HP Laptop - cooling fan issues

Flat_Eric

I've had my HP laptop since late July 2013. (its a pavilion G6) Recently when I've gone to use it/switched it on, I've received a message telling me its detected the cooling fan isn't operating or can't be detected (or words to that effect) and that its going to switch itself off in 15 seconds. I'm a bit miffed about this to be honest because I've tried my best to look after it. Its rarely moved from its spot and I've tried to be strict about not eating while using it. My last laptop lasted at least 5 years and I was never as careful with it! but this has lasted no time at all and I suspect given its 13 odd months old is out of warranty.

Now the helpful info when I get the message directs me to the HP support webpage which I will be looking into but meanwhile, what are my options. The laptop has been complaining about the cooling fan on and off for 2/3 weeks. It took ages to switch on today and as with previous occasions works fine once switched on - i.e doesn't switch itself off or get hot.

I guess I can return it to HP for servicing but this will of course cost me - I have no idea how much eg there will no doubt be courier costs and then I'd be worried about it getting damaged while in transit plus there will be repair/part costs? and of course I don't like the idea that its got all my personal stuff on.

I'm not sure what to do for the best really? I don't really want the expense of buying a new laptop. I thought buying another HP laptop was a good choice. and I wondered what if anything people can suggest? are there any home fixes i can try? There is no dust visible in any of the areas at the back of the laptop so I am a bit puzzled unless the laptop has just got confused and *thinks* the fan isn't working. Thank you for reading.

Kojak12

Fans are essential to protect your PC. Use it without one functioning and risk destroying your data. Fan issues are pretty common with laptops and PC's. Sadly if you are out of the warranty period then HP are not going to do anything for free.

You either need to pay to have it fixed or girdle you loins and try and do it yourself. There are plenty of guides to help you if you do a search like "HP pavillion G6 fan issues".
Youtube guide; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLXe2LJXpBs
Guide; http://busifix.co.uk/how-to-fix-system-fan-90b-error-on-a-hp-pavilion-g6-laptop/
A local PC shop should be able to sort it out for you as will be doing fan fixes all the time.

NiftyDigits

Check if there is a BIOS update

Flat_Eric

Thank you both.

Flat_Eric

Hello. I posted this previously. Unfortunately, the cooling fan issue persists.

I think its going to need to go for repair but I don't know whether to try someone like the computer repair shop in my local town, p c world or someone affiliated with HP?

What would you recommend?

espresso

Flat_Eric wrote: »

What would you recommend?

Put the cross stitch needles down and pick up a screwdriver. It's easy when you know how - see here

Notice the fluff ball that is removed approx half way though the video, that prevents sufficient air flow.

Flat_Eric

espresso wrote: »

Put the cross stitch needles down and pick up a screwdriver. It's easy when you know how - see here

Notice the fluff ball that is removed approx half way though the video, that prevents sufficient air flow.

We've tried to get at the cooling fan but are having serious issues removing the keyboard

cajef

Flat_Eric wrote: »

I think its going to need to go for repair but I don't know whether to try someone like the computer repair shop in my local town, p c world or someone affiliated with HP?

What would you recommend?

If you don't feel capable of doing it yourself then the first option would be the best, whatever you do don't take it to PC World.

Flat_Eric

cajef wrote: »

If you don't feel capable of doing it yourself then the first option would be the best, whatever you do don't take it to PC World.

P c world is probably my least preferred option. £50 minimum charge plus parts. pfttt

cookie365

Service manual here:
https://www.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02770249.pdf

But removing the fan involves basically a complete strip down of the laptop.

So unless you fancy investing the time out of curiosity, and don't mind the risk that it won't work when you put everything back together again (assuming it does all fit back together again!) then paying a local techie shop to do it would be your best bet.

OneADay

I had the misfortune to purchase a cheap HP laptop in 2012. Immediate issue noisy fan, then it would stop on boot/restart with bios reporting its not working. I updated the bios, tried a different OS (it had Windows 8 on it when I got it - no good).

Only thing that reduced the noise a little was the power settings in Windows - if you lower tem to power saving it would whir a little less (especially with using it for playing videos/flash online).

Eventually returned it to HP who replaced the motherboard and returned it to me. No good-it remains to this day with the same problems.

One solution for reducing the error being reported on boot is to try to clean the fan from the outside (without opening laptop) - blow cool air into when its powered down to remove any dust that might have built up.

Other than its pretty pointless wastng any money on it.