Cooling problem with Tecra M4

After running for a few minutes, my Tecra M4 pops up an error message that says, "Warning: A problem with the cooling system has been detected. Please turn off the computer immediately and return it for service." I got the computer about a year ago (refurbished), and it is not under warranty. The error message started happening a few weeks ago.

I installed Notebook Hardware Control, and I can see that the temp goes up to 42C or so. Then the CPU fan turns on, just for a second or two, and it goes back down to 37C or so. Then the temp goes back up to 42, the fan goes on, temp goes back down, and this repeats over and over, until the error message appears. The fan constantly turns on and off. It doesn't stay on for more than a second or two at a time.

I opened the computer and tried reseating the heatsink. That didn't help. The vents are all perfectly clear.

Any ideas for what might be going on?

 

Have you cleaned out the dust on the fan, etc.? That would be my first guess.

Try reading through the cooling guide, there are some pointers on keeping your system running cooler there.

 

The problem was a malfunctioning fan. I took it into an ASP (Man and Machine in NYC) and they discovered that someone had spilled a drink in my computer. (Must have been during a party at my place.) The spill caused the fan to malfunction. They put in a new fan, and it seems to be running fine now. The charge was $110 labor plus $65 fan plus tax.

 

Ouch. Expensive party foul. You would think the person would say something about it...but then again I guess not . Glad to hear you're back in business.