APS Tech 101629 Exhaust Fan Replacement

Introduction

This repair guide will walk you through the steps to removing and replacing the fan of your APS Tech 101629 CD-Drive. Fans are easily replaced and the process for removing this fan is fairly simple.

First the casing, channel switch, and power switch will need to be removed.

What you need

Step 1 External Casing

APS Tech 101629 Exhaust Fan Replacement, External Casing: step 1, image 1 of 3

APS Tech 101629 Exhaust Fan Replacement, External Casing: step 1, image 2 of 3

APS Tech 101629 Exhaust Fan Replacement, External Casing: step 1, image 3 of 3

Pry all four of the plastic feet off the bottom of the enclosure using the iPod opening tool.

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Step 2

Unscrew the four screws previously covered by the feet with a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

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Step 3

Flip the device right side up.
Gently slide the casing upwards and off the hard drive.

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Step 4

Flip device upside down again.
Gently pry the bottom gray casing away from the device.

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Step 5

Rotate so the back of the device is facing you.
Gently pry the back casing away.
When the back casing is removed, the fan will become loose.

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Step 6 Channel Switch

APS Tech 101629 Exhaust Fan Replacement, Channel Switch: step 6, image 1 of 2

APS Tech 101629 Exhaust Fan Replacement, Channel Switch: step 6, image 2 of 2

Find the conjoined ID cable wires that are colored black, orange, and yellow.
Lift white portion of cable wires to disconnect it.

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Step 7

APS Tech 101629 Exhaust Fan Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

At this point, the fan is loose and can be easily moved but not disconnected.
Using the spudger, depress the pressure holders at all four corners of the fan.
Take out the fan and its cords, by pulling it outward from its cavity within the device.

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Step 8 Power Switch

APS Tech 101629 Exhaust Fan Replacement, Power Switch: step 8, image 1 of 2

APS Tech 101629 Exhaust Fan Replacement, Power Switch: step 8, image 2 of 2

Depress 2 pressure holds on each side of the power switch.
Press out the back of the device.

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Step 9

Remove all four 4 connections from the power switch.
Remember that the straight connections are on the far side, while the L-shaped connections are on the near side, and that both yellow connections are on top. This is helpful for reassembly.
These are very hard to get off, use patience and wiggling.