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T520 lid latch broken in closed position; can't open

T400/T410/T420 and T500/T510/T520 Series
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simplify
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Joined: Sat May 28, 2011 4:27 pm
Location: New York, NY

T520 lid latch broken in closed position; can't open

#1 Post by simplify » Wed May 24, 2023 2:30 pm

The left-side latch of the lid/screen is stuck in the locked position so the lid won't open. What can I do? The right-side latch is stuck in the unlocked position. The sliding switch won't move but if you lift up the right side of the lid 1/8" or so, so the hook isn't in the hole, you can slide the switch freely back and forth and it feels like there's no spring. Having taken apart the 520 many times to replace the keyboard and other things I can't imagine how even a repair shop could get into the left-side hole to unlatch it. I guess with some extremely fine stiff wire implement that has just the right U shape.

simplify
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat May 28, 2011 4:27 pm
Location: New York, NY

Re: T520 lid latch broken in closed position; can't open

#2 Post by simplify » Wed May 24, 2023 3:00 pm

Holy mackerel after an hour of panic and unsuccessful online searches and trying paper clips which are too thick and won't fit in the fine gap between lid and palm rest - I found an unusual variety of extra-fine mini-paper clip which was able to get into the left-side latch. If anyone knows about fixing the latch and switch let me know. Meanwhile I guess I'll open it up and look around.

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Re: T520 lid latch broken in closed position; can't open

#3 Post by RealBlackStuff » Thu May 25, 2023 2:30 am

Get the T520 manual from the HMM link at the top of each page.
Assuming you have the laptop open, remove charger and battery, then remove the LCD bezel.
You should now have full access to the latches, to clean/fix them.
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