topic Re: T2XP fan failure in PCs & Accessories

T2XP fan failure

RseanV — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:12:15 GMT

Newbie here!

My T2XP is getting very hot and I think it's because the CPU fan has failed.

Some interesting noises coming from inside, but I can't be 100% certain that it's not the HDD making the noise.

I've tried turning the fan speed settings up and down to see if I can change the noise but to no avail - makes me think it is the fan that's died.

Anyone tried changing one of these fans? Is it easy to get to?

Many thanks,

Seán.

Re: T2XP fan failure

itbroker — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:07:02 GMT

I would like to suggest to send the computer to be repaired. I think that is the best solution... :smileygrin: The computer still on warranty ?

Re: T2XP fan failure

Thalamus. — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:36:02 GMT

Hi Seán,

welcome to Club Vaio..

What is the normal running temperature of your Vaio..?

If you're unsure PCWizard is a handy application to check your Vaio’s temperature. To download use the following link: PC Wizard

If your vaio is getting hot you may need to first try clearing the cooling vents of dust with compressed air (you should be able to get this from your local PC shop), holding the can upright give the vents a short blast from a distance of approx. 10cm if you hold the can to close you could damage the fan..

If you do not notice any improvement then your vaio may need to be disassembled in order to deep clean the fan and cooling vents.

Re: T2XP fan failure

RseanV — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:54:09 GMT

Thalamus,

Thanks for that. I've downloaded and run PCWizard and it shows the HDD temperature is 39C (Don't know if that is normal or not).

I gave the fan a blast of air(butane) last week, to no avail.

I've also had the keyboard out today and brush away some dust off the fan. It still turns but I didn't want to run the machine in pieces in case I managed to wreck it with static, so I've not actually seen the fan turn under power.

I can't think of anything else to try, so does anyone know a repair shop either in SW France or SE UK?

Thanks again,

Seán.

Re: T2XP fan failure

Thalamus. — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:36:16 GMT

I've downloaded and run PCWizard and it shows the HDD temperature is 39C (Don't know if that is normal or not).

Hi Seán,

what temperatures are reported by PCWizard for the Processor and Graphics (GPU) .?

Re: T2XP fan failure

itbroker — Wed, 14 May 2008 07:47:23 GMT

First, try the following solution (which does not apply to every VAIO model):

1. Restart your VAIO.
2. Press F2, when you see the Sony Logo.
3. In the BIOS, select Power with the arrow keys.
4. Select Thermal Control Strategy and press ENTER.
5. Select Silence.
6. Press F10 and then ENTER to save the changes and exit.

If the above option is not available in the BIOS:

1. Right-click the Powerpanel icon in the system tray.
2. Click Edit/Create Profiles, then double-click Thermal Control Strategy-Performance.
3. Change the settings to Quiet.

About your question...

I can't think of anything else to try, so does anyone know a repair shop either in SW France or SE UK?

You will find the best way to repair your Sony Vaio in United Kingdom / France / ... here...

Re: T2XP fan failure

RseanV — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:03:41 GMT

Thalamus,
There are no other temperature indicator apart from the HDD.
The 'Voltage, Temperature and Fans' button gives the following data:

Hardware Monitoring :
Voltage CPU :0.81 V
Battery :7.66 V
 :
Hard Disk Monitoring :S.M.A.R.T
Hard Disk Temperature HTC426060G9AT00 :42 °C

itbroker,

Thanks for that. I've tried disable the fan via power settings, but it makes no difference to the sound = dead fan! If I can get hold of a fan, would it be easy to change? Laptop is nearly 3 years old, so I think it's out of warranty .

Thanks,

Seán.

Re: T2XP fan failure

itbroker — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:15:01 GMT

RseanV,

Another possibility to see the temperature from your laptop (for FREE :smileygrin: ) is here...

Re: T2XP fan failure

Thalamus. — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:15:13 GMT

Thalamus,
There are no other temperature indicator apart from the HDD.
The 'Voltage, Temperature and Fans' button gives the following data:

Strange..

You should see something like the image below..

I have sent you a guide, that should help if you want to open and investigate your Vaio, via a Private Message, use the following link to view your messages: Private Messages

Re: T2XP fan failure

RseanV — Thu, 15 May 2008 20:58:44 GMT

itbroker,

Thanks for the link. SpeedFan can't see the CPU fan either, so I thin k it's the fan that died.

Seán.

Re: T2XP fan failure

itbroker — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:05:44 GMT

Seán,

I have 100% sure about the software Everest.

You will be able to see the temperature and a lot more info from your CPU.

See the features here...
To download the trial version here...

Re: T2XP fan failure

RseanV — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:07:19 GMT

itbroker,

I've downloaded the software and the CPU temp is 76C, quite hot!

I've also been on to Sony - they reckon £278 to replace the fan (Not sure if that is inc VAT or not) plus £107 courier fees - Ouch!

Will have a good look at the fan again and see if it is worth having a go at changing it myself.

Thanks to you & Thalamus for all your help & guidance.

Seán.

Re: T2XP fan failure

Thalamus. — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:10:39 GMT

Thanks to you & Thalamus for all your help & guidance.

You're welcome Seán, did you receive the Private Message I sent you earlier.?

Re: T2XP fan failure

RseanV — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:26:22 GMT

Hi Thalamus,

Yes I got the PM & PM'd you a reply.

Thanks,
Seán.

Re: T2XP fan failure

Thalamus. — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:32:24 GMT

I've also been on to Sony - they reckon £278 to replace the fan (Not sure if that is inc VAT or not) plus £107 courier fees - Ouch!

Ouch indeed, hopefully your problem is caused by a dust build-up..

Re: T2XP fan failure

itbroker — Wed, 21 May 2008 02:16:57 GMT

Welcome Seán :smileygrin: .

Re: T2XP fan failure

RseanV — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:25:40 GMT

Finally got to the fan: it's a Toshiba MCF-513AM05-1, DC5V 250mA. and it's as dead as a Dodo!
A quick google reveals A. quite a history of these failing & B: they're v. expensive! ~$120.

Not sure yet how to get the fan off the m'board or where to source another.

Does anyone know if I could buy one directly from Sony?

Reluctant to pay the £278 Sony want to repair it as the whole computer locked up last night as the processor overheated, so the whole thing may go west at any time.

Any further ideas much appreciated.

Sean.

Re: T2XP fan failure

itbroker — Thu, 22 May 2008 10:39:40 GMT

I found the same FAN Toshiba DC5V 180mA, MCF-513AM05 here... EUR 17.09 (In Stock). (Worldwide Delivery).

Not sure yet how to get the fan off the m'board or where to source another.

I will send 4U a guide (Private Message).

Does anyone know if I could buy one directly from Sony?

I tried to found here in our website, but without success.

Best Regards,

ItBroker.

Re: T2XP fan failure

RseanV — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:11:16 GMT

Thanks, itbroker, I've just ordered one so hopefully will be able to fit it next week.

The T2XP still runs for a while but then locks up. Do you think I've wrecked the processor?

Thanks again for your help.

Seán.

Re: T2XP fan failure

itbroker — Sat, 24 May 2008 08:51:43 GMT

Nop. I don't think so...

After you change the fan, everything will be ok. :smileygrin: