About this manual This manual contains service and reference information for the following ThinkPad ThinkPad X121e Machine types (MT) 3045, 3048, 3049, 3051, 3053, 3055 Use this manual along with the advanced diagnostic tests to troubleshoot problems. Important: This manual is intended only for trained service technicians who are familiar with ThinkPad products. Use this manual along with the advanced diagnostic tests to troubleshoot problems effectively.
Chapter 1. Safety information This chapter presents following safety information that you need to be familiar with before you service a ThinkPad Notebook. • “General safety” on page 1 • “Electrical safety” on page 2 • “Safety inspection guide” on page 3 •...
Electrical safety Observe the following rules when working on electrical equipment. Important: Use only approved tools and test equipment. Some hand tools have handles covered with a soft material that does not insulate you when working with live electrical currents. Many customers have, near their equipment, rubber floor mats that contain small conductive fibers to decrease electrostatic discharges.
– Use caution; do not become a victim yourself. – Switch off power. – Send another person to get medical aid. Safety inspection guide The purpose of this inspection guide is to assist you in identifying potentially unsafe conditions. As each machine was designed and built, required safety items were installed to protect users and service technicians from injury.
2. Make sure that the ESD protective devices you use have been certified (ISO 9000) as fully effective. When handling ESD-sensitive parts: • Keep the parts in protective packages until they are inserted into the product. • Avoid contact with other people. •...
Chapter 2. Important service information This chapter presents following important service information that applies to all machine types supported by this manual: • “Strategy for replacing FRUs” on page 19 – “Strategy for replacing a hard disk drive” on page 20 –...
• If an adapter or a device consists of more than one FRU, any of the FRUs may be the cause of the error. Before replacing the adapter or device, remove the FRUs, one by one, to see if the symptoms change. Replace only the FRU that changed the symptoms.
• The PEW record is the 4-digit MT and 3-digit model, where model = “CTO” (Example: 1829-CTO). • eSupport will show both the CTO and CMV machine type models (Example: 1829-CTO and 1829-W15 will be found on the eSupport site.) •...
Chapter 3. General checkout This chapter presents following information: • “What to do first” on page 23 • “Checkout guide” on page 24 – “Diagnostics using PC-Doctor for DOS” on page 24 – “Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox” on page 26 – “FRU tests”...
• Forgotten computer password (making the computer unusable) • Sticky keys caused by spilling a liquid onto the keyboard • Use of an incorrect ac power adapter on laptop products The following symptoms might indicate damage caused by nonwarranted activities: •...
Note: When you initialize the computer configuration, some devices are disabled, such as the serial port. If you test one of these devices, you will need to enable it by using Configuration utility for DOS. The utility is available on the following Web site: http://www.lenovo.com/support Testing the computer Note: The PC-Doctor for DOS CD-R/CD-RW disc supports only test of internal optical disc drives (CD-RW, CD-RW/DVD Combo, and DVD Multi drives) on ThinkPad computers.
Diagnostics • Run Normal Test • Run Quick Test • CPU/Coprocessor • System Memory • Systemboard • Video Adapter • Fixed Disks • Diskette Drives • Other Devices • Communication • Wireless LAN Notes: • In the Keyboard test in Interactive Tests, the Fn key should be held down for at least 2 seconds; otherwise, it cannot be sensed.
Note: To install the latest Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox on the computer, go to http://web.lenovothinkvantagetoolbox.com/ click Download Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox, and then follow the instructions on the Web site. To run this program, do as follows: Windows 7: Click Start ➙ Control Panel ➙ System and Security ➙ Lenovo - System Health and Diagnostics. Windows XP: Click Start ➙...
Table 1. FRU tests (continued) Applicable test TrackPoint or pointing If the TrackPoint does not work, check the configuration as specified in the ThinkPad device Setup. If the TrackPoint is disabled, select Automatic to enable it. After you use the TrackPoint, the pointer may drift on the screen for a short time. This drift can occur when a slight, steady pressure is applied to the TrackPoint pointer.
Note: Output voltage of pin no.2 of the ac power adapter may different from the one you are servicing. 3. If the voltage is not correct, replace the ac power adapter. 4. If the voltage is acceptable, do the following: •...
4. If the voltage is more than +11.0 V dc, measure the resistance between battery terminals 5 and 7. The resistance must be 4 to 30 K Ω. If the resistance is not correct, replace the battery pack. If the resistance is correct, replace the system board.
Chapter 4. Related service information This chapter presents following information: • “Restoring the factory contents by using Recovery Disc Set” on page 31 • “Passwords” on page 32 • “Power management” on page 34 • “Symptom-to-FRU index” on page 35 Service Web site: When the latest maintenance diskette and the system program service diskette become available, they will be posted on http://www.lenovo.com/support.
2. Insert the Operating System Recovery Disc into the DVD drive. 3. Press F10 to save the ThinkPad Setup configuration changes. Follow the instructions on the screen to begin the recovery process. 4. Select your language and click Next. 5. Read the license. If you agree with the terms and conditions, select I accept these terms and conditions and then click Next.
Attention: If the user HDP has been forgotten, check whether a master hard disk password has been set. If a master hard disk password has been set, it can be used to access the hard disk drive. If no master hard disk password is available, neither Lenovo nor Lenovo authorized service technicians provide any services to reset either the user hard disk password or the master hard disk password, or to recover data from the hard disk drive.
1. Turn on the computer. 2. When the ThinkPad logo comes up, immediately press F1 to enter ThinkPad Setup. 3. Select Security. 4. Select Password. 5. Select Hard-disk x password, where x is the letter of the hard disk drive. A pop-up window opens. 6.
• The time set on the resume timer elapses. Note: The computer does not accept any input immediately after it enters sleep (standby) mode. Wait a few seconds before taking any action to reenter operation mode. Hibernation mode In hibernation mode, the following occurs: •...
Note: For a device not supported by diagnostic codes in the ThinkPad Notebooks, see the manual for that device. Numeric error codes Table 2. Numeric error codes Symptom or error 0177 Bad SVP data, stop POST task-The checksum of the supervisor password in the EEPROM is not correct.
Error messages Table 3. Error messages Symptom or error (beeps, if any) Fan error. Thermal sensing error. This system does not support batteries that are not genuine Lenovo-made or authorized. This system will continue to boot, but may not charge unauthorized batteries.
Table 5. No-beep symptoms (continued) Symptom or error The power-on password prompt appears. The hard-disk password prompt appears. LCD-related symptoms Important: The TFT LCD for the notebook computer contains many thin-film transistors (TFTs). The presence of a small number of dots that are missing, discolored, or always lighted is characteristic of TFT LCD technology, but excessive pixel problems can cause viewing concerns.
Undetermined problems If the diagnostