dv5- Strange fan noise.

[Paradox]

Hi.

I've had an HP Pavilion dv5 for around three months now, and for two of those I've noticed a strange sound/noise in the fan. It always occurs when I start the computer up- like a loud buzz/hum, and it usually lasts for about ten minutes, then goes away, and all I can hear is the computer's normal, quiet fan sound. Since it keeps doing it, I'm starting to get concerned.

It's not the HDD operation sound, as I can hear that too when operational. My guess is that something's stuck in a fan. It seems to be on the left hand side of the laptop, which I can't really get inside, but strangely, if I pick the machine up the loud sound usually goes away, but comes back immediately if it's back on a hard surface.

Does anyone have any idea what the problem is and what caused it? Can I fix it myself? Is is serious? If not, is it ok just to leave the laptop as it is?

Thanks in advance.

SPECS:

dv5-1134tx (Australian model)

Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4Ghz

4GB RAM

320GB HDD (5400rpm)

NV 9600M GT Graphics

15.4" Screen (1280x800)

DL DVD burner w/ lightscribe

Vista Home Premium (32-bit)

[Paradox]

I'd just like to add that the computer runs fine- hasn't crashed once, so I guess all th components are ok?

[devi]

Hi Guyz and Girlz,

Here is the solution for fan noice.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01657439&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_US...

Try the above like if still the issue persists,  replace the fan.

[Paradox]

Thanks a lot for the info. However, looking at the vents, they seem pretty free of dust. I might have to contact HP by phone to get it fixed, since I'm reluctant to open the entire bottom of the notebook myself- I'd happily remove the HDD, CPU or RAM doors, but not any further. I'll have a look inside those, but it looks like I'll have to send my machine away. It's a shame, since it works perfectly well!

Oh, and if it helps, I've realised the sound is more like a vibrating rattle/buzz. Does that make any difference to the diagnosis?

Message Edited by Paradox on 05-25-2009 04:53 PM

[stunnerj]

'm having that same rattling noise coming from the fan of my dv5 despite spraying it with compressed air. I think I need to talk to hp or resort to opening the back to see what's up with the fan.

[dtk612]

I had the same problem. I tried cleaning out the fan with a vacuum and a can of compressed air but it didn't work. Got to the point where it got EXTREMELY loud and annoying and got the laptop hot. Fan would fun constantly.

My solution:

Put a book under the back of the laptop, propping it up about 30 degrees. Leave it like that for a few days; when I did it I think the dust fell from the vent onto the fan and the fan was able to expel it out. Now the fan is as quiet as it was when I got the laptop and I'm not having overheating problems.

[dtk612]

Also, if tilting the laptop one was after a few days doesn't work, try tilting it the other way by propping a book under the front of the laptop.

[Chavi]

Hi,

I had the same problem and i found out that it was a sticker with serial numbers that was hitting the blades of the fan.

Maybe that can help you.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Other-Notebook-PC-questions/Compaq-6510b-fan-overspeed/td-p/191450

And that link to know how to open the computer :

http://h20464.www2.hp.com/index.html