DELL XPS 15 - Fan problem (on/off) + Overheating [To the extent it automatically switches off]

Thank you for your quick response, Amogh G,

I have cleaned my computer with a vacuum cleaner too (targeting at the fan), in attempt to remove as much dust as possible. I have also used, as suggested, a compressed air to remove debris and dust..  In addition to that, I have ran the diagnostics last night , but nothing problematic showed up. I ran it again, but the same results came out, not a single problem. 

When I game, I noticed a few of my CPUs may peak around 80-90% (full screen games). But games that require Java to run in a browser (tested with IE8, Firefox and Chrome) all peaked the CPU at approximately 70-85%, no more (Unless I run a few more programs, in which it never had the slightest problem too back in a week, when I can skype my friends + game with my browser without lag.) 

This problem only occurs when I run higher end CPU "sucking" programs. This has never occurred before.

Thank you,

- Annodite

Hi Annodite,

You may start by cleaning the air vents of the system by performing these steps:

• Check the vents on the computer to see if they are covered with dust and not allowing heat and air to pass through.
• Turn off the System.
• Unplug the AC Adapter
• Remove the Battery
• Blow air into the vents to remove dust and debris.

Note: You may use a can of compressed air. When using compressed air can, follow the directions printed on the can as incorrect use can cause damage to the computer.

To check hardware functionality you may run hardware diagnostics on the system:

• Reboot and press F12 to enter the Boot Menu
• When the boot device list appears, highlight Diagnostics and press Enter
• The computer begins to run the Pre-boot System Assessment, a series of embedded diagnostics that perform initial testing on your system board, keyboard, hard drive, and display
• In case any hardware component is bad, you will get a corresponding error

You may also check the system’s performance in ‘Task manager’ when the fan stops working. Please follow the steps below:

• Right click on taskbar
• Click ‘Start Task Manager’
• Click ‘Performance’ and check for CPU usage

Please share the findings. I will be glad to assist further.

The situation has turned sour today, and I realized the fan no longer even turns on even after 70C!  Despite running microsoft word and using chrome, opening 1 tab [Google drive], the computer hit 100C within 20 minutes of use.The CPU usage was extremely low, no more than 10% as I monitored it, and it almost seem unreasonable to me at all why my fan is not on at the temperatures 60C+.

- Annodite

Hi Annodite,

It seems to be a hardware issue. Please provide me the Service Tag and the name as it appears on the account via private message (click my username and then click Start Conversation) so I may access your records and check for further course of action.

I would be glad to assist you further.

I have contacted the local Dell support and they have agreed to send a technician to my place. Thank you for assisting me!

Hi Annodite,

Thank you for the reply. I am glad to know the issue is moving towards the resolution.

Please reply if you have any further questions. I will be glad to assist.

Hi Annodite,

Thank you for the reply. Speedfan is neither tested nor it is recommended by Dell.

You are absolutely rite. It will over write the system BIOS creating the conflicts.

I would suggest you to use the system without using Speedfan.

Please feel free to reply if you have further questions. I will be glad to assist.

Because you updated the nvidia drivers the fan is no longer functioning effectively. You should back out the driver and revert to the one available from dell's site.

Cheers