How to Replace IBM T23 Thinkpad Cooling Fan

Replacing a faulty, damaged or inoperable cooling fan in IBM/Lenovo laptop models T20, T21 and T22 can be accomplished with minimal effort in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The correct replacement part, a few small hand tools and basic technical know-how is all that's necessary.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Replacement fan

Remove the Keyboard

1. Disconnect the external power supply, remove the battery and remove 2 screws on the underside of the laptop identified by a small symbol next to each screw. These attach to the keyboard and must be removed.
2. Open the laptop's cover. Through the small hole inside the battery compartment, use your thumb to begin pressing the keyboard out. Your thumb presses on the underside of the keyboard's mouse button section.
3. Slip a finger underneath the keyboard's mouse button section you pushed out in the previous step. Pulling up and away from the computer, maintain pulling-pressure in the middle of the keyboard. Locking edge tabs on the keyboard keep it in place. As you continue pulling the keyboard up and away, it releases from the tabs as it flexes. Now you can pull outward by the edges further helping to free it from these tabs.
4. Popping the keyboard free from all its edges, pull it towards you at an upward angle releasing the rear of the keyboard.

Remove the Fan

5. Remove the volume and power button plastic cover if necessary. By pushing each corner slightly towards the space bar, each corner of the cover releases and can be lifted up slightly. Finally, pop the panel's center free. Lifting from the rear, swing the cover toward the front clearing the buttons and lifting it free.
6. Remove the 6 screws securing the cooling fan. Gently lift the fan on an angle upwards noting how its plug wire is routed to the motherboard. Gently unplug it and remove the fan assembly. You may have to lift the plastic boarder a little to free the fan assembly.
7. Install the new or replacement fan in the reverse of the removal process making sure it is seated firmly on the motherboard and its exhaust is flush with the vent panel.
8. Route the fan's power wire, plugging its connector firmly into the socket. Mount the fan with its screws and replace the switch cover if it was removed earlier.
9. Install the keyboard pressing down on the edges making sure to get them under the locking tabs before pressing down firmly on the keyboards center where the trackpoint stick is. This ensures the keyboard's connector is seated properly. Replace all screws removed, insert battery and connect power supply.

Tips & Warnings

• Extremely delicate and sensitive components are exposed. Take care not to touch these components. Doing so could lead to damaging the laptop.
• Before replacing the screws, check to make sure the keyboard is seated firmly in its socket and all edges are locked in their tabs. An improperly seated keyboard can cause intermittent functioning or none at all. It may be necessary to remove it and re-seat it.
• Tighten the screws by hand. Over tightening can damage the motherboard and keyboard making it necessary to obtain another replacement.

Who Can Help:

• Find Computer, Electrical and Telephone Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.