Fan does not work

I have the same problem only i actually just switched with a new fan and i think i heard it go on for a second and now it doesn't work either so any tips on what could be the problem or how to fix it would be great...

will2will,

Are you sure the temp has been reached where the fan will run? The black G3s seldom run their fans (never for most users) compared to the tight/confining space and faster CPUs of the newer 'books.

The Pismo generally will run in the 120°F > 150°F range (this is die-junction temp); the fan is designed to spin up around 180°F as I recall. IBM rates this CPU as being stable up to 221°F. So your Pismo will feel quite warm or hot yet the CPU temp may still not be high enough for the fan.

I don't know of any temp software except Newer's Gauge PRO that will work on these G3s.

Thats interesting i dont even know how hot my CPU gets but to think of it since i bought from a friend back in 03 it never went on. so i guess i bought my new fan for no reason.

B.F.P. and will2will,

If you have a bootable OS 9.0.4 > 9.2.2 installer CD, you can custom install just the System Folder without disturbing your OSX, then install Newer Gauge PRO, boot to 9.x and check your temps. The downside to this procedure is that you cannot replicate the load being put on the CPU when running OSX. However, you can put the 'book on a soft towel (blocks heat transfer through the bottom case) and cover the keyboard with a piece of paper (blocks heat transfer through keyboard), then run a DVD movie while checking the temp with Gauge PRO. If you want to run a DVD movie, you will also have to custom install the DVD Player software (I think).

Before installing 9.x, make sure you have the MacOS 9 HD Driver on the HD; if you don't, you cannot post-install over OSX nor can you boot into 9.x. Go to System Profiler > ATA and see if it reports: "OS9 Drivers:Yes".

Here is the tech article:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106294

I realize this is an awkward way to check die-junction temps but is the best I can offer.

will2will,

It does sound like the CPU is overheating with the procedure you describe. If you have filled both slots with memory, especially if they are 2x512MB, the 'book will run hotter.

If the fan does not come on when needed, you could have a bad logic board and/or dead fan motor. I would guess the fan motor is still healthy since it seldom runs but still must be tested. Since the powerbook runs in a 12 > 14 volt range, you could remove the fan motor and test with a 12v battery.

If you have removed the heat sink from the top of the CPU, you should replace the thermal transfer pad. Apple says to use a razor blade to clean both surfaces, then install the new pad. I guess it is possible the CPU itself can overheat before the die-junction temp reaches its threshold, so this may be worth a look.

Here's some helpful laptop sites.

Fix It Guides for Mac Laptops & Mini
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/
The guides can be viewed on-line or you can download a PDF file.

How to Upgrade, Repair, Disassemble an Apple/Macintosh Laptop or Notebook
http://repair4laptop.org/disassembly_apple.html

PowerBookTech
http://www.powerbooktech.com/
(Note - PowerBookTech has some good info, however, some Mac users in other forums were having difficulty getting delivery on parts from them.)

How to Upgrade, Repair, Disassemble an Apple/Macintosh Laptop or Notebook
http://repair4laptop.org/disassembly_apple.html

Laptop Repair Guides
http://www.applerepairmanuals.com/#portables

MicroDock
http://www.microdocusa.com/

 Cheers, Tom

will2will,

I am not sure of the wiring; possibly the fan is two-speed but I just don't know...electricity is not my strong suit. I would test in this manner: Consider the black wire as the common ground ➖ and then apply the positive to one of the other wires. If a two-speed motor, it should turn with power to one of the colored wires.

I do not know what CPU thermal paste you have. Many recommend Arctic Silver for this purpose. I did a Google search and there are many products out there plus here is a step by step on applying the paste:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/312015/applyingthermal_paste_to_loweryour.html

One other thought...if the fan and logic board are OK, you may have a CPU that is marginal and/or failing, meaning it just can't stand the heat.

I just came across this thread. Did you ever happen to run the Apple Hardware Test? It should test the fan, and if it's working, you will hear it. If it is not, then you will get an error code.

Good luck!

will2will,

I did not know the Apple Hardware Test CD tested the fan on the Pismos but you can find out if it does. If you have access to a Mac running OSX 10.1 or newer that can burn a CD, download the AHT image file here:

http://www.info.apple.com/support/aht.html