MacBook Pro 2011 – Fixing Constant Fan Start and Stop Issues

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The fan on my old trusty macbook pro started to behave very strangely. It starts then stops then starts then stops and it just continues to happen. CPU gets pretty hot without any load (30-40%) – 72°C as well as laptop. Apparently it is not cooled down properly. When I run something with heavy load it seems to increase RPM but then CPU cools down and I get the issue back.

Potentially relevant infor: I have rather recently ~1 month ago changed battery because the old one became swollen. Obviously I have bought third party battery. Quite some time ago I have replaced RAM (to 16GB) and HDD (to SSD).

What I have tried so far and it didn't help:

  • I have tried to reset SMC twice
  • I have checked that it is not dusty inside and cleaned it to the best of my ability without compressed air and other instruments

I run 10.12.6 with the most recent updates, I didn't seem to install any apps before the issue started to happen.

I have just installed smcFanControll 2.6 and tried to set min fan speed to ~3500 RPM but issue continued. After I have set it to max 6200 RPM the fan tried to do the same but then somehow stabilized and is now spinning constantly at 6200 RPM. This has cooled down CPU and mac in general but obviously it is annoyingly loud.

Any ideas what could have happened?

Best Answer

In all likely hood,your fan has failed and it needs to be replaced.

The stopping and starting is indicative of a bad or seized motor.