How to Replace the Fan on an Acer Travelmate 2423WXCI Laptop

Replace your Acer TravelMate 2423 laptop's cooling fan.

Your laptop's cooling system prevents your processor from getting too hot. A processor cooling system usually consists of a small fan and heat sink device. If the fan stops working, your processor is likely to overheat and cause significant motherboard damage as a direct result. Replacing the processor cooling fan in your Acer Travelmate 2423 requires that you partially dismantle your laptop's outer casing assembly.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Cotton swabs
• Thermal grease
• Antistatic wrist strap

Instructions

1. Power down your Acer laptop. Unplug the AC power cable, and remove any external devices from the laptop. Close the display panel, and place the laptop face down with the front edge facing toward you. Slide the two battery release buttons to the right. Remove the large battery pack from its compartment along the top edge of the laptop's bottom casing.

2. Remove the eight Phillips screws from the large hardware compartment cover on the right section of the laptop's bottom casing. This compartment houses much of your laptop's most important hardware devices and takes up the majority of your laptop's bottom casing. Remove the cover from the laptop.

3. Locate the large cooling fan assembly inside the hardware compartment. Disconnect its fan cable from the motherboard. Remove the five Phillips screws fastening the cooling fan to the motherboard. Slide the fan downward to disengage it from the processor chip. Then remove the entire cooling fan from the laptop.

4. Wipe any excess thermal grease from the processor's surface. Use a cotton swab to evenly apply a thin coat of thermal grease to the processor's surface before installing the new cooling fan.

5. Place the new cooling fan assembly inside the laptop so it sits directly on top of the processor chip. Align the screw holes on the fan assembly with the screw holes on the motherboard. Replace the fan's five retaining Phillips screws. Connect the fan's power cable to the connector on the motherboard.

6. Replace the hardware compartment cover and its eight Phillips screws. Place the battery pack back inside the empty battery compartment. Press down on the battery until it snaps into place. Flip the laptop over. Reconnect all cables and devices to the laptop.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear an antistatic wrist strap as you remove and replace the cooling fan. This will prevent electrical damage to your motherboard.

References

• Tim's Laptop Service Manuals: Acer Aspire 2420-Series Service Manual