can void your AppleCare/warranty.
If you got one of the non-Retina's they are user serviceable inside far as hard drive and RAM, so if they found out you cleaned the fans it likely wouldn't be as big of a deal as long as you didn't break anything.
It's been getting worst each time Apple puts out a new piece of hardware as they close things up more and more and rig their hardware for lower turnover rates.
IF you want a machine you can keep a decade instead of only a few years, your going to have to get a Windows 7 tower.

My cpu stays on 3600 rpm. Therefore my fan are on 4800 rpm. Did a smc reset and al the other reset. Help me please. Apple cant help. I even clean the fan.

My cpu stays on 3600 rpm. Therefore my fan's run at 4800 rpm. Did a smc reset and al the other reset. Help me please. Apple cant help. I even clean the fan.
I have tried everything you can find on the net. From unplug the cable cord to cleaning fans. Smc reset en pram reset. Eeven more. Its a Intel imac 24 inch 2009. Help

Hooray, I think I found a solution.
Using terminal commands there actually is a way to force smcFanControl to set a tolerable max rpm for the CPU fan.
WARNING:
Be aware that this solution should only be used if you know what you're doing and you are absolutely sure the CPU fan on your iMac is indeed out of control.
Forcing a low max speed on a healthy CPU Fan with fully functioning sensors can seriously damage your Mac. You have been warned.
The solution:
Install smcFanControl
Go to the terminal and use these commands to regain control of your noisy iMac:
/Applications/smcFanControl.app/Contents/Resources/smc -k F2Mx -w 12c0
This will set the CPU Fan to max at 1200 rpm: (Oh yes!)
To revert to standard settings use:
/Applications/smcFanControl.app/Contents/Resources/smc -k F2Mx -w 3cf0
This will set CPU Fan to max at the default 3900 rpms
You might have noticed that the last 4 digits are the fan speed (in hexidecimal)
Other fan speeds you can try:
1100rpm = 1130
1500rpm = 1770
3900rpm = 3cf0
Now all I need is a way to make the setting permanent. Anyone know how to run the above terminal command automatically on bootup?

Cleaning the fans without opening the case???

I'd like to know if there's a way to clean the iMac fans _without opening it_, and how often should I do this cleaning. My computer is about one year old and I've never cleaned the fans or anything inside the machine.
Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.

Hello,
Never open the iMac, you could void your warranty. Just clean around the vents, keep them as dust free as possible. Here's another thread that might offer some ideas:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6793474
One post offers a link to show you how to take the iMac apart, but I strongly suggest you do not do that.
Carolyn

I just took in my macbook to the apple store to clean the fan because it was starting make a little noise but instead of making it stop it sounds like an airplane about to take off all the time, it doesn't matter what i'm doing. I dont know what to do now

I just took in my macbook to the apple store to clean the fan because it was starting make a little noise but instead of making it stop it sounds like an airplane about to take off all the time, it doesn't matter what i'm doing. I dont know what to do now? any ideas on how to make it stop?

take it back asap. If it wasn't doing it before they cleaned the fans, they may have accidentally done something that is causing this behavior.

How do I clean the fans on my 2011 macbook pro 13inch

I have a early 2011 macbook pro 13 inch. It travels with me every where I go. I have had the computer almost three months now and have not had a problem with it. Some how, debris got in to the fans. I am thinking it some how got sucked in to one of the intake vents. I hear it (not often) ratteling when I move the computer or tilt it ECT. It sounds like somthing is blowing around in the fan. It is a scarry sound. At first I thought it was the hard disk. I know it is not the hard disk because I was listening to the computer when it was making the sound and it is comming from the back end of the computer, nowhere near where hard disk is located. My question is, How do I clean/ remove the debris? should I be concernd? other than that the computer runs normaly

Personally, I wouldn't touch them directly. Use a vaccum (don't use one of those compressed air cans) to vacuum out all the stuff/dust/hair/etc. Do not try to remove them. Do not try to shove a stick or something in it.

How much does it cost to clean the fan for T410s?

Out of warranty, the fan is noisy and CPU overheats whenever heavily loaded.
It's too much work to change it by myself. Just wonder how much will it cost?
Thanks in advance.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

I am not a fan (no pun intended) of blowing into the vents with the machine assembled. Most of the junk blows back into the machine. I think if it has had enough use in a dusty environment, it should be disassembled. I would disassemble the fan, clean the bearing surfaces, re-lubricate and reassemble, but if you are not comfortable with that sort of repair, replace the fan, or at least remove it before blowing it out.

How to clean the fans on Satellite M40X-129

How to clean up the hardware, the ventilation from cooling system is dirty,and its so fast overheat, is that allowed and possible and how to open the casing? if i do that, is that mean i broke the sealed and dont have warranty/garanty from Toshiba anymore?

Hi Jimi,
thanxs for your information about the warranty.
so as long as we still have the waranty, better not to open it (>.<)
and with vacuum cleaner, WHY I DONT ever think about it ;p so simple.
but if the waranty expired, i want to see inside the cover (uh oh, i like to see everything bout compt BAD HABIT EH?
Is there a manual instruction from Toshiba how to open the cover safely?
Thxs once more

How to clean a fan in a dv4 1123us laptop

Hello,
for some time I have a loud noise from the fan and I want to clean the fan from dust?
How can I clean it?I am not sure where and how to open the laptop from the back in order to get to the fan itself.
if u have a manual or something it will be great.
Thanks for the help.

heres a video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xFM3pvABbg
edit:
be careful
edit 2:
do it only after you watched it 3-4 times and dont do it if you still arent confident
give it to service
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My iMac goes to sleep and does not wake up, the fans also make a loud noise

My iMac has just had its hardisk replaced, few months ago. Now whenever I go into any website, do downloads and when it goes into screensaver it makes a **** of a noise then when I leave it it does not go into sleep but shuts down. If I try and restart straight away it won't switch on I have to wait a while. I think it gets very hot and might be shutting down. I have cleaned the fans and reset the SMU and PRAM. Any other suggestions or do I need to replace the fans???????????????????

