Left fan not working?

[gekrecords]

My fan in my MacBookPro was making an odd noise for a while. Then it randomly stopped, problem solved, right?

I don't think so.

The left side of the MBP has been getting extremely hot under load, unbearable to touch hot. I loaded up iStat in the dashboard, and the left fan is constantly registering 0rpm, even when the right fan is doing anywhere from 1,000 - 5,000rpm.

Is this just a glitch in the program, or do I have a big issue here? I called Applecare, they recommended that I take the computer to an Apple store. Great, closest one is 500+ miles away in Salt Lake City. Then they recommended that I take it to an Apple service provider, luckily there is one here (a single one, might I add). They told me that they couldn't even look at the computer without me paying their upfront service charges. Wait, I thought I purchased the Applecare warranty for a reason here.

Not only that, but this computer is my life. I am a full-time working radio/club DJ, and EVERYTHING I do is on my MBP. Kinda hard to take my G5 to gigs. There is no way I can be without this thing for 2+ weeks that the local provider said it would take.

Any ideas?

 

[MacHeadCase]

Run the Hardware Test (Extended Test) on your Mac. You might get this type of result:

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70377&highlight=fan+stop+working

If it is a hardware problem, nothing much you can do trying to fix it with software troubleshooting tricks and you'll be better off taking it in.

 

[cwa107]

Well, the good news is that if your machine were running greatly out of spec (heat-wise), it would turn itself off. So, you can safely use it for now, providing that it's not constantly turning off on you.

The bad news is that it sounds like you have a bad fan. My understanding is that authorized Apple service providers should honor the Apple warranty. Are you sure they weren't just looking for a deposit? If not, my first thought would be to ask Apple about the requested service fee. The second would be to have the machine depot-repaired.

I understand you can't cut it loose very long, but it looks like your options are geographically very limited.

 

[cwa107]

Run the Hardware Test (Extended Test) on your Mac. You might get this type of result:

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70377&highlight=fan+stop+working

If it is a hardware problem, nothing much you can do trying to fix it with software troubleshooting tricks and you'll be better off taking it in.

I should have thought of that - excellent advice (virtual rep to you, MHC!)

 

[gekrecords]

Ran the test.

Here is the error I got:

4SNS/1/40000000:'TCOP'

I am researching it now, but if anyone has any additional information, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MacHeadCase]

I should have thought of that - excellent advice (virtual rep to you, MHC!)

Thank you kind sir!

Ran the test.

Here is the error I got:

4SNS/1/40000000:'TCOP'

I am researching it now, but if anyone has any additional information, it would be greatly appreciated.

Yep your research will turn up a few entries on Google and they point to fans having to be replaced and another one about a bad screen (?!?).

 

[gekrecords]

Just got off the phone with Applecare.

That error is a logic board error. They are sending me a box, to ship it back to Apple. 5-7 business day turnaround they told me, anyone else had any experience with this?

 

[christm]

ooouuucccchhhhh ! well i hope its fixed ok in the end. good luck

 

[MacHeadCase]

Logic board? Holy moly! Thanks for keeping us up to date about this.

I hope it gets repaired fast and well.

Remember that once you get your MBP back, you will have to ask for the serial number of your MBP: the one you now have will be deleted as it is related to the logic board. If they change the logic board, the serial number changes too.

This article might help you when you get it back, MacBook Pro: How to find the Serial Number.

Good luck! And let us know how it goes.

 

[christm]

nice post macheadcase. very useful thing to know as apple need your serial number when they phone you or you phone them for technical support.