Repairing IBM ThinkPad T42 Fan

Step 1 Bottom cover

• Using a Phillips #0 screwdriver, identify and unscrew the twenty screws located on the underside of the T42.
Step 2 Rear screws

• Unscrew the four Phillips screws located on either side of the rear of the T42 (there are two located on each end.)
Step 3 Keyboard and Trackpad
• 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.
Step 4
• 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.
Step 5 Plastic Edge Cover
• Starting from the bottom right, carefully pry off the bezel. Use a spudger or flathead screwdriver if assistance is needed.
Step 6 Lower Bracket
• Grasp the metal bracket to remove it from the device.
Step 7 Microphone cover
• Remove the rubber cover from the microphone.
Step 8 Fan
• Unscrew the three shown screws (red), then unplug its connection with the motherboard (blue).
• **Since both the processor and graphics processor unit are attached to this fan with thermal paste, removing the fan might require some force and a flathead screwdriver to separate the paste from the fan.

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Kevin Rehm

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

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