[Ben732]

My brother and I recently gave my dad a refurbished 5040 we bought off myreplaytvoutlet.com. Upon using it for a few days, it stopped working and after a call to tech support, they said to send it back and they'd send a replacement.


A few days ago we received the replacement and after finishing quick setup, it gives an error...


WARNING: Fan Lock Detected. Refer to manual.


I've looked through the manual and found no mention of any fan lock. I again called tech support and was told it was just because of static on the line and to unplug it for 1 minute. This resolved the problem, until this evening. It's back again. I tried to do a search but came up with nothing for Fan Lock.


Has anyone seen this problem? Any recommendations? I suggested he call tech support again and see if they can walk him through fixing it. I would really hate to have to have him ship it back again.

 

[icecow]

Here's a few links for you:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...+lock+detected

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...+lock+detected


I don't know they they will help you..

The fan may be locked, or failing, or not plugged in all they way, or reporting the wrong speed to the motherboards...

Probably best to RMA that one too..

Do some reading here first!


I have a cordless phone with a speakerphone on the handset... keeps the hold waits tolerable


Out of curiousity..

Was the unit made in Malysia or China? (look at the back of your replayTV at the white label with the serial number on it)


If you don't mind.. type '411' then quickly press the 'Replay Zones' button.. tell me the manufacture date.


My shot in the dark guess is the fan has a low max speed. When the replayTV is getting hotter the fan doesn't spin fast enough so the motherboard complains. Next time you get that message pour an entire pitcher of cold Britta water into the vent of your ReplayTV.


cow

 

[j.m.]

Have you physically verified that the fan is working on the unit--i.e. is it blowing air out of the back of the unit?

 

[Ben732]

Unfortunately I live about 45 min from my Dad and haven't gone back over there today. I read the other posts listed above by icecow and I agree that it sounds like the fan isn't spinning. You'd think they'd have checked the unit before they sent him the replacement.


He called tech support tonight and they told him they're going to have him RMA it again. What kind of fan does it take? can anyone send a link to a replacement?


The only problem with opening it is it's got a 90 day warranty and if I open it and something else breaks, I'm screwed...


Thanks for the suggestions so far.

 

[icecow]

You can try to take the situation into your own hands. If you do, a $3.50 bottle of 'goo-gone' type stuff would be a cheap insurance policy to get the warrenty label off. It may get more love that way.


My personal strategy on this situation would be simply to expediate the RMA and not take the responsibility. Waiting 2 weeks Then doing an RMA is 2 weeks more of worry and wait. Buy yourself some peace and pack it up.


For one.. the fans used in a replay are the thinner more expensive kind, and secondly, what if it's not the fan?


maybe some others have some input too. 24 hours will get some more opinions. I didn't get into all the fan threads when they were popping up


cow

 

[Ben732]

Quote:

Originally posted by icecow You can try to take the situation into your own hands. If you do, a $3.50 bottle of 'goo-gone' type stuff would be a cheap insurance policy to get the warrenty label off. It may get more love that way. My personal strategy on this situation would be simply to expediate the RMA and not take the responsibility. Waiting 2 weeks Then doing an RMA is 2 weeks more of worry and wait. Buy yourself some peace and pack it up. For one.. the fans used in a replay are the thinner more expensive kind, and secondly, what if it's not the fan? maybe some others have some input too. 24 hours will get some more opinions. I didn't get into all the fan threads when they were popping up cow

I agree... This unit was either shipped out before being QA tested, or was damaged in shipping. Either way, it could be more than just the fan, which is why I'm leary of breaking the warranty seal so early in the game.


What are my chances of having them cover the return shipping costs or maybe upgrade the shipping on his replacement?

 

[icecow]

I've read here on AVS at least once about a guy who got them to pay shipping. I'd certainly bring it up, you've been unduely inconviencienced. But on the otherhand, the shipping shouldn't be a deal breaker on the RMA.


btw, when you send one in you don't usually get the same one back. Note down the serial number before you ship it, you'll see. You may have sent in a replay with a minor problem and got back a lemon.


cow

 

[Ben732]

Well.. the SN on the replacement was different than the one we returned. I've got them both written down so we'll see..


He'll definately bring up shipping. Personally I'd rather they overnight the replacement to him as opposed to them paying for return shipping. I'd rather have the replacement unit faster... but thats just me


The manual states they send advanced replacements, but then again that was written by Sonic Blue and they're owned by DNNA now so when I asked they said they don't do that.


When my father called yesterday they said they'd call back with an RMA number. He's worried they'll just leave it on his voicemail and he won't talk to anyone about the shipping thing. He'll probably have to call them again.


We'll have to wait and see.


Thanks for everyone's help!

 

[ReplayLyndon]

Ben,

Since your replacement was DOA, the shipping is automatically covered. You should have received an airbill via email to return the problem unit. Did your dad get his RMA # already? I'm not sure why a callback was required.


You can email me details at [email protected] .


Lyndon