T420 LCD Inverter Board on T420s

[rhomusic]

Hey guys!

Hope you're all well! I'm having some issues with the LCD inverter board on my ThinkPad T420s. One of the LED lights aren't appearing. I found an inverter board online for about $22, but it says that it's for the ThinkPad T420 and T420i. It does not mention anything about the T420s.

My question is this: would I still be able to use a T420 or T420i inverter board on a T420s? Would it cause any sort of problem whatsoever?

My third and last question is where and how do you guys find the answer to the above two questions? I would like to know so that I can figure this stuff out on my own too. Thank you in advance!

[bit_twiddler]

You should be able to find out by downloading the Hardware Maintenance Manuals for the T420 and t420s.
Look in the parts section.

[rkawakami]

Just to be clear here... I believe that the T420, T420i and T420s all came with LED-backlit panels. Therefore, there is no "inverter" board. If there is a burned out status LED then that should be on the "LED sub card". The HMM for T420/T420i lists that board as FRU 04W1370. The HMM for T420s/T420si lists 04W1696 and 04W1697 so there may be a difference that will prevent one from operating in the other. What problem could it cause? Nothing (or in other words, it will work or it will not work), to possibly a burned out fuse. If it were me, I'd stick with the 04W1696/7 unless somebody here can vouch for swapping the boards without any issues.

[rhomusic]

All right, this is really helpful. Just found and ordered the correct board on eBay. Thank you for all the help!