Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420s Fan Replacement

Written By: Kalen Whited

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Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420s Fan Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

35 - 40 minutes

Introduction

If you need to replace the fan, use this guide to access and remove the fan from this device. For this guide you will need a plastic opening tool, a Phillips #0, #00, and #000 screwdriver. This repair may be needed either as a prerequisite to replacing other parts or in order to fix issues such as frequent, but irregular crashes, error messages, or disappearing or scrambled files.

Tools

Step 1

There is no external access to the battery. Please make sure the at the battery has been drained or disabled through BIOS before beginning.
Flip the device over.

Step 2

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove one M2 x 3mm screw from the side of the device.

Step 3

Swing the cover out slightly like a hinge.
Pull the cover directly away from the case towards the base of the laptop.
Lift the cover up and away from the device to remove it.
You may hear a slight pop when you pull the cover off.

Step 4

Use the clear tab to slide the hard drive out of the device.

Step 5

To replace the hard drive, remove the four M2 × 4mm wafer-headed screws on the sides of the hard drive case using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.
Slide the old hard drive directly out.
When reassembling, make sure the hard drive is securely in the case before beginning.

Step 6

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove eight M2 × 3 mm screws near the front opening and scattered across the bottom of the laptop.
Remove three M2x3 mm screws using a Phillips #00 screwdriver from the base of the laptop near the opening.

Step 7

Remove the M3 x 2mm screw from the hole left by the hard drive using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.

Step 8

Flip over the device.
Open the device normally.

Step 9

Wedge the plastic opening tool between the upper and lower halves of the lower case.
Lift the end of the opening tool slowly until the case separates.
Hearing a small popping or cracking noise during this step is normal

Step 10

Lift the upper half of the case up slowly.
Be sure not to yank any of the wires connected to the case as this could damage them.

Step 11

Locate and disconnect the 4 ribbon wires from the top case.
Locate and disconnect the two additional connecting wires.
Some wires may be connected by a clamp. In order to remove the clamp, press upwards on the lever attached to the connector
Be careful to not yank on the wires when disconnecting them as they are easily damaged.