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Late 2009 iMac fan always full speed
- Thread starter deafgoose
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GGJstudios
macrumors Westmere
simsaladimbamba
Guest
I can't run AHT.
I have a late model 2009 iMac running OS X Lion.
Apple discontinued AHT. 🙄
simsaladimbamba
Guest
You could try this?
And if that doesn't work, you probably still have your Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard DVDs around to run AHT.
I was able to get into AHT mode using the Snow Leopard Application install DVD. The extended test was taking way too long. I will do it tonight before I go to bed and post up the results in the morning.
🙂
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666sheep
macrumors 68040
If you feel comfortable to open up your iMac, then yes, it's doable. You need to remove glass and LCD. Sensor is bundled with cable AFAIK (ask seller before buying to be sure), for 21.5" you need part number 922-9214, for 27" it would be 922-9229. It costs few dozen bucks.
I just got back from an appointment at the Genius Bar armed with all the information I need to order the replacement sensor.
Turns out they wont let me order it. They need the serial# of my iMac and they also need to do their own test before their system will let them order the part.
This wont work because I use my iMac for my online business and cannot be without it. WTF?
So at this point, my only option is to install software to slow down this fan. The only problem is I cant find anything that has control over the ODD fan.
Turns out they wont let me order it. They need the serial# of my iMac and they also need to do their own test before their system will let them order the part.
This wont work because I use my iMac for my online business and cannot be without it. WTF?
So at this point, my only option is to install software to slow down this fan. The only problem is I cant find anything that has control over the ODD fan.
666sheep
macrumors 68040
I'm afraid that no software is able to control this fan when its sensor gives wrong info to the logic board (i.e. fan is working in kinda "emergency mode").
You can order part here: http://www.macpartsonline.com/imac-parts.html and replace it yourself if you feel skilled enough.
You can order part here: http://www.macpartsonline.com/imac-parts.html and replace it yourself if you feel skilled enough.
Thanks but there are no sensors for sale on that website for a 21.5" iMac
http://www.macpartsonline.com/imac-parts/imac-aluminum-21-5-inch.html?type_part=105
If I can find the part, I can replace it myself no problem.
Edit: Where is the sensor located exactly? I need to figure that out before I order the parts.
These are my choices:
661-5172 - Optical Drive
922-9130 - Optical Drive Data Cable
922-9120 - Optical Fan
922-9214 - Optical Temp Sensor Cable
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666sheep
macrumors 68040
Sensor is bundled with cable AFAIK. At least service manual lists it as one part number. You got the number (922-9214) so ask seller if it's as I wrote.
http://www.macpartsonline.com/922-9...5-inch-3-06-3-33ghz-imac-late-2009-a1311.html
http://www.macpartsonline.com/922-9...5-inch-3-06-3-33ghz-imac-late-2009-a1311.html
Thanks sheep! You have been so helpful to solve my problem. I really appreciate it.
I sent them an email asking if the temp sensor is included with the cable. 🙂
TitanTiger
macrumors 6502
Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but what ever came of this? I had a strange experience last night with the fans going full blast. But mine corrected by putting it to sleep, leaving it that way while I watched a movie and then when I returned and woke it up, it was fine.
There are a LOT of different things that can cause the fans to go full blast, but it ultimately boils down to the system either thinking that something is overheating or the system not knowing the temperature and running the fans to be safe.
From the OP's iStat picture, it was clear that the optical drive temperature sensor was acting up, since it wasn't in the list of temperature sensors. Granted, it could still be the logic board itself not seeing the sensor correctly.
From the OP's iStat picture, it was clear that the optical drive temperature sensor was acting up, since it wasn't in the list of temperature sensors. Granted, it could still be the logic board itself not seeing the sensor correctly.
Not, to rekindle an old discussion, but I have a similar problem with Mountain Lion on an Early 2009 iMac.
I have iStat Menus installed and when the fans go berserk, I notice that half of the temp sensors go "missing" (they have a "-" in place of their temp). If I reset the SMC, I have a 4/5 chance that the system will return to normal for a period of time, but the sensors and fans will eventually go haywire even if I don't use the computer much.
