WD19TB "Your dock fan has failed." But, actually, it seems to be functioning fine

My first WD19TB failed with the HDMI connection so I lost one monitor. Dell has replaced it. This new one has the fan running on and off all day. Dell said that this normal!!.and closed my request....Oh and my first WD19TB the fan never came on for the 1 year I had it. I do get the message that your docks fan has failed only when the system is booted up and the first time the fan starts. What am I to do?

The WD19TB's that my workplace bought in 2019 don't have this problem. However the 15 they purchased in late 2020 are all showing this "Your dock fan has failed..." error at post. The first 3 docks I put into use the users reported the fan error within days. I tried updating to the latest firmware, but the problem came back. I moved all of the connections to the dock's around with no change. I have tried different types of laptops. I tried a Dell Laptop fresh straight from the box, not added to a domain, yet nothing seems to make any difference, because after a few days the error returns. At this point I don't feel like wasting weeks diagnosing all 15 docks, I will just ask for service and they can replace all of them under warranty, there is clearly something wrong with this batch.

I had this problem this morning. I ran the "quick diagnostics" on the screen provided and it said everything was okay. On the next reboot the same error message. I managed to boot into Windows somehow and immediately checked on available Dell updates via the Dell Command Update capability. It put on a "critical" bios update (that is all). It has rebooted several times since without the error that started this thread and my hunt through this thread.

Lost a few hours of productive time this morning, but hopefully it is resolved. I have written down the Dell Support phone number now so they can replace the dock if it happens again. Personally, I don't think it was a "fan" issue as I was running everything hard yesterday and the doc fan was coming on and off like it always does when I am being truly productive. It is working the same again today after losing a few hours.

We will see. Since I am an old services/tech support guy, the first thing I check is cables, power and hardware knowing that after a "cable or 'power is unplugged' issue" it is usually a "software" problem. Joke guys based on 30+ years of experience - most of which is quickly becoming obsolete except for "common sense" troubleshooting techniques.

Cheers,

- Pete

I got the same problem. Typically the Fan speed is hight even if the air is cool. Sometimes the warning disappears for a while but always comes back. Everything is on latest FW. The dock has been replaced before with a refurbished one. Dell support only offered to take back the dock but did not offer a solution to the actual problem. It's disapointing that they don't come up with a working solution!

Update March 8, 2022 = After verifying ownership and completing troubleshooting, a DELL agent setup service to replace the dock and power adapter.
DELL-Cares

Just wanted to add that I have the same problem with a Dell XPS 15 and windows 11.

I had same problem on reboot. But I figured out the workaround, I just never reboot my laptop.

This action solved my XPS 15 5790 & WD Docking Station 19TB  problem too. Update drivers. I am going to pay attention to my fan - temperature especially leaving overnight for updates... Also use a small "real" fan spotted on the docking station for the time being.. 

I have two WD19TB docks that are less than 1 year old. One at home and one at the office. I have just received a replacement WD19TB last week because of fan issues on the Dock at the office. Then today my docking station at home is getting this "your dock fan has failed" message...
I must say I'm really displeased with Dell products... 
I used to have a K16A docking station which at some point had all USB ports stop working. I then asked our IT to swap the K16A for the WD19TB hopping they would be better, but they are very poor quality it seems... The fans fail for no apparent reason. 

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