GRT-815M - cleaning from dust II

This will be the second time writing about how to clean the computer from dust. Look first in the previous post for the details since this time i will only add some pictures on how to open the computer.

1. Loose the screw from the left-hand side of the computer.

2. Slide the plastic part left to release it from the body and then lift it up. On this stage one can clean pretty much most of the dust from the main fan that is easily accessible. To reach the second one, unscrew the screw marked on the figure and proceed to step 3 to lift the keyboard.

3. One more screw and you can release the keyboard (you don't need to disconnect it), lift it and you will have full access to the fans. .








Here I have found better guide for PCG-GRT100 that goes to extreme to remove the fans from the main board. It is a perfect illustration how to disassemble each part, step by step, so one can decide to what extreme to go.

P.S. On the pictures above the computer is really in working state. The purpose was to convince the readers that the whole procedure is not difficult at all as long as you have some basic technical skills and confidence. Don't try to experiment like this the first time you open your notebook. The proper (and safe) way is to remove the battery before you open the computer. I keep doing it my way, because I think it works better to clean the dust. Once the dust is blown by the spray it is sucked and blown away by the fans, so at that point I will just advice you to be careful!

GRT-815M - cleaning from dust

There are three fans in this model. Check the links to see some of them (if the pictures are still available). I might put my own pictures later.

Excellent snapshots from disassembled VAIO on the author's web page
http://www.sundigi.com/article/product/testpage.asp?ga_id=1032
http://www.sundigi.com/article/product/testpage.asp?ga_id=1035

You don't have to remove too much to reach the two of the fans. There is one screw on the left side that holds the black part over the keyboard (the one with the speakers). Release that, then slide left the black part - then you will be almost able to reach the second fan as well. There is one more screw in the middle that will be accessible when you remove the first (black) part, that holds the keyboard. If you unscrew that you have to just lift the keyboard - nothing to disconnect. This will be enough to clean those two fans perfectly. The one bellow the HDD -since you "know" where it is now - just air spray it through the holes from aside.

Hint: If you decide not to open the laptop use the air duster while the computer is running and spray from beneath - in the inlet AND AGAINST - through the outlet. You might have something stuck that can not go through the radiator! Blowing against the air flow will probably help to clean the main fan. Usually this is enough. You may try blowing through the opening just above the printer (LPT/parallel) port - there is the outlet from the second fan.

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