Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 Cooling Fan Replacement

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Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3

Alternate names: 21CF, 21GF
What is being accomplished by the guide: This guide will help guide the user replace a faulty cooling fan and/or heat sink assembly.
These parts are responsible for keeping the device running cool and efficiently. This is critical for proper operation and longevity.
If you're unsure if your culprit for hot operation and poor performance is the cooling fan assembly, follow my troubleshooting steps here: Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 Feels Hot
- Symptoms of a hot device include:
  - Accessories stop working and/or have a significant delay or lag
  - Error messages involving heat-related issues and/or sudden shutdowns
  - Device feels abnormally hot, or smells like something is burning
  - Laptop doesn't last as long on battery power as it had in the past
Watch out for large capacitors and be careful with plastic and delicate components. ESD safe tools and precautions should be followed. Additional steps and concerns could be found here:
- https://edu.ifixit.com/project-safety?rq...
More detailed information can be found here:
- T14 Gen 3 and P14s Gen 3 Hardware Maintenance Manual

Before you begin this repair, make sure to power off and unplug your laptop.

It's a good idea to replace the thermal paste before you replace the fan assembly. Follow this guide for tips on how to replace thermal paste.

Use a JIS #1 screwdriver to loosen the seven screws from the back panel.
Turn each screw counter-clockwise at least 3 turns and move on to the next step.
Screws will not come out of the panel, so you don't have to worry about losing them.
Place the end of a spudger or opening tool into the seam to gently separate the back cover from the rest of the device.
Slide the opening tool around the perimeter of the device to release the clips that hold the back panel to the device.
Remove the back panel.

Use a JIS #1 screwdriver to remove six M2 x 5 mm screws that hold the battery in place.
There is a risk to your laptop if the battery is not discharged properly.

Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the seven 11 mm screws from the heat sink and fan.

Use the point of a spudger to push on alternating sides of the fan connector to "walk" it out of its socket.
It may take a lot of alternating before the connector comes out. Be patient, and don't pull on the cables.
To reconnect the cable, align the connector and use a spudger or clean fingernail to push it fully into the socket.

Remove the fan and heatsink from the laptop.
The heat sink for the CPU can be tough to remove. Use an opening tool to help you pry it from the board.
Remove the old thermal paste from the CPU using isopropyl alcohol.
Put the alcohol on a cotton swab or paper towel, don't pour directly onto the computer.
Apply thermal paste to the top of the CPU. if you need instructions on how to remove and replace thermal paste follow this guide here.