MacBook Pro (Unibody) fan runs continuously

Question

kkay2006 Author

Level 1

6 points

MacBook Pro (Unibody) fan runs continuously

.. happening 2.5 months after purchase. Charging connector LED light does not come on; tried with two AC adapter (both Apple. Laptop runs fine. Help!

MacBook Pro 2.4 GHz Black Bezel, 4g RAM, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Mar 17, 2009 8:48 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 17, 2009 8:56 AM in response to kkay2006

The fans are supposed to run continuously - they idle at 2000 rpm, max speed is 6000 rpm.

For the charging light, try an SMC reset:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1411

I presume you've confirmed the adapters work with another machine (i.e., it's possible you have two bad adapters).

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Answer 2

LukeD

Level 4

3,144 points

Mar 17, 2009 8:54 AM in response to kkay2006

I would first download iStat Pro, for which I have noted a link below.

It will tell you how fast your fans are running.

Report back, and we will tell you if that is normal.

http://www.apple.com/downloads/dashboard/status/istatpro.html

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Answer 3

LukeD

Level 4

3,144 points

Mar 17, 2009 8:57 AM in response to LukeD

As for the LED, I have noted some links, with important information on this topic, for you to check out.

http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=7894664#7894664

How to disconnect the MagSafe power adapter

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1453

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Answer 4

kkay2006 Author

Level 1

6 points

Mar 17, 2009 9:16 AM in response to neuroanatomist

For 2.5 months, the fan was quiet in the sense barely audible. I also used a laptop cooler underneath it. Now, it's like running full speed. I can hear the noise; probably running at 6,000 RPM like you mentioned. (No, laptop cooler disconnected.) What's more; the MBP is not running hot or even warm.

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Answer 5

LukeD

Level 4

3,144 points

Mar 17, 2009 9:20 AM in response to kkay2006

I would do as Neuroanatomist has suggested right away.

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Answer 6

kkay2006 Author

Level 1

6 points

Mar 17, 2009 9:25 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Highly remote possibility that both AC adapters are bad. Both were working fine just yesterday. Anyway, here's the iStat Widget report:

http://kay-photography.com/__ken/iStatScreenshot.jpg

Thanks!

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Answer 7

LukeD

Level 4

3,144 points

Mar 17, 2009 9:32 AM in response to kkay2006

We need the fan readings. Click options in iStat Pro, and you will find a setting to display the fan readings.

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Answer 8

Mar 17, 2009 9:37 AM in response to kkay2006

We'll need to see fan speeds and the rest of the temps. Click the i button on the widget, click the sections tab, and set Fans to ON, then click the display tab, click on Fans and make sure both boxes are checked, and also click on Temps and click the rest of the boxes. Then, repost that screenshot.

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Answer 9

kkay2006 Author

Level 1

6 points

Mar 17, 2009 9:43 AM in response to LukeD

I looked at both 'i' and 'Display' after turning 'fan' on but as you can see, nothing said about fan status. BTW, fan is still running with or without AC adapter (no LED light) connected. The only time fan would go silent is to go to Sleep mode.

http://kay-photography.com/__ken/fanReadingNone.jpg

http://kay-photography.com/__ken/iStatProSections.jpg

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Answer 10

kkay2006 Author

Level 1

6 points

Mar 17, 2009 10:00 AM in response to neuroanatomist

I did turned the fan button on. But as you can see, nothing showed up for fan status. Anyway, here's the good news!

As requested as the other forum user on this thread I did a "Shift-Option-Control-Power button" once and MBP went off (no power) and the amber LED on charging connector came on instantly! I waited the mandatory five seconds to reset PRAM (?) and then pressed the power button. Voila! MBP started up WITHOUT the unbearable full-speed fan running! Here's the final iStat display. Thanks to all on this thread! You guys (gals ?) are great. Saved me a trip to Genius Bar tomorrow.

http://kay-photography.com/__ken/iStatProFinal.jpg

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Answer 11

LukeD

Level 4

3,144 points

Mar 17, 2009 10:04 AM in response to kkay2006

That is great news!

Your fan readings are normal now too.

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Answer 12

kkay2006 Author

Level 1

6 points

Mar 17, 2009 10:05 AM in response to LukeD

Neuroanatomist and LukeD:

The SMC reset did the trick! Thanks a million!

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Answer 13

kkay2006 Author

Level 1

6 points

Mar 17, 2009 10:26 AM in response to kkay2006

Back when I was a Mac support person a few years ago, I used to do 'COP' - Command (Apple) - Option-PR to reset PRAM on Mac IIci, IIcx, II, IIfx, Quadra, etc. I guess I've lost my touch 😉

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