Laptop fans won't spin intermittently

[Roronoya]

I have a HP ZD7000a, which was replaced by HP for free from the ZD7000 that had a recall for heating issues. After a year and change, this replacement laptop unit's fan's started acting odd. Now they do not want to come on, and when they do they spin normally from anywhere to 1-5 minutes. I got speedfan on it in the hopes I could manually force the fans to spin, but it wasn't able to identify them. The cooling pads I used when it was working fine aren't enough to keep it from getting too hot. I got into the habit of cleaning the vents/fans regularly with the old unit, and it's a non-smoking environment, so I don't think it's dirt or dust.

I'm not sure if this is something I can repair myself, as laptops are a pain in the ass. I'm wondering if anyone can assist me in diagnosing this problem and a plan for action? I'd like to hang on to this laptop little bit longer.

[Kohan]

You've said you want to hang onto it, but you've also said you don't believe this is something you'll be capable of repairing. Although laptops aren't terribly difficult to work with once you're used to it, the average person won't get to that point, since they can't exactly afford to dismantle and reassemble whatever notebooks they find to practice.

Especially considering that the previous model it replaced had overheating issues, and assuming this one is still under warranty by the manufacturer, I'd back up everything you'd like to keep and send it in for a replacement. Even if it isn't covered under warranty, I'd cite the previous model's issues and pass it off as faulty hardware, inheriting the sins of its predecessor.

If you don't do that, and you can't otherwise alleviate the problem -- which, if there's an issue with power flow or the fans themselves, you probably will not be able to -- the machine may eventually break down anyway, as the constant overheating will shorten its lifespan.

[Roronoya]

I appreciate your feedback already, and hope you won't mind if I add some information.

I should clarify that I'm not sure I can repair it without accidentally breaking it. I've never really had the chance to work on laptops, but I've half way taken this one apart seeing if I can take the motherboard or fan assembly out. If the belief that repair is hopeless, I'm going to try it or break it during the process, since there's no value to me in the unit any further other than personal education or experience.

The previous unit was replaced well out of warranty, and with the agreement that this is the final replacement on their part. I was happy, since the overheating video card issue finally took that previous model out and got a free replacement.

I'm not sure it's the fans themselves, at least mechanically as they seem to run fine when they do spin, both fan units turn off and on at the same time, and they don't sound like a worn out fans. They're also easy to take out and replace, but the fan assembly where they are placed seems difficult to remove from the motherboard.

If it's a power flow issue, what can be done?

[Kohan]

They're also easy to take out and replace, but the fan assembly where they are placed seems difficult to remove from the motherboard.

I have to admit that I didn't understand this part. They're easy to replace, but they're not? Are you trying to replace just the fans, or the entire assembly?

HP Pavilion zd7000a CTO Laptop Heat Sync Heatsink Assembly Fan : Internal Parts

Hewlett Packard (HP) Part Number 344872-001: Laptop Fans

If it's a power flow issue, what can be done?

Since this machine's power supply is external, it would involve getting a new plug. However, if you have the same problem whether it's plugged in or using a battery, that's probably not the issue, unless there's a problem with energy flow in a not-so-noticeable place.

[Zigma]

Fans are easy to replace and should not cost much. I would still reach out to HP.

[Roronoya]

I have to admit that I didn't understand this part. They're easy to replace, but they're not? Are you trying to replace just the fans, or the entire assembly?

I'm sorry for any confusion and appreciate the continued support. The two separate tiny fans that rest in the larger housing that contains them are easy to replace. The entire part that houses them both I've had trouble trying to remove in the past.

Since this machine's power supply is external, it would involve getting a new plug. However, if you have the same problem whether it's plugged in or using a battery, that's probably not the issue, unless there's a problem with energy flow in a not-so-noticeable place.

It does happen using both battery and AC power.

Fans are easy to replace and should not cost much. I would still reach out to HP.

I'll give HP a shot and get a quote for repair and/or parts if they won't replace it.

[Kohan]

This isn't for your exact model, but judging by the pictures, the assembly is similar (if not identical). Perhaps this will help?

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01383095.pdf

If not that one, then try:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00212209.pdf

Should make removing the assembly easier at the very least.

[Roronoya]

Yes, those look very similar. The fans are a little different, but I'm sure I can use this to my advantage. I'll read over those intently. Thank you very much!

[mootsfox]

Is the fan spinning up at all? I'm confused. The fan shouldn't stay on all the time. It should come on when the CPU/northbridge temp reaches X and turn off when it falls below that.

You should be able to change X within the BIOS if you want the fan to be on all the time.