You certainly have a heat problem, since the machine needs to cool down before you can turn it back on. Have you opened the case (as long as it's not an iSight) and vacuumed the fans and air vents? If that doesn't help, you will probably need to take it in to be looked at. Have you checked t see if you qualify for one of Apple's Repair extension programs?

Cleaning the dirt from fans?

How do I clean the dirt from my Macbook Pro's fans?
I've had my laptop for about 2 years now and I try and clean it on a regular basis, and it never really had any fan or overheating problems, but the past few months the notebook gets really hot and the fan sounds like it's going nuts whenever I try to stream or view videos.
I've reset the PRAM already so it isn't that, I was thinking that the fans might be dusty, as someone I know had a similar problem with their HP laptop and they cleaned out a 3/8" piece of dust/dirt from the fans and now it runs smooth.

Reset the SMC, a PRAM reset doesn't do anything for the fans. The correct process is:
_SMC RESET_
• Shut down the computer.
• Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
• On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
• Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
• Press the power button to turn on the computer.
If that still doesn't work then remove the back cover of the computer and use a vacuum to remove dust from the fan area. This is easily done if you have a unibody MBP.

Dusty iMac G5, will cleaning inside slow the fans?

I've noticed in the past few weeks that the fans in my iMac definately sound louder than they were previously and i also recently opened up the RAM slot at the bottom and there was a lot of dust in there as its always been kept and used in a dusty room. I've tried resetting the SMU but this hasn't made a difference to the fans. Is it likely that the dust will be causing the higher fan speeds, and will it pose a heat problem in the long term? If so can i clean it inside myself or should i take it to an apple centre?
Stats:
CPU fan speeds of 1640 to 1700 rpm idle, 2000 when intensive
CPU temp 60/61 C idling, peaks at 72/73 C
Processor is/has always been set on Highest
iStat Pro idling:
Temperatures (C)
CPU: 61
GPU: 68
Incoming Air: 20
HD: 44
GPU Ambient: 27
OD: 38
Mem Controller: 77
Fans
CPU: 1650 RPM
HD: 1450 RPM
OD: 1330RPM
iMac G5 (iSight) Mac OS X (10.4.7) 1.5GB RAM

Hi there,
I don't think the temps are all that out of line. Compared to my iSight, only the CPU fan speed is significantly higher, everything else you show is only slightly higher or the same. The higher CPU Fan speed is probably explained to you keeping your Processor on 'Highest', you might want to change this to 'Auto' and see if that helps.
Other than trying to clean the inside of your iMac, I would suggest looking into running the Maintenance Scripts here: http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/maintscripts.html - I use the Terminal method, I have noticed my machine runs quieter, cooler and more consistent. I highly recommend trying this.
As far as cleaning, I cannot imagine how you would remove the back yourself w/o causing some light damage to the Mac. I talked to an Apple Specialist about this, and he said it can be done but you need a special tool to remove back, the back is only 'pressed into place'.
Good luck, Rick
iMac G5 iSight 20" - 30G iPOD in Slimming Black - Mac OS X (10.4.7) - HP Pav 15" WS and Toshiba Sat 17" WS LP's - Canon 20D & A620

Fan Error Lenovo T500 T510 T400 T410 T60 T61 - rejuvinating the fan

I finally got that dreaded "Fan Error" at boot time on my T500. After some research on this board, this is what I have concluded:
1- hit Escape, and the machine will boot. It can do a lot of stuff without a fan turning. Gaming caused it to overheat. Either the processor would slow down (by being intermittant) or you get the black screen of death.
2- It is relatively easy to follow the Hardware Maintenence Manual and remove the fan and heatsink assembly. Once the assembly is removed, pry open the fan, and remove the blades and clean and lubricate the shaft. My fan restarted, and the Fan Error went away. No need to replace the fan.
3- Unfortunately the machine overheats now (black screen of death), even though the fan does operate. I traced this to a too liberal application of the thermal joint compound. Made the compound a very thin film, and that seems to have helped. Also when replacing heat sink assembly and before bolting it, wiggle it while pressing on it so the thermal joint compound spreads itself at the surfaces of contact. This seems to have helped.
Anything else that you may want to add to this thread?

lxgw wrote:
Thanks a lot! It makes sense.
Yes, I have been using the ESC bypass for some time, untill I really could not stand by anymore--the over heating.
I am thinking about manipulating the fan 'manually', if it could pass the booting, very good; if not, it's not completely unacceptable to run a small program@startup along with the work.
Not ready to say bye yet, will keep trying.
Thanks again!
So if you hit ESC, does your fan work normally, or do you overheat? I had the impression that your fan would work normally if you hit ESC.
My fan was always a problem on the T500 (not on my new W540). It was extremely noisy and was constantly on even at no load times. So I opened the laptop and cut one of the 3 wires on the fan (I am sure it is a power wire), and installed a manual switch. So when the thing overheated, I could manually turn the fan on. This worked for about a week and then something gave up, and the fan stopped working altogether. (don't fix something that is not broken!) I had to take the front cover off, and place a PC fan in the top left corner to cool the radiator. This was not as effective as the original fan, but let me do my job. Then the loose switch on this ersatz fan one day accidentallyshorted the fluoroscent backlight PC board of my display and I lost my display backlight! I had to pry open my display and using two 60W bulbs project light to the back of the LCD so I could read the display! This is when I decided to punt and ordered the W540. The fan is quiet and works when it has to work.

Cleaning the fans?

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