Fan error
"fan error" occurs, as reported, after an excessive use of the fan.
You can skip this by pressing the ESC key. Or you can try to solve this problem by cleaning the fan.
Known affected models:
T series:
"Fan error" also occurs on bootup if the fan fails to spin up at boot.
It can be skipped with the ESC key. On the Core/Core 2 Duo line of ThinkPads, the problem is usually a lubrication failure, which can be solved by oiling the fan;
- Unscrew heatsink+fan housing and carefully deassemble, removing screws and tape as needed - avoid bending the housing, otherwise the fan will rattle until you bend it back.
- Pull out the magnet-retained fan blades and clean the dust from the blades and housing (it's easiest to wash the blades in water - but you'll need to completely dry it with paper towel etc afterwards).
- Put a drop of 3-in-one or sewing machine oil into the motor bearing and re-insert the fan - it should spin freely if you spin it a bit (if there's gunk near/in the bearing, oil, then use paper towel to remove it, then re-oil).
- Reinstall housing - old tape can be replaced with any moderately heat-resistant tape, like rubber electrical tape (the temperature shouldn't ever exceed 60°C, but you want heat resistance of at least 105°C, so you don't end up with melted or burning plastic).
- Repasting the CPU while you're at it is recommended.