I just reset the SMC, so I can't take a screenshot, but I'll add one the next time it happens.
Is there a way to get the hardware test to burn onto a CD? I cant find the original system disk, and I cannot get it see the supposedly online version from the apple support page.
What are people's opinions on tools like TechTool Pro, Drive Genius and the like? What happend to the TechTool Deluxe that used to be available for AppleCare?
- Adrian
I have iStat Menus installed and when the fans go berserk, I notice that half of the temp sensors go "missing" (they have a "-" in place of their temp). If I reset the SMC, I have a 4/5 chance that the system will return to normal for a period of time, but the sensors and fans will eventually go haywire even if I don't use the computer much.
I just reset the SMC, so I can't take a screenshot, but I'll add one the next time it happens.
Is there a way to get the hardware test to burn onto a CD? I cant find the original system disk, and I cannot get it see the supposedly online version from the apple support page.
What are people's opinions on tools like TechTool Pro, Drive Genius and the like? What happend to the TechTool Deluxe that used to be available for AppleCare?
- Adrian
Attachments
Follow-up:
After another SMC reset (I hate working with those loud fans), the problem came back after 30 min, but this time it happened gradually. The CPU Heatsink sensor showed "-" first, and on its own. And only the CPU fan went to 100%. Then after 10-15 min, half of the other sensors went kaput in iStat and all fans went on full drive.
Also, I found my old iMac system disks! The AHT showed no problems on the quick test, and I will run the extended test overnight, as it says it will take a long time.
(If anyone still reads this discussion, I'd love so help!)
- Adrian
Edit: Extended test results (unfortunately, theyre bad)
What should I do?
After another SMC reset (I hate working with those loud fans), the problem came back after 30 min, but this time it happened gradually. The CPU Heatsink sensor showed "-" first, and on its own. And only the CPU fan went to 100%. Then after 10-15 min, half of the other sensors went kaput in iStat and all fans went on full drive.
Also, I found my old iMac system disks! The AHT showed no problems on the quick test, and I will run the extended test overnight, as it says it will take a long time.
(If anyone still reads this discussion, I'd love so help!)
- Adrian
Edit: Extended test results (unfortunately, theyre bad)
Code:
Alert! Apple Hardware Test has detected an error.
4SNS/1/40000000: TCOH- 131.000
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I don't know what the code means, but you could Google it. No software tool is going to fix your issue, since you have a hardware problem. Tech Tool Pro is a complete waste of money, and Drive Genius is almost a complete waste.
Anyway, the reason your fans are going nuts is specifically because the temperature sensors are going offline. The options are that it's either the SMC going bad or that one (or more) of the temperature sensors are going bad. Yes, despite the fact that multiple sensors are going offline, it's still possible that it's only one. Beyond that, knowing which one is the problem boils down to trial and error. Unfortunately, they intentionally put different connectors on them all so that people can't confuse the system by plugging them into the wrong jack on the logic board, so that also rules out moving them around. Someone is going to have to swap in known-good parts and see what happens.
Anyway, the reason your fans are going nuts is specifically because the temperature sensors are going offline. The options are that it's either the SMC going bad or that one (or more) of the temperature sensors are going bad. Yes, despite the fact that multiple sensors are going offline, it's still possible that it's only one. Beyond that, knowing which one is the problem boils down to trial and error. Unfortunately, they intentionally put different connectors on them all so that people can't confuse the system by plugging them into the wrong jack on the logic board, so that also rules out moving them around. Someone is going to have to swap in known-good parts and see what happens.
Running Fans May be faulty 1TB Seagate Hard Drive
Faulty Seagate 1 TB hard drives caused this fan problem on some iMacs. Apple is still replacing them. See this article: <http://blog.macsales.com/15165-apple-extends-imac-hard-drive-replacement-program>
and Apple's page: <http://www.apple.com/support/imac-harddrive/>
Hurry, their support could end any time.
Faulty Seagate 1 TB hard drives caused this fan problem on some iMacs. Apple is still replacing them. See this article: <http://blog.macsales.com/15165-apple-extends-imac-hard-drive-replacement-program>
and Apple's page: <http://www.apple.com/support/imac-harddrive/>
Hurry, their support could end any time.