Fan error T42

[Rockhine]

I own a T42 thinkpad model No. 2379 DXU. I purchased it about 3 years ago, upgraded the RAM to 1 Gig and have not had any problems. A few days ago, on start up a "Fan error" message appeared and it shut down. I opened the Thinkpad and after cleaning the fan, it still will not start on its own. If I manually spin the fan a bit at startup, it will kick in and begin to work fine.

I removed the 3 spring loaded screws and tried to remove the "long" fan and heat sink module, but a portion of it is stuck to the Video card. There is a black rubber substance adhering it to the Video card. I am not sure if this is by design of if it is plastic that has melted. I have tried and tried but I am not able to remove it. Can you let me have some suggestions as to the best way to remove it from the Video card.

I was also told that perhaps the problem is the Cmos battery and that I should first try to replace it, and that may solve the problem. Do you recommend this?

Can you recommend where to buy replacement parts such as the fan and heat sink module and Cmos battery other than on Ebay or Lenovo.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[underclocker]

Welcome to forum! The 2379-DXU is a fine machine, very well spec'd.

The fan problem your having seems to be the typical issue with an older fan, it just needs replacing.

Since that model came with a three year IBM warranty, I'd check the warranty status if you haven't already. If it's in warranty, IBM will send you a fan.

You can post an LF (looking for) ad in the marketplace section of this forum, and you might find someone willing to let one go - I think they go for as little as $20.

Although you didn't want to hear about eBay, that is a great place to purchase the long fan, too.

Regarding the apparent "fusing" of the fan to the GPU, I've seen it on several T41p's, but I haven't tried to remove the fan becasue I wan't having a fan issue.

I'm sure someone will respond with a suggestion/solution.

Best of luck.

[GomJabbar]

Based on your symptoms, I would say your CMOS battery is not the problem. However since you are opening it up, you might want to consider replacing it.

The black rubber substance is a thermal pad. I believe through careful use of a razor blade or X-ACTO knife you will be able to remove the pad. I have never actually removed one myself, so maybe someone else has a better idea. You should get a new thermal pad with the fan. Do not install without a thermal pad or some thin metal plate to fill the gap.

You can find the part number for the fan on the following webpage. Note that there are several different fans, so be sure and order the correct one.
System service parts - ThinkPad T40, T40p, T41, T41p, T42, T42p

Google the part number (FRU number) to find other suppliers of the parts you need.

Here is the Hardware Maintenance Manual which will help you with disassembling your T42.
Hardware Maintenance Manual - ThinkPad T40, T40p, T41, T41p, T42, T42p

[wearetheborg]

Thermal grease cant take the place of a thermal pad right ?

[SHoTTa35]

it should be able to, the thermal pad is thicker but the screws are spring loaded so it will lower to the point where it's tight onto the system but not to actually break it.

This is just my assumption, not stating any facts.

[Rockhine]

Thank you for your help. When replacing the cmos battery, do I need to leave the main battery connected in order not to lose any data/information during the replacement process?

[GomJabbar]

When replacing the cmos battery, do I need to leave the main battery connected in order not to lose any data/information during the replacement process?

I wouldn't worry about it. You will have to reset the Time and Date. You should go to the BIOS setup menu as soon as you turn your ThinkPad back on to set the Time and Date. Save changes and exit.

[richk]

I always suggest you remove the main battery and unplugging before taking it apart. If you drop a screw in the wrong place, you can burn out something. You will need to reset date/time.