PowerBook G4 Internal Cooling Fans

[Marrk]

1) How many internal cooling fans are there on a PowerBook G4 17"

2) What can I do to diagnose whether or not the fans are working?

3) How hard is it to replace a fan? Where does one get the parts?


My 8 year old PowerBook G4 17" is running pretty well, but I am wondering about the internal cooling fan(s). If there is more than one fan, then it sounds like only one fan is coming on. Also, the fan comes on somewhat early, even though this is a machine that has always run very hot.

Any thoughts? Is there some kind of diagnostic software that I could download that would tell me if the fans are working?

Thanks!

 

[chscag]

These two web sites should be able to answer all your questions regarding your Powerbook and parts availability:

1. iFixit: The free repair manual

2. www.powerbookmedic.com

 

[harryb2448]

iStat Pro is a widget which may well be the go for tou:-

iStat Pro, a Dashboard Widget by iSlayer


Also this should put your mind at rest. Note the 140 degree F temperature:-

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1661517&tstart=-1

 

[Marrk]

iStat Pro is a widget which may well be the go for tou:-

iStat Pro, a Dashboard Widget by iSlayer


Also this should put your mind at rest. Note the 140 degree F temperature:-

Apple - Support - Discussions - Powerbook G4 running hot... never hear ...

This ought to quickly get me in over my head!

iStat on my MPB 13" tells me that I have one Exhaust fan and it is running at 1994 rpm. How is that possible? Not to mention that I can't hear a thing.

 

[Marrk]

Houston, we have a problem.

The bad news is that the right fan is not coming on. The very bad news is that you have to take the entire computer apart to replace the heat sink (the two fans). Sixty-one steps! I wouldn't trust a so-called qualified technician to do this, let alone a driveway weekend mechanic like me.

Dang.

 

[harryb2448]

Well Marrk without being cruel, eight years is a dashed good run. Spend a buck and get an Intel MacBook or iMac.

 

[Marrk]

Thanks, Harry. No "cruelty" taken.

I would spend bucks to fix the PB G4, or to do it myself, but the amount of work involved makes me nervous.

Re my earlier post: iStat says my MBP 13" exhaust fan is running all the time, usually around 1994-2100 rpm. Is this possible? I don't hear it at all.

 

[harryb2448]

Well Marrk you are not the obn ly one with this problem on a G4 PB:-

Powerbook G4 12" Fan, not what you're thinking - MacRumors Forums

Sounds like some of the posters your PB V may be on its last legs with MB dying.

 

[Marrk]

Update:

I bought the G4FanControl 0.6.1. The good news is — well, it's all good news, really — my right fan does, in fact, work. I haven't heard it come on in years, but when I used the G4FanControl to adjust the Threshold Settings, it not only came on, but it ran at variable speeds. This means the fans are functional and I do not have to take the PB apart and replace the heat sink/fans.

So, my question is: What should I set the Threshold Settings at? This thread:

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/apple-notebooks/232498-fan-control-question.html

seems to argue that we should leave everything at the factory settings.

Also, can someone tell me what each sensor (Sensor 1, Sensor 2, and Sensor 3) does? Obviously, they are temperature sensors, but for what parts of the computer?

Lastly, is wearing out the fans by setting the sensors at lower thresholds a concern? Have there been a lot of fan failures?

Thanks!