Hi guys, I'm having an issue with my laptop's fan. I'm on an HP DV7-6100. A while back, I began receiving the 90B error message that says the fan isn't working properly. At first it was intermittent, sometimes I got the error message and sometimes I didn't. Then it became constant, so I disassembled the laptop and made sure all the vents were clear of dust, however I still received the error message. I assumed it was the fan, so I ordered a replacement fan. However, I removed the fan and jury-rigged some AAA batteries together to test the motor on it, and the motor is working fine. As a temporary fix I've got the fan running constantly on an external power supply, but the system it still hitting high heat levels of around 92C when I'm playing a game like Civilization.
Basically I'm thinking there could be 2 issues: either the 4-pin connector on the fan is faulty (in which case a new fan will solve the issue) or the motherboard's connector either isn't sending enough power or is having some other issue communicating with the fan. I'm comfortable poking around inside my laptop, but I'm afraid checking voltage on a running open laptop motherboard or soldering things is a bit out of my league. I'd rather not give up on the laptop since otherwise it's a great machine, but I'd also prefer not to try to replace the motherboard. Is there anything else you guys think I might be able to do to deliver the correct power to the fan or figure out where the problem might be?
Thanks,
Joe
UPDATE: See below, I thought I resolved the issue, but now the whole system won't turn on.
Basically I'm thinking there could be 2 issues: either the 4-pin connector on the fan is faulty (in which case a new fan will solve the issue) or the motherboard's connector either isn't sending enough power or is having some other issue communicating with the fan. I'm comfortable poking around inside my laptop, but I'm afraid checking voltage on a running open laptop motherboard or soldering things is a bit out of my league. I'd rather not give up on the laptop since otherwise it's a great machine, but I'd also prefer not to try to replace the motherboard. Is there anything else you guys think I might be able to do to deliver the correct power to the fan or figure out where the problem might be?
Thanks,
Joe
UPDATE: See below, I thought I resolved the issue, but now the whole system won't turn on.