Thinkpads Forum

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!

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

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.

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