How to Replace an IBM T40 ThinkPad Cooling Fan
Heat, poor ventilation and dust are typical culprits that can wreak havoc on your IBM ThinkPad cooling fan. Sometimes a cooling fan can stop working altogether and you may not even be able to boot up your computer. If that should happen, you can try replacing it yourself. It’s just a matter of finding a correct match for your T40 ThinkPad and then performing some minor surgery. Switch out the bad part for the new one and you should be up and running in no time.
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Instructions
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1
Unplug and disconnect all cables and connectors from the ThinkPad. Turn the laptop over so the bottom is facing upward. Open the battery door and remove the battery. Set it aside on the table.
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2
Use the screwdriver and remove the four screws on the casing that support the keyboard and set the screws aside. Remove the eight screws supporting the palm rest and then set those screws aside in a separate pile. Refer to the References for screw locations.
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3
Turn the computer over and lift the keyboard up and out of the computer. Disconnect the cable that attaches it to the motherboard and set the whole thing aside. Lift out the palm rest and disconnect the touchpad cable. Set the palm rest and cable aside on the desk. If the keyboard or palm rest do not readily lift out, rock them back and forth gently to loosen the edges. Now you’ll be able to see the cooling fan assembly.
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Remove the screws holding the cooling fan assembly. Set screws aside. Lift the fan assembly out and disconnect any cables attaching it to the motherboard.
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Clean out the opened compartment on the computer using a few hits of compressed air to remove any dust. Note any surrounding areas that look as if they were burned. You might want to relay this information to a technician should your laptop not boot up with the new cooling fan.
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Install the new cooling fan assembly. Use the reverse steps when you took it out. Use the correct screws and tighten it into place.
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Reassemble all other parts in the reverse order that they were taken out. Put the palm rest in and attach the touchpad cable. Attach the keyboard cable to the motherboard and then snap the keyboard into place. Turn the computer over and install all screws.
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