Fans Running Nonstop

[Projekt]

I have a 2006 Macbook pro whose fans run full speed from the instant it starts until shutdown. I've installed SMC fan control and even after booting up it immediately shows temperatures in the 100 degree (F) range. The machine itself feels cool to the touch and no programs are running during this time.

I've tried an SMC reset but now I'm completely stumped- the machine is hard to use with this level of noise and I'm concerned the fans will prematurely wear themselves out.

 

[GGJstudios]

I have a 2006 Macbook pro whose fans run full speed from the instant it starts until shutdown. I've installed SMC fan control and even after booting up it immediately shows temperatures in the 100 degree (F) range. The machine itself feels cool to the touch and no programs are running during this time.

I've tried an SMC reset but now I'm completely stumped- the machine is hard to use with this level of noise and I'm concerned the fans will prematurely wear themselves out.

Install iStat Pro to get accurate readings of your temps. Resetting the SMC will help if the fans are spinning without increased heat. If you do have increased heat:

1. Launch Activity Monitor
2. Change "My Processes" at the top to "All Processes"
3. Click on the CPU column heading once or twice, so the arrow points downward (highest values on top).
4. Click on the System Memory tab at the bottom.
5. Take a screen shot of the whole Activity Monitor window, then scroll down to see the rest of the list, take another screen shot
6. Post your screenshots.

 

[ender land]

This might be a dumb possibility but it's worth mentioning. Do you have smcFanControl set at 5000 or 6000?

Make sure that's on default or a lower setting and not forcing your fans at that speed.

 

[GGJstudios]

This might be a dumb possibility but it's worth mentioning.

That's not dumb at all. That's a very likely possibility.

 

[Projekt]

Install iStat Pro to get accurate readings of your temps. Resetting the SMC will help if the fans are spinning without increased heat. If you do have increased heat:

1. Launch Activity Monitor
2. Change "My Processes" at the top to "All Processes"
3. Click on the CPU column heading once or twice, so the arrow points downward (highest values on top).
4. Click on the System Memory tab at the bottom.
5. Take a screen shot of the whole Activity Monitor window, then scroll down to see the rest of the list, take another screen shot
6. Post your screenshots.

I've attached a screenshot. This is a clean install of snow leopard and the fan problem starts at boot, so I don't believe it is an issue with some program sucking up resources.

That being said- I'm out of ideas. I looked up the procedure for temp sensor replacement and its quite labour intensive. Is there any way to tell if the sensors are damaged or defective?

 

[GGJstudios]

I've attached a screenshot. This is a clean install of snow leopard and the fan problem starts at boot, so I don't believe it is an issue with some program sucking up resources.

That being said- I'm out of ideas. I looked up the procedure for temp sensor replacement and its quite labour intensive. Is there any way to tell if the sensors are damaged or defective?

Please re-read the instructions and post the entire Activity Monitor windows, as important information is missing.

 

[Projekt]

Please re-read the instructions and post the entire Activity Monitor windows, as important information is missing.

My apologies. Attached is an updated screenshot.

 

[GGJstudios]

My apologies. Attached is an updated screenshot.

Sorry, but you need to re-read the instructions, including the bolded step 2, and try again.

 

[Projekt]

Sorry, but you need to re-read the instructions, including the bolded step 2, and try again.

All over the place today- hopefully this will do it.

 

[ender land]

This might be a dumb possibility but it's worth mentioning. Do you have smcFanControl set at 5000 or 6000?

Make sure that's on default or a lower setting and not forcing your fans at that speed.

You checked this, right?

 

[Projekt]

You checked this, right?

I did- the computer exhibited the problem before installing the program and I cannot set the fan speeds any lower. The fans fire up to this speed the second the power button is pressed.

 

[GGJstudios]

All over the place today- hopefully this will do it.

Thanks, that's better. I don't see anything there that would prompt high temps. Did you install iStat Pro? If so, can you take a screen shot of that, so we can see your temps?

 

[Projekt]

Thanks, that's better. I don't see anything there that would prompt high temps. Did you install iStat Pro? If so, can you take a screen shot of that, so we can see your temps?

Attached. These temperatures are consistent from the moment the computer boots and generally don't move around much.

 

[astrorider]

Have you tried running the Apple Hardware Test? Maybe it'll find a failing temp sensor?

I recommend running it while plugged in; I've seen false failures related to running off the battery.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509

 

[Projekt]

Have you tried running the Apple Hardware Test? Maybe it'll find a failing temp sensor?

I recommend running it while plugged in; I've seen false failures related to running off the battery.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1509

I've actually been trying to do this- the problem is I no longer have the original discs for this computer. Would a retail Snow Leopard disc work? Can an ISO be downloaded somewhere?

 

[GGJstudios]

Attached. These temperatures are consistent from the moment the computer boots and generally don't move around much.

Your temps are quite normal. I would disable SMC fan control, then do another SMC reset. If that doesn't help, it's likely you have a faulty fan sensor.

 

[Projekt]

Your temps are quite normal. I would disable SMC fan control, then do another SMC reset. If that doesn't help, it's likely you have a faulty fan sensor.

Managed to get the Apple Diagnostic running and it indicates a faulty GPU0 sensor- is this something that can be replaced (I already have the machine open with the logic board unscrewed) or is it part of the graphics chip?