[merrie]

I've had my MacBook Pro since May 2006. I have never had a fan problem. Then, this morning, I can hear a noise near where I am supposing the left fan is. It kind of sounds like a film projector. I have done nothing new to the computer...no updates, no new software, didn't drop it...nothing. What could this be? Is there anything I can do to try to fix it?

[Simon]

Could be your fan and/or MLB. Run Apple Hardware Test (boot from the install DVD, hold 'd'). Does it give an error message?

[merrie]

Ran the test and it showed no errors. Now what?

[Cold Warrior]

Are you running all applicable firmware updates, especially the SMC one(s)?

macbook pro smc fan site:apple.com - Google Search

That google link's top two results deal with the macbook pro and SMC/fan issues.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by merrie 

Ran the test and it showed no errors.

That's a good thing!

Now what?

How much load is on your Mac? Take a look at Activity Monitor and see if there's a process causing a lot of CPU use. Maybe what you're hearing is just the fan running at full blast?

[merrie]

Thanks for the suggestions. I tried to run the update and it told me that I didn't need to update anything. Darn.

The activity monitor shows nothing exciting happening. There was minimal (just the activity monitor) using the CPU and I still hear the noise.

I really don't want to end up having to bring this into an Apple store. It's a ways away from me and I don't want to be without my computer!

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

[MrNo]

Most likely the fan needs to be replaced.
I have had both fans on my MBP replaced within the first six months.
There isn't much you can do but take it to the store. The noise might go away, but there is no guarantee.