Sony Vaio PCG-3C2L Fan Replacement

Written By: Jennifer Maier

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 - 30 minutes

Introduction

This replacement guide demonstrates how to remove the fan from a Sony VAIO PCG-3C2L. The fan is responsible for circulating air throughout the device, regulating the device’s temperature. Dust particles can accumulate on the fan blades over time, degrading its cooling capabilities and thus degrading overall device performance. It is generally recommended to remove the fan for cleaning once a year.

Tools

Step 1

Turn your computer over so the bottom is facing up.
The battery should be in the top on the back of the computer.

Step 2

Initially, the "lock" button should be pushed all the way to the left. To unlock the battery, move the lock button from the left to the right.

Step 3

After unlocking the battery, hold the "release" button and push to the left.

Step 4

Keep the "release" button pressed.
Use the iFixit opening tool (or your hands) to lift the battery up.

Step 5

Place the laptop so that the bottom is facing up.

Step 6

Using a Phillips #0 screwdriver, remove the two 3.5mm screws on the hard drive cover.

Step 7

Using a Phillips #0 screwdriver, remove the three 8mm screws on the hard drive casing.
Remove the black hard drive casing by pulling it off.

Step 8

Remove the hard drive by carefully sliding it out.

Step 9

Remove the six 8 mm edge screws from the back panel using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Remove the two 8 mm corner screws from the back panel using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Remove the four 8 mm middle screws from the back panel using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Remove the three 2 mm screws from the back panel using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

Step 10

Remove the 6 mm screw from the battery holder using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Remove the two 4 mm screws from the battery holder using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

Step 11

Remove the CD cartridge from the back panel by sliding it out.

Step 12

Using your hands, pull up the back panel about two inches up from the rest of the laptop.
Disconnect the black wire connector.
Remove back panel.
Pull up the back panel slowly so the black wire connector does not break.

Step 13

Unscrew the four 4 mm captive screws from the fan casing using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Disconnect the black/red/yellow wire connector by gently pulling on the wire.
Remove the copper colored fan casing that contains the fan by pulling it off of the bottom of the laptop.