How can I attach the internal fan plug in back onto the motherboard?

[LuckyPisces84]

 

I received an internal fan error so I took the cover off of my laptop and proceeded to remove the screws for the fan. After that, I tried to unplug the fan from the motherboard and the plug in piece came off the motherboard. I'm guessing because I was being to rough. What can I do to attach the little piece back on so I can then plug the new piece back in? My laptop is not under warranty anymore so that isn't an option. 

 

[LuckyPisces84]

Picture with the white package is to show where it's off and the other picture shows where it's supposed to be on there. Thanks.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @LuckyPisces84,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I can see in your photos that the fan connector header (the small black socket labelled “FAN” on the motherboard) has come completely off the board. This means the solder pads underneath have likely been lifted or damaged.
 

Here’s what you can do:

1. Do not try to glue it back

Glue will not restore electrical connections; it will only make things worse by contaminating the solder pads.

2. Inspect the damage

• Use a magnifying glass to check whether the metal solder pads where the connector was attached are still intact on the board.
• If pads are missing or torn off, a simple resolder won’t work; you’ll need microsoldering with trace repair.

3. Repair options

• If pads are intact:
  A skilled electronics repair technician can resolder the connector back onto the motherboard. This requires a fine-tip soldering iron or hot-air rework station.
• If pads are damaged:
  A technician will need to run micro jumper wires from the connector pins to the correct circuit points on the board. This is a precision job best done by someone with experience in laptop motherboard repair.

4. Temporary workaround (if repair isn’t immediate)

• Some fans can be connected to power directly through a USB-powered fan setup or an external 5V source for emergency cooling, but this is not ideal and may not be regulated by the laptop’s temperature sensors.
• Running without a fan is not recommended; overheating will cause shutdowns or permanent damage.

5. Finding repair help

Look for a local electronics repair shop or a laptop motherboard repair specialist (often the same type of technicians who fix smartphone boards).
Ask specifically if they do “micro soldering”; this is the skill required here.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat