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Introduction

If your Lenovo IdeaPad L340-15API overheats quickly, runs slowly, makes loud grinding or whirring noises, or experiences sudden shutdowns or restarts, the cooling fan may need to be replaced.

This guide walks you through replacing the fan in a Lenovo IdeaPad L340-15API, which helps regulate the device’s internal temperature and prevent overheating.

Before you begin the repair, power off the laptop and disconnect the charging adapter and any external peripherals.

What you need

Step 1 Optical Drive

IdeaPad L340-15API Fan Replacement, Optical Drive: step 1, image 1 of 2

IdeaPad L340-15API Fan Replacement, Optical Drive: step 1, image 2 of 2

Before beginning the repair, make sure that the device is fully powered off.
Turn the laptop over so the bottom cover is facing up.
The small screw hole near the center of the case, marked with a tiny DVD icon and an arrow, secures the optical drive.

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Step 2

Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the 7.5 mm screw securing the optical drive.
Place the screw down safely in a container/magnet strip where it will not get lost while you are working. These screws are very small and easily misplaced.

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Step 3

Place your thumb at the seam between the optical drive and the device.
Gently pull the component straight out from the device, taking care not to pull at an angle.

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Step 4 Battery

IdeaPad L340-15API Fan Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 1 of 2

IdeaPad L340-15API Fan Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 2 of 2

Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the twelve 7.5 mm screws from the back cover.

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Step 5

IdeaPad L340-15API Fan Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

Insert a plastic opening pick in the back left corner and wedge the panel open.
Slide the pick around the edge of the laptop to release the clips as you lift the panel.
If the opening pick isn’t working, use the iFixit opening tool to gain more leverage.
Remove the bottom cover.

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Step 6

Use the Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the five 6.5 mm screws securing the battery.
Use a container/magnet strip to store the screws while working.

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Step 7

IdeaPad L340-15API Fan Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

Use the wide end of a spudger to push the connector tab, sliding the battery connector out of its socket.
It may take a lot of force to disconnect the cable. Go slowly, and don't pull on the cables.

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Step 8

Remove the battery from the laptop.

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Step 9 Fan

IdeaPad L340-15API Fan Replacement, Fan: step 9, image 1 of 3

IdeaPad L340-15API Fan Replacement, Fan: step 9, image 2 of 3

IdeaPad L340-15API Fan Replacement, Fan: step 9, image 3 of 3

Before you remove the fan, you need to remove the heatsink. The heatsink is the long copper piece connected to the fan.
Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to loosen the four captive screws holding the heatsink in place.
The screws will stay connected to the heatsink but separate from the motherboard.
Gently lift the heatsink and set it aside for reassembly later.

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Step 10

Slide a thin, ESD-safe pry tool or angled tweezers under the metal neck of the connectors (as close to the head as possible) and lift straight up from the board to disconnect the black and gray coaxial cables from the Wi-Fi chip.
Always lift the connector straight up. Prying at an angle can break the socket off the board and permanently damage the motherboard.
Use tweezers to hold the connector in place over its socket and gently press down with your finger or a spudger—the connector should "snap" into place. If you're having trouble, reposition the head and try again.

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Step 11

IdeaPad L340-15API Fan Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

Use the point of a spudger to push on alternating sides of the fan connector to "walk" it out of its socket.
It may take a lot of alternating before the connector comes out. Be patient, and don't pull on the cables.
If that doesn't work, use a pair of tweezers to firmly grip the sides of the connector and pull straight away from the socket.