Fan runs constantly
Items Procedures
Symptoms
● Fan never stops running
● Generates heat
● Decreased computer performance
Possible causes
● BIOS not up to date.
● Thermal condition (fan, air ow)--fan may not be defective but must run
constantly to remove excess heat generated by electrical components.
● Inappropriate conguration.
Troubleshooting steps
General actions
1. Verify whether BIOS is set to Fan Always on while on AC Power F10 Setup.
When booting the computer, press F10 to open Setup, and then select
Advanced > Built-In Device Options Menu.
2. Update BIOS and drivers (4. Update BIOS and drivers on page 63) and reset
BIOS to default. BIOS may implement new fan characteristics and updates for
other components.
3. Perform a hard reset (8. Hard reset on page 70). Performing a hard reset can
reset recorded thermal values in memory.
Thermal-related issue
1. Verify fan is spinning. Reseat fan cable before moving to next step.
a. Check fan and connection. Reseat fan cable.
b. Be sure that no obstructions or dust are in heat sink fan, heat sink n, or
vent.
c. Test fan using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tool (6. HP Hardware
Diagnostics and Tools on page 64). Be sure that the fan is not producing
loud noise and that fan blades spin correctly.
d. Test with a veried working fan.
e. Replace the fan.
2. Verify thermal solution
Use Thermal Monitor tool (available only to authorized service providers/
technicians)(HP Thermal Monitor on page 67) to run stress test (processor and
GPU) and verify that thermal sensors are within limits after thermal condition
is serviced.
User conguration
Change Power Options in Windows (i.e., choosing Balanced mode instead of High
performance). High performance and extensive graphics may cause the fan run
constantly to release the heat.
Notes BIOS currently omits fan presence detection to shorten boot time delay less than
four seconds. Therefore, the fan error is generated based on previous boot to
operating system that found system fan error.
Fan often is part of thermal solution, including heat sink, heat sink n/muer, and
thermal grease. Fan replacement requires reboot and fan function verication using
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tool.
For more information, see the following links:
● http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01007591.
● https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01657439.
Common issues and possible solutions 117