Dell inspiron 15R (N5010) fan problems

Anzel · 08 Jan 2013

Earlier today the laptop was overheating and i blew into the fan, then it stopped spinning. Now i can't access the computer because it shuts down when i turn it on. What do i do?

Saurabh A · 08 Jan 2013

Hi Anzel,

How long does the laptop take before it shuts itself down?

If it takes a while, you may follow the steps listed below:
1. Please ensure that the vents of the system are clean and allow free circulation of air inside the system. You may use a can of compressed air to clean the vents. Before you clean the air vents of system:

- Turn off the System
- Unplug the AC Adapter
- Unplug all external peripherals
- Remove the Battery
- Check the vents on the computer to see if they are covered with dust and not allowing heat and air to pass through. See example in the image below:

-Use Compressed Air to blow the dust out of the vents
Note: Do not use your mouth to blow the Dust out of a Laptop. If using a can of compressed air use the can according to the directions on the side of the can as you can cause damage to the computer if used incorrectly

2. If the previous step does not resolve the issue, update the BIOS to latest version.
Note: Before flashing the BIOS please check the following: Battery should have 10% or greater charge; Adapter should be connected; No external devices should be connected; All other programs should be closed and documents saved

Link to download the latest BIOS for Inspiron N5010: Driver Details | Dell United States

3. If the issue still persists, check the CPU usage of your computer (please ensure you check it when system fan is making noise); check this 'web article' if needed: How to use and troubleshoot issues with Windows Task Manager

4. If you still experience issues, keep the system in 'BIOS environment' for some time to check if it still 'shuts down'. To enter BIOS, power on the laptop and repeatedly tap 'F2 key' when 'Dell splash screen' appears

5. If the system shuts down in the 'BIOS environment' also, please run the 'Hardware Diagnostics' to check for the 'Hardware functionality': http://dell.to/OUGnqT
- Capture error(s) if any

Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any further questions; would be glad to assist.

Anzel · 14 Jan 2013

Saurabh A said:

Hi Anzel,

How long does the laptop take before it shuts itself down?

If it takes a while, you may follow the steps listed below:
1. Please ensure that the vents of the system are clean and allow free circulation of air inside the system. You may use a can of compressed air to clean the vents. Before you clean the air vents of system:

- Turn off the System
- Unplug the AC Adapter
- Unplug all external peripherals
- Remove the Battery
- Check the vents on the computer to see if they are covered with dust and not allowing heat and air to pass through. See example in the image below:

-Use Compressed Air to blow the dust out of the vents
Note: Do not use your mouth to blow the Dust out of a Laptop. If using a can of compressed air use the can according to the directions on the side of the can as you can cause damage to the computer if used incorrectly

2. If the previous step does not resolve the issue, update the BIOS to latest version.
Note: Before flashing the BIOS please check the following: Battery should have 10% or greater charge; Adapter should be connected; No external devices should be connected; All other programs should be closed and documents saved

Link to download the latest BIOS for Inspiron N5010: Driver Details | Dell United States

3. If the issue still persists, check the CPU usage of your computer (please ensure you check it when system fan is making noise); check this 'web article' if needed: How to use and troubleshoot issues with Windows Task Manager

4. If you still experience issues, keep the system in 'BIOS environment' for some time to check if it still 'shuts down'. To enter BIOS, power on the laptop and repeatedly tap 'F2 key' when 'Dell splash screen' appears

5. If the system shuts down in the 'BIOS environment' also, please run the 'Hardware Diagnostics' to check for the 'Hardware functionality': http://dell.to/OUGnqT
- Capture error(s) if any

Hope this helps. Do reply if you have any further questions; would be glad to assist.

Sorry for the late post;

My laptop takes 2-3 mins to shut down, will the bios update be completed in that time? It shuts down in the BIOS environment AND it shuts down in the middle of the Diagnostic test. The fan doesn't run so i can't do the task manager-CPU usage thing.

I haven't tried the 1st step because i haven't got a hold of compressed air yet.

Can i do anything else? Any help would be much appreciated.

Anzel · 15 Jan 2013

Bump...

Saurabh A · 16 Jan 2013

Hi Anzel,

Since the laptop 'powers off' during the 'diagnostics'/in 'BIOS environment', it appears to be a 'hardware issue' related to the 'Heat Sink / Fan Assembly'. Not sure if the laptop would stay 'powered on' before 'BIOS flashes'; however, is worth a shot. It may help.

Based on warranty status, I may be able to arrange a 'repair service call'. Please refer to the following link to confirm the current 'warranty status' of your system: How to Check When Your Warranty Expires | Dell

If the system is still in warranty, please share the 'Service Tag' and 'Account Holder's name' with me through a private message; would try to help you with the best support options available.