Issue description
While using your xTool M1 Ultra, a pop-up message appears in the xTool Creative Space (XCS) software stating: "Exhaust Fan Filter Blocked" with the error code SMOKING_FAN.NEED_MAINTAIN.
- This section provides troubleshooting advice for resolving this issue.
Potential causes
- Overly Compact Filter Media: xTool lab tests indicate that this issue is most commonly caused by filter media (filter cotton) being too tightly packed.
- Dirt Buildup: Excessive dirt on the exhaust fan or inside the duct pipe.
- When M1 Ultra is connected to a Desktop Air Purifier, there may be a poor connection.
- When M1 Ultra is connected to a Desktop Air Purifier, the exhaust fan speed setting level within xTool Creative Space (XCS) or the accessory's purifier level might be set at an improper parameter.
- The filter cotton could be dirty or clogged.
- Dirt might be present on the exhaust fan and duct.
- The exhaust fan could be malfunctioning.
Troubleshooting overview
Remove xTool Desktop Air Purifier and observe if the error persists.
- If the error clears: The issue may be associated with the purifier. Consider disconnecting the purifier or verifying its settings.
- If the error remains: Remove the filter cotton.
- If error persists even after removing the filter cotton: The problem may lie with the exhaust fan; consider exhaust fan cleaning and/or exhaust module uninstallation to resolve the issue.
- Cleaning does not resolve it: replace the fan or the entire exhaust module.
- If error clears after removing the filter cotton: Adjust the filter cotton by fluffing it up or partially removing it (and then fluffing it) to restore proper airflow.
- If error persists even after removing the filter cotton: The problem may lie with the exhaust fan; consider exhaust fan cleaning and/or exhaust module uninstallation to resolve the issue.
Troubleshooting
STEP1: Check the connection status
- Power on M1 Ultra.
- Inspect the connection status:
- Launch XCS to check if only two levels are available at the exhaust fan speed setting (refer to Image 1); inspect if the purifier is in United Mode (refer to Image 2). The above settings verify a successful connection between the Desktop Air Purifier and M1 Ultra.
- If four adjustment levels are available at the exhaust fan speed setting, this indicates that the Desktop Air Purifier is not connected to M1 Ultra. Hence, power off M1 Ultra and reconnect the cable to the Desktop Air Purifier to attempt to re-establish the connection.
- If only two levels are displayed within XCS while the Desktop Air Purifier's United Mode is engaged, proceed to the next step.
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💡 For more on connection status:
- If the exhaust fan speed setting in xTool Creative Space (XCS) displays four levels, it indicates that the Desktop Air Purifier is not connected to M1 Ultra.
- If only two levels are displayed, it means the Desktop Air Purifier is properly connected to M1 Ultra. Additionally, the purifier must be in United Mode.
STEP2: Adjust the setting level
- Check the exhaust fan speed setting level. If it is set to level 1, increase it to level 2, a default level setting when connected to a Desktop Air Purifier.
- When the Desktop Air Purifier is engaged, ensure it is switched to the maximum level (refer to the image below).
- If the error code persists, proceed to the next step.
STEP3: Replace the filter cotton
- Power off M1 Ultra.
- Detach the exhaust fan module from M1 Ultra.
- Replace the dirty filter cotton with a new one.
- Reinstall the exhaust fan module and power the machine back on to check if the error still pops up.
- If the error message still appears, continue to the next step.
STEP4: Clean the exhaust fan and the exhaust duct
- Power off M1 Ultra.
- Detach the exhaust fan module from M1 Ultra.
- Separate the exhaust fan unit from the exhaust duct. Follow the video tutorial below to disassemble the exhaust fan unit for access to the exhaust fan.
- Wipe off any dirt on the exhaust duct with a clean cloth.
- Clean the fan blades of the exhaust fan with a non-woven cloth.
- Reassemble the exhaust fan module and reinstall it in the machine.
- Reboot M1 Ultra to check if the machine resumes proper operation.
- If the issue persists, move on to the next step.
Refer to this cleaning video for further guidance: How to Clean the Exhuast Fan Unit on M1 Ultra
STEP5: Isolate & identify the issue
- Remove xTool Desktop Air Purifier:
- If the error disappears after disconnecting the purifier, the problem likely lies in its connection or in the machine’s fan system.
- Remove the Filter Media:
- If the error continues even after removing the air purifier, take out the filter media.
- If the error persists without the filter media: The issue is likely with the machine’s exhaust fan. Consider replacing the fan or the entire exhaust fan module.
- If the error clears without the filter media: Reinstall the filter media, ensuring it is not overly compressed. You may also loosen the filter by fluffing it up or by removing a portion to improve airflow.
- If the error continues even after removing the air purifier, take out the filter media.
- If cleaning the fan and duct—even after removing the filter media and exhaust duct—does not resolve the issue, it may confirm a failure with the fan.
- Refer to this cleaning video for further guidance: How to Clean the Exhuast Fan Unit on M1 Ultra
- Replace the exhaust fan module if necessary.
Still experiencing issues?
Should the issue persist after completing the preceding steps, submit a ticket via the "Submit a Ticket" button in the "Help Ticket" section below. The standard response time for xTool Customer Service is one business day.
For a prompt resolution, please include the following details:
- Issue Description: A detailed explanation of the observed problem.
- Video Evidence: Attach a video demonstrating the issue, where applicable.
- Troubleshooting Performed: Any troubleshooting steps you have already attempted, along with their results.
This information is crucial for xTool technical support engineers to provide timely assistance.
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