My Powerbook G4 make some fan noise. Please help!

From last night my PowerBook G4 makes fan noise. It sounds like fanning sound when the computer is overheated during hot summer. But my room temperature is aroung 70 degree.
It happens when I open many windows but I need to open them to trade some at TDamertrade.com site. To check other sites too.
I would very appreciate any suggestions I can try to fix this fan sound.

1) PowerBook G4/15"/1.67ghz/1.5gb/, Mac OS X (10.4.11), 2) PowerBook G3/Pismo/500mhz/Mac OS X(10.4)

Posted on Jun 12, 2009 7:47 AM

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6 replies

Jun 12, 2009 8:32 PM in response to blue sky

It is possible that you are having these issues because you installed the MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.3 by mistake:

* http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacBookPro_SMC_Firmware_Update_13*

I remember when this was released that PowerBook G4 owners were seeing this update via their Software Update application. Sometimes I just install those updates without closely reading what they are for exactly. Anyway, I know it says for high work loads, but you would be surprised how easily the fans will turn on high just from simply web browsing.

I suggest that you first try resetting the PMU:

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

If the above works for you (great), if not, try resetting PRAM and NVRAM:

*Shut down the computer.*
*Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.*
*Turn on the computer.*
*Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.*
*Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.*
*Release the keys.*

If the above works for you (great), if not, try archive and installing:

* http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1710*

If the none of the above worked for you (not so great), do the following:

Go to your closest  Store next week after making an appointment with a Mac Genius:

* http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/*

I hope that I helped you solve your problem, but do post back if not and I will help you narrow down what is going on even further. Personally, I feel that I am better than going to see a genius because most of them are just trained for Intel machines these days out in CA, where as, I know all the way back to PPC and Mac OS 7. Best of luck.

Jun 14, 2009 3:10 PM in response to needsomeihelp

Thanks for info.
I tried to reset PMU, and reset PRAM and NVRAM so far. It seems still having same problem but a bit better. But I think I should check on Monday when the stock market is open. I feel like the fan noise get worse when all the stock info is updating. (not sure though)
Also now I open the TD Ameritrade tools on Firefox instead of Safari to check if something works differently.
I would like to let you know the progress next week. One more thing. I couldn't try to archive and installing. That procedure seems not sure or easy to me. I will see tomorrow how it get progress or not. Thanks again!!

Jun 14, 2009 6:18 PM in response to blue sky

Hi,
What do you mean by, fan noise? Do you just mean the fans are working? That is a good thing! I think an archive and install may be an unnecessary over-reaction. Do you know what temperature your PB is running at? The fans should cut in at around 58-60'C and the running temp should max out around 65'C. This is normal. The room temp and having many windows open have little to do with it and the machine will get hot if you are using it constantly for a few hours.




You need to determine what the operating temp of your machine is before jumping into reinstalling the system. There is a free widget called, iStat Pro. It will give all the information you need to diagnose the running temps of your machine. It will appear in the dashboard. Install this widget and as soon as you here the fans start open the dashboard and post back with the temperatures. At least then it can be determined of there is a problem. I would also recommend using a USB powered cooling pad. It won't stop the machine heating up, but it will cool it down quickly.


Here are some links:
*iStat pro* - http://www.apple.com/downloads/dashboard/status/istatpro.html
*Laptop cooling pads* - http://www.laptoptoys.net/laptop_cooling.html

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My Powerbook G4 make some fan noise. Please help!

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