Change the Internal Fan for the Wii
Internal fans in electronics items are eventually going to go out after continual use. And even though your Wii system may appear durable enough to last forever, its own internal fan will eventually need to be replaced. It's essential to have a functional internal fan for your Wii to prevent overheating--just as it is with any computer.
Instructions
Disassembling Your Wii
1. Check to see if your internal fan needs to be replaced in the first place. Listen to see if your fan clicks, hums or doesn't come on at all. If you notice any of those three scenarios or have poor circulation in the room where your Wii is, it's time to replace the internal fan. You'll have to carefully disassemble the Wii to get to it.
2. Remove all power and media cables from the Wii system. Stand the Wii in an upright position so all the ports are on top. Take the panels off that cover the ports by rotating them. They should pop right out of the holders.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three screws burrowed into the port side. These screws are easy to lose, so don't misplace them. The screw closest to the front of the Wii is longer than the other two.
4. Pop out the black port cover. Remove four more screws--there are two Phillips and two Tri-Wing. Turn the Wii over and remove five more screws (a combo of Philips and Tri-Wing) on the side where the battery is. Keep all the screws in a place where they won't get lost.
5. Pry off the rubber foot on the bottom of the Wii with a flathead screwdriver. Take out the screw under the rubber foot with your Phillips screwdriver. Turn the Wii so the bottom is facing up.
6. Remove two covers on the bottom section and the two Phillips screws underneath them. Two more Phillips screws are under the last two bottom rubber feet that should also be removed.
7. Pull the faceplate off the front of the Wii. Take the faceplate off carefully because power connectors are there that could seriously damage your Wii system if yanked too hard. Remove the power connector wires from the faceplate with a tweezers or screwdriver. Set the faceplate aside and turn the Wii horizontally.
8. Take the main cover off of your Wii by lifting up from the back. The internal parts of the Wii are now exposed and you're ready to replace the fan.
Replacing the Fan
9. Locate the fan in the back of the Wii. It's black and box shaped with the fan blades visible. Pry up on the plugged-in power cable to its right with a screwdriver. Be gentle in pulling it out since damage can occur if tugged on too hard.
10. Unscrew the two Phillips screws on the left and right of the fan's base that are held into the Wii base. Slide the fan out and place on your work table.
11. Repeat all previous steps in reverse once you buy a new Wii fan and install it.
Tags: Phillips screws, , Phillips screwdriver, , rubber foot