Intel iMac fan problem

[FreeWill]

Our art department has a handful of Macs, which previously we (the IT Department) have had nothing to do with. However, we are now required to maintain them.

 

One Intel iMac, after working fine for a few months has 'suddenly' decided to ramp up the fan speed to maximum even when the temperature does not require it. As soon as the power button is pressed the fan sticks at full speed until the Mac is powered off.

 

Students do have access to this machine (regular access) and it may have happened as a result of a student's actions. However, I am not ruling out hardware issues, such as a dead sensor.

 

Has anyone else had issues with Intel iMac fan speeds (or any iMac fan speeds if they use the same fan control system), or know of widgets that may have been / could be installed to adjust fan speed?

[kingswood]

Hi.

 

I use this:

 

http://homepage.mac.com/holtmann/eidac/software/smcfancontrol2/index.html

 

See if that helps. Also you might want to check for firmware updates for your model here:

 

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303880

 

And also look at resetting the power management controller:

 

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303446

 

You could also turn off the iMac, unplug all cables and let it sit for an hour or two and then reconnect the cables and switch on. I have heard that this can reset the fans.

 

If none of that works you may have a faulty iMac. Contact Apple support and see what they say.

 

HTH

 

Paul

[FreeWill]

Thank you for the reply, I will try what you suggest!

[DMcCoy]

Turn it off and unplug everything. Wait 20 mins, plug it back in. Thats all that was needed to fix the one here that did the same. Got it to my office and it was working fine by the time I did!

[Ric_]

@DMcCoy: You only have to unplug it for 30 secs It is the official Apple fix... as with all Apple fixes, common sense does not apply

[FreeWill]

The Mac is now fixed - according to the art teacher it has 'fixed itself'... So unfortunately I'm unable to say if any of the above fixes worked!

 

Thanks guys