AirPort Extreme intermittently flashing amber

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AirPort Extreme intermittently flashing amber

My Airport Extreme status light will intermittently flash amber for 20-30 seconds then go back to green for 1-2 minutes and then start flashing amber again. I went into the AirPort Utility and it says that the unit may be overheating, which makes sense because when the amber light starts flashing I hear the cooling fan come on. However the unit doesn't feel hot. It barely feels lukewarm. The station has been in the same spot for a couple of years but didn't start doing this until a couple of months ago. It did it for a day or so and then didn't for about 4-6 weeks and then did it again for a few hours and then didn't do it again for another 4-6 weeks and now it is doing it again.

Any ideas on what may be causing this and how to rectify it?

Airport Extreme 802.11ac, macOS High Sierra (10.13.2)

Posted on Dec 17, 2017 9:14 AM

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Answer 1

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Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

159,326 points

Dec 17, 2017 12:16 PM in response to carlodzf

However the unit doesn't feel hot. It barely feels lukewarm.

The AirPort can get really hot inside the device, yet the case will be barely warm.

You likely have an internal fan that is clogged with dust that is limiting the ability of the fan to cool the internal electrical components. This is a common issue with AirPorts that are 18-24 months or older. One reason might be that Apple forgot to place a filter on the air inlets on the AirPort.

If you have AppleCare in effect on one of your Macs, and the AirPort is less than 3 years old, Apple will usually replace the AirPort for you under the AppleCare coverage. The "rules" are tricky, so you'll need to check with Apple Support on the details.

If the AirPort is not covered by AppleCare, you have two options:

1) Replace the AirPort with a new AirPort or other router

2) Open up the AirPort and clean out the fan. Better yet, replace the fan. It's not an easy job unless you are good with small electronics, so you might want to ask a repair shop about this. Unfortunately, they may charge you as much a new AirPort will cost, though.

The following article will provide some tips on opening up the AirPort and replacing the fan.

AirPort Extreme A1521 Teardown - iFixit

COOLING FAN FOR Apple AirPort Extreme A1470 FAN Sunon$9.50AliExpress.comFree shipping, no tax

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