I have been getting the "FAN CHK" message on my samsung surround sound system (model HT-TWZ412).

I opened the receiver and the fan isn't spinning. I blew on it, put a small amount of wd-40, sometimes it will start spinning, sometimes it won't. If it doesn't, I'll give it a little push and it will start spinning.

So the question...... Is the fan about to die, very dirty (requiring more cleaning) or something else?

Thanks in Advance

replace the fan. they only have a limited life span.

In the future you may want to consider using a dry lubricant for that application.

Just FYI, WD-40 is not a lubricant. It's great at freeing up rusted bolts, but it evaporates and won't last very long.

akaggie05 - WD40 is a lubricant. Much of it is alcohol and other substances that evaporate. But it includes a light lubricant. Spray some on a piece of glass - and it will leave behind a very thin light film of lubricant.

That said - fans fail. They are unlikely to get enough dirt inside the small motor that cleaning will fix it.

The bearing is probably failing. The fan will probably seize and stop spinning completely. Most of these small fans include a speed sensing wire - that's how the unit knows it isn't spinning.

I would measure its size and buy a new PC fan to replace it. It may have to be soldered in - or if you're lucky it uses the same kind of connector PCs use.