[jackg]

Hello.

I have a macbook that is a little over 2 years old. A month ago it started shutting off periodically for no apparent reason. Paying closer attention I noticed that the fans were not coming on, and that the macbook was shutting off when it reached a certain temperature.

I downloaded smcfancontrol and sure enough the fans are dead. I use it to monitor the temperature of my mac and not let it get too hot. Obviously this isn't a good long term solution.

I do not have apple care, and I don't live anywhere near an apple store. I'll have to take it to an authorized dealer (who sucks) and they'll send it in to apple. But I'm curious how much this will run me? Does anyone have any idea? If it's 500 bucks I'll just deal with it for as long as I can. If it's less than I'd like to have it fixed. But I'd like to have some idea to go on.

Thanks for any responses.

[amazing]

you need to first check whether the fans work when logged in as a second plain-vanilla admin user. Establish an account (if you don't already have one) and login as that user. Use something like temperox to see if the fans are working.

if you've got an external HD, install a fresh OS X system and startup off it--to see if the fans work.

you should also try resetting the MB SMC as follows:

MacBook, MacBook Pro

1. If the computer is on, turn it off.
2. Disconnect the AC Adapter and remove the computer's battery.
3. Press and hold down the power button for 5 seconds and then release the button.
4. Reconnect the battery and AC Adapter.
5. Press the Power button to restart the computer.

[jackg]

The fans don't work on non-admin accounts, or any accounts.

I reset the MB SMC and that didn't do anything either.

So is sending it in for fan repair a realistic option or would it be too costly?

[lidmayn]

same thing happened to me about a month ago. i just replaced the fan myself. fan was 45 dollars. apple store will prolly charge an arm and a leg

[overlook00]

Had the same thing happen to my MBP 1.8ghz. both fans dead (0 RPM). I cracked open the book, spun the blades with a tiny screwdriver and noticed they were not springy as typical computer fans are. After a few moments of doing this they seemed to break free of what ever was holding them back, and seem to work ok for now. there is a bit of a whine so I will assume they will need replacement at some point but hey if your in a spot and you need a quick "free" fix you may want to give this a try.

[Simon]

Do you have a MB or a MBP? The MB only has one fan.

Try running Apple Hardware Test (on the Install DVD) to see what kind of error codes you get. If it's just the fan and you can somehow obtain a replacement it's probably something you can do yourself. If it's also the MLB, the cost will be quite a bit higher and you'd probably be better off getting a new/refurb MB.

[redhot_nyc]

Take it apart and clean any dust out of the fan.

Replacement fan:
MacBook Fan (922-7372, 922-7887) - iFixit
Take-apart guide:
MacBook Core Duo Disassembly: Installing Fan - MacBook Parts

[ailema]

how sad , very sad for the people who got involve on the accident

[Ω]

Originally Posted by ailema 

how sad , very sad for the people who got involve on the accident

If you do not want to do the repairs you could just buy a laptop cooler. When I have mine running the fans never turn on.

[Cold Warrior]

Originally Posted by ailema 

how sad , very sad for the people who got involve on the accident

sig spammer, now gone. (Banned users' sigs get hidden.)

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Ω 

If you do not want to do the repairs you could just buy a laptop cooler. When I have mine running the fans never turn on.

AFAIK MB(P) fans are always on. IIRC the MB's at 1500 rpm idle and the MBP's (two fans) at 2000 rpm idle. You can't hear this, but the fans are still doing something.

[Ω]

That I did not know. Guess I can't hear them over the sound of my laptop cooler.