[RESOLVED] Dell Latitude E6500 Cooling Fan Diagnostic Process

[TrekCaptainUSA]

Okay, so since the warranty on my Dell Laptop died, I can't get diagnostic help from them.

So, I need a diagnostics procedure to determine whether the issue with this laptop's fan not working is a system board issue, an OS issue, or whether i need to replace the fan module.

I'm looking for a diagnostic process, because when you emergency-powerdown the machine (done without a drive or OS booted at the time), and at the final second of power down normally, the fan module does spin, but not much. But during normal running of the machine, the fan's not operating.

So, anyone got any ideas whether there's a way to determine whether the problem is at the system board, the OS, or the fan itself?

[SpywareDr]

Is the fan receiving any voltage?

[TrekCaptainUSA]

Sorry it took a while, had to draft one of my helpers into hold a magnifying glass so I could make sure i don't short the circuit and not get a reading (laptop stuff is TINY).

Anyways, i've tested the socket on the board where power goes from the system to the fan, and the readings are consistently +2.5V to where the fan would be.


Apparently, Dell's site isn't providing details of anything regarding the fan's voltage, or i can't find it. Dell Part Number is YP387, in case any of you keep Dell part specs around.


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Given that there's power that would be going from the system board to the fan, is it safe to assume that the only issue is the fan, and that I should replace it, rather than assume the system board is faulty?

[slgrieb]

Personally, I'd just buy a fan or a HSF assembly. Chances are you can find it cheap on eBay. Don't laugh; that's become one of my most reliable sources for laptop and printer parts. Occam's Razor says that the fan is the most likely culprit.

[SpywareDr]

I agree, especially for little parts like that. Looks like they're running $10.00 or so: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40