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    Clicking noise coming from fan - XPS15 L502

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by inNout, Oct 31, 2011.

  1. inNout

    inNout Notebook Enthusiast

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    Anyone?
    It happens at low speed and it sounds a little like a loud HDD from the early 90s.
     
    inNout, Oct 31, 2011
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  2. mpalandr

    mpalandr Notebook Consultant

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    If you're still under warranty, chat Dell support and jump through the hoops. They'll most likely sent out whatever part they believe it to be, and dispatch a tech to replace it.

    If not, and you are comfortable doing so, you might consider popping off the palmrest and giving it another listen. It could help narrow it down.
     
    mpalandr, Nov 1, 2011
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  3. inNout

    inNout Notebook Enthusiast

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    Argh, customer support was a PITA and won't do much for me even under warranty.

    The noise/clicking is getting worse.

    Any advice on how to take my L502 apart to get to the fan?
     
    inNout, Feb 15, 2012
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  4. mpalandr

    mpalandr Notebook Consultant

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    Getting at it is one thing, but then what?

    I'd really try to get tech support to deal with it, especially if it's getting worse. You may need to, um, emphasize how loud it's getting. Be polite, but firm and persistent.

    If you really want to try a DIY fix, try blasting both the intake and exhaust with compressed air, not those wimpy cans, but from an air compressor. Hold the nozzle far enough away so you don't get too much pressure and spin your fan too fast. The whizzing siren noise is cool, but I hear it's bad for the fan.

    After that, use a strong vacuum like a shop vac on both the intake and exhaust.

    If you have reason to believe there's really something wrong with the fan, you probably should get it replaced under warranty.
     
    mpalandr, Feb 15, 2012
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