Chosen Solution
Hi folks, I have a recurring issue which is causing me problems: My MacBook Pro mid-2015 rightside fan seems not to be working. I have used different software (Macs Fan Control, iStat) to determine this. This causes kernel task to fill up the memory and stops me from doing the things I need to. I previously replaced this fan and did have some success, but the issue is back. However, when I power on with the shell open, both fans are spinning perfectly fine - so this leads me to believe a sensor is incorrectly reading the RPM of the right fan as 0, and acting accordingly, when it is in fact working. What is my best bet to fixing this issue? I’ve tried an SMC and PRAM reset already. Thanks,
Update (10/21/2020) Hi @danj So I followed the instructions to inspect the SMC chip and couldn’t notice anything myself, but took a few images that maybe someone else will notice something with.
However, upon reassembling the right side fan is now being measured accurately and seems to be working. BUT, the left side fan is now not working the same: It registers a slow speed every few seconds but almost immediately returns to zero. I’ll attach stats on both fans (the previously working but not producing any RPM results right is the one reaching the top and constant speeds).
The kernal_task issue doesn’t seem to have occurred so far, so I guess this is a better situation than I was previously in. Bottom line, what would you do at this point? Thank you Update (10/21/2020) Spoke too soon.. kernal task is still an issue.
I think you’ll need to do a deeper inspection of the logic board after taking it out following this guide MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2015 Logic Board Replacement Inspect the area around U5000 chip which is the SMC chip. I’m suspecting you either had a liquid spill which has damaged the logic in this area or you have a cold solder joint within the BGA pads of the chip. Update (10/20/2020) Here’s an image of the area in question:
Update (10/21/2020) At this point you’ll need to carefully pull away the sealer around the chip and then using a good hot air rework station and flux hopefully you can get the cold solder joint under the chips BGA pads. Make sure you protect the other small SMD components around the chip as you don’t want to disturb them the process.
