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MacBook Air Fan Running Constantly

I have a MacBook Air 1.6GHz 80GB HDD, I have found that the exhaust fan is running constantly at 6200rpm (according to iStat Pro). No applications are running at all. Before calling Apple does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

iMac (Aluminum) 20", 2.4 GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Mac OS X (10.5.2), MacBook Air, 1.6 GHz, 2GB RAM, 80GB HDD

Posted on Feb 22, 2008 1:34 AM

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129 replies

Feb 22, 2008 6:23 AM in response to Dylan Gardner

I have the same issue with my 1.6/80 even before using system monitoring tools. With normal use, it is fine such as emails, web surfing, etc. But any moderate load, the fans kick in.

I was using previously the 1.8/64 and notice it did not occur as much with that model (it was returned because of a SSD diagnostic issue).

The solution after talking with a certified apple tech who I know is to reapply the thermal grease on the cpu/heatsink. He did this to his 1.6/80, and claims it runs cooler.

I think the factories Apple contracts are still applying too much thermal grease, so it is not conducting very well. I might hire my tech to do this fix on my MBA.

Message was edited by: xolox

Feb 22, 2008 8:58 AM in response to whateverwerks

I spoke to Apple and the first thing I was advised to do was to remove all cables and the battery! I said that it was the MacBook Air and therefore not possible, I was put on hold and then a few moments later I was advised to reset the pram etc but with no luck, the fan is still on full throttle. I have to take the MacBook Air to an approved Apple service centre here in Bristol so I am not happy but at least it's getting investigated.

Feb 22, 2008 10:05 AM in response to Dylan Gardner

Stating the obvious, but I have just discovered printer applications which were running in the background which were causing the temp of the machine to rise and the fans to be at 6500. I only discovered they were running in the background because istat was showing cpu user % as 50% but I only had Safari open! So on a hunch I opened System prefs Printers to find 2 of the printer icons running at idle. Turns out they had remained on in the background trying to discover my printer which is connected to an airport extreme - without success, but that is a whole new thread!!
Temp and fans are now back to normal.
So if you are experiencing this issue it could be worth checking that you haven't inadvertently left an app on.

Feb 22, 2008 1:24 PM in response to Ged Timson

I just got back from the Genius Bar and having a tech look at the fan issue. They checked it completely and with nothing running (in the background or otherwise), the fan stays at around 6200 all the time. Essentially I was told not to worry and that it was probably just a software problem and most likely would be addressed in an update. They said the Macbook pro's had the same issue when they came out. If somebody gets a different answer, please post. Thanks as always

Feb 22, 2008 3:14 PM in response to whateverwerks

I agree with Brian. Just because we are early adopters does not mean that Apple should not have to replace misbehaving computers.

Which store did you go into?

My MBA runs at a nice steady quiet 2500 unless something has the system in an uproar.

I cannot believe that anyone is supposed to accept a bad machine from apple.

Message was edited by: Rhyd

Feb 22, 2008 4:04 PM in response to Volker Runkel

I went in to the Dallas store on Knox Street. Also got a similar response from Apple Care on the phone. It doesn't run hot...in fact so much cooler than my old G$ 12" powerbook that it's surprising. Also, while the fan does run all the time, it doesn't seem excessively loud, though that is just my perception. And otherwise it's running great...having gotten over the battery calibration and dropping airport connection issues.

The Apple guys (both store and on the phone) intimated that it was a problem with iStat. I said others with MBA's had gotten different results but that didn't seem to change their minds.

looking forward to the feedback others get from Apple. Thanks to all

Feb 22, 2008 4:38 PM in response to whateverwerks

There are other tools besides iStat Pro so you can prove the fan is really spinning at that speed.

However, there's no mistaking the sound of the fan at 2500rpm and at 6000rpm. Just by sound you can tell if the fans cranked up.

I would really push the issue with the store. Have them compare to a demo machine. If yours is blasting away when a demo machine isn't that's enough proof to anyone reasonable that there is a problem. If they push back, ask for the manager.

My experience with Apple over the years is that sometimes they may try to downplay a problem. But in the end they will make things right. That's one reason I continue to buy from them.

Feb 23, 2008 10:59 AM in response to Brian Caslis

I had a very different issue; the backlighting to the keyboard was not working at all. Apple Care suggest I reset the portable's System Management Controller (SMC).
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303319
This did not fix the backlight issue, but caused the fan to run constantly! I tried restarting, left the mac for 20 minutes but still the fan was running.
I did the reset of the SMC for a second time and this caused the fan to run normally again. (Sadly still no backlighting to the keyboard).
Not sure if this will solve the issue, but worth a try?

MacBook Air Fan Running Constantly

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