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IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a fan for an IBM ThinkPad (Model T42). If your computer is making excessive noises, sounds louder than usual, or feels hot to the touch, the fan may need to be replaced. The fans' purpose is to pull cooler air into the computer to cool the hot circuitry. A failing fan can cause your laptop to sound louder because it is working harder than it normally needs to. Prior to using this guide, ensure nothing is blocking the fan or is in the way of the flow of the fan. A quick cleaning of debris or built-up dirt with a microfiber cloth may improve the functionality of the fan. If the fan is still dysfunctional, the next step would be to move forward with replacing the fan. Before beginning the process of replacing the fan make sure that your device is fully turned off and disconnected from any external power sources.

What you need

  1. IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement, Bottom cover: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the twenty screws on the underside of the T42.

    Edit

  2. IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement, Rear screws: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the four Phillips screws located on either side of the rear of the T42 (there are two on each end.)

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  3. IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement, Keyboard and Trackpad: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Flip the laptop over and open the screen to access the keyboard and trackpad.

    • The keyboard and trackpad are connected to the motherboard. Before removing the keyboard and trackpad, disconnect both components from the motherboard, as shown in the following step.

    • The bezel and keyboard will be loose, be careful.

    Edit

  5. IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Carefully maneuver the palm rest away from the keyboard, as both the keyboard and palm rest/trackpad will come off together.

    • Remember, both the keyboard and trackpad have connectors to the motherboard. Disconnect these before completely removing either component.

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  6. IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement, Plastic Edge Cover: step 5, image 1 of 2 IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement, Plastic Edge Cover: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Starting from the bottom right, carefully remove off the bezel. Use a spudger or flat head screwdriver if needed.

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  7. IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement, Lower Bracket: step 6, image 1 of 2 IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement, Lower Bracket: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Grasp the metal bracket to remove it from the device.

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  8. IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement, Microphone cover: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the rubber cover from the microphone.

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  9. IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement, Fan Removal: step 8, image 1 of 2 IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan Replacement, Fan Removal: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Using the Phillips #0 screwdriver, remove the three screws on the copper heatsink.

    • Separate the copper heatsink by pulling it upwards, in order to unplug the connector from the motherboard.

    • Due to the nature of old thermal paste, it might take some force to remove the heatsink.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

8 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 10 other contributors

Kevin Rehm

Member since: 04/19/10

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Team

Cal Poly, Team 29-76, Johann Spring 2010 Member of Cal Poly, Team 29-76, Johann Spring 2010

CPSU-JOHANN-S10S29G76

4 Members

35 Guides authored

2 Comments

How about you just down the freely available Hardware Maintenance Manual (HMM) for the laptop. They are downloadable in PDF format, and very well done.

Martin Campbell - Reply

It doesnt take this much, if you remove the palm rest and keyboard you can get it at an angle it slides straight out.

Tobyn Genn - Reply

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