Macbook 13" Repair - Fan Removal

[simn22]

am replacing my logic board on my Black Macbook 2.0 Core duo, however I was sent a White logic board, everything fits the same, except for the 2 snap on connectors you remove @3:10. If i buy an exhaust fan from a white model would this solve my problem?

[PowerbookMedic]

@simn22 - If the connector is different for the fan, then multiple connectors should be different including the inverter cable connection. It should be the difference between a 3 wall and a 4 wall connector. Most likely you'll just need to get the correct board for your unit. You could try a fan if you're sure that's the only difference though.

[simn22]

@PowerbookMedic thanks for the reply. Does the 3-4 wall connector come from being either the Black or White model? Surprisingly the inverter cable didn't seem to have a problem connecting. At least I hope it is connected.

[PowerbookMedic]

@simn22 - No, they are variations in models of the boards. Some have all three wall, some have all 4 wall, and some have a variation of the two. If the connector looks to be seated properly, then you should be good. The two types are not similar and will not fit in each others sockets.

[mochibql]

hello! the fan of my mac pro 13 would make this lousy sound and gets really really hot while I am using it.... do u think I would be able to fix it myself or should i send it back to apple store? I bought my mac in 2009 summer. also I have the screw drivers and everything to open the back silver cover

[PowerbookMedic]

@mochibql - The fan probably needs to be replaced. If you find you're out of warranty, give us a call at 1-866-726-3342.

[mochibql]

@PowerbookMedic the problem is the screws on the fans were broken... i could not remove them........ 5555. I am so dead

[orehajones]

My MacBook would suddenly restart from time to time, I'm its do to over heating. surely replacing the fan will fix that, Right?

[PowerbookMedic]

@orehajones - You may have a defective logic board which was caused by your fan going out. The fan is the first thing to try, but it's possible your logic board also has issues.

[altertiup]

where can i buy this macbook fan? I'm staying in malaysia. getting the fan fixed by the apple authorized dealer/service agent will cost me about $SGD500-600

[PowerbookMedic]

@altertiup - We sell them. We do ship internationally but do not ship to Malaysia.

[kokitoz]

the silver seal between the fan and the optical drive was already cutted when you first opened the macbook?

[fooey88]

nice vid. thx man

[puppetfilms]

Dear PowerbookMedic, I noticed my MacBook 13" aluminum unibody is running a little hotter in that back left corner while streaming. The fan is running a little sooner but not malfunctioning or noisy. I tend to be proactive with preventative maintenance and intend to open it up and blow out the fan. Do I need to replace the silver tape? Also, do you have any recomendations for monitoring temperature? Thank you in advance for any advice and of course, thanks for the video. Very helpfull.

[PowerbookMedic]

@puppetfilms - You can usually reapply the tape in the unit. There are several temperature monitoring utilities available such as iStat.

[rogerdpack]

what's the popup "for step 7 see this link" (I don't think there is a step 7).

[BetaDesigns]

I would not place the heat sink back without first removing the old thermal paste with something like rubbing alcohol and reapplying a new layer of thermal paste. Something cheap like artic silver should do the trick. You don't have to buy the $30 advertised everywhere.

[keenanonie]

This was my first-ever internal computer repair. Without this tutorial (and the one on removing the top case) I'm sure I would still be figuring out which screws to take out just to get in. Thanks!

PS If you're new to this, just make sure you know which 13" MacBook you have, as you may need to adjust some things.

[ElectrifyingCinema]

Does this apply to my Macbook 3,1? Thanks!

[PowerbookMedic]

@ElectrifyingCinema - Yes it does.

[leonardofaria]

your video save me

thanks a lot

[thejam10555]

i like the aluminum unibody mac the fan has only one simple and easy to remove connector and 3 screws holding the unit in piece of pie :D i wonder why mac attached these other stings though? i just cut them...jk

[is4i]

took apart front plate and replaced fan thanks to this video! Very easy.

[olivaresfelipe]

Thank you so much! After two years with my 13" White Macbook I decided it was time to take a look inside. Much to what I expected, the fan was cluttered with lint. I followed your video to remove the assembly, dusted everything off it with a brush and vacuum cleaner and voila! A less noisy fan and a cooler Macbook. Thanks again!

[saigon187]

I have the same macbook model A1811 but my fan is different and there are not 4 conectors theres only 2 on the fan but i can only find 1 to conect the 2 to the logic board if that make sence.

thanks

[PowerbookMedic]

@saigon187 - Both fan versions are available from our website, 3-wall and 4-wall

[AllAboutUnboxings]

Is it possible to replace the fan with something other than the one made for the MacBook? I want to change the fan to something more powerful and quiet.

[PowerbookMedic]

@AllAboutUnboxings -It's unlikely you'll find one. The fans are made specifically for this model. I'm sure you could mod something, but it probably wouldn't be worth it.

[tnt3k]

Just curious. Does anything know what is under the fan? below the metal sheet? are there wires or anything like that under there? I'm thinking of drilling some small holes so i can get some airflow for my mac

[PowerbookMedic]

@tnt3k - Not the best idea. If you drill a hole you'll be allowing dust and debris to get inside your machine. However below the fan is mainly just casing. It obviously depends where exactly you drill though.

[na2323]

if i change the fan,will i lose everything in my macbook... i.e files and pics?

or they will not be damaged?

[PowerbookMedic]

@na2323 - No, you won't lose any of your data.

[milkoman1]

Thank you very much...i watch your movies and go step by step. I have a problem with a fan, who was not moving at all. I didnt expect that its gonna be so hard to remove everything, but with your help I manage it. If the video be showing the assemblying it would be easier, but there is no reward at the end. thank you again!

[moshind]

What an easy way to remove the fan, I'll prefer to sit in jail instead of changing it myself.....

[PowerbookMedic]

@moshind - We have a send in repair service as well for people who aren't up for self repair.

[krissidhu]

My laptop heats up like oven, and sound like heavy rainfall , So I think its the fan that's doing all this. So If I remove my fan and (spray/) clean it, will it solve some problem or I have to buy a new fan and replace it ?

Thanks.

[PowerbookMedic]

Blowing out the fan may help with the noise level, but likely won't fix the issue. You'll likely just need to replace the fan.

[batlin]

@krissidhu Open it up and if you're lucky, the problem is just a buildup of dust.

[sndd0138]

@krissidhu you'll be amazed at how much dust collects in your mac. my laptop collected so much dust that it broke a blade on the fan. the fan wouldn't stop making noises because it was unbalanced, so i replaced it. they should have access doors on the bottom to clean out a filter before the fan.

[RaDvoC]

if you remove or even scratch the silver tape on the right of your fan you will vail you warranty

[subarushou]

omg u're my savior :) i got no money to change the fan coz they charge it like RM200 n it's just RM36.72 if i buy the fan only in internet x.x

[PowerbookMedic]

Your kids couldn't have turned off the fan. If the fan doesn't come on at very high temperatures, then it likely needs to be replaced.

[PowerbookMedic]

Your machine will run fine without the tape. It's goo procedure to either replace or put the tape back. We do have kapton tape available which can be used as a replacement.

[scunning]

I have a different question. smcfancontrol says the fan is running 0 rpm, and the temperature is getting up to 80+ degrees celsius, then shutting off. How do I determine if I need to replace my fan? Is there something software related that could be causing this (ie, my kids caused the fan to go off somehow in a way I can't figure out)?

[richpee]

Question: My fan sounds like a lawnmower, so I got a new one. How important is it to have that aluminum tape after installation? If it's necessary, where would I get it? (I don't see it on your website.)

BTW, I've used your videos a number of times and you are my hero! Thanks!

[wyldeslash2003]

you're the best mac guy here!

[MaxMacuer]

thanks Dr. Phil

[PowerbookMedic]

To replace it and other components in the machine

[askaryambus]

why would i remove the fan?

[mukinduri]

i did not need to remove all the wires as suggested in the video.

I just removed the tape which joins the fan to the heat sink's radiator and then the two screws holding the fan in place. I unplugged the fan's wires with tweezers.

I found the heat sink radiator clogged with dust which I cleaned with a strip of paper and a vacuum cleaner.

If you do remove the heat sink I suggest you use some heat sink compound (available at Radio Shack) when reassembling to ensure good thermal contact.

[mikebagio]

Great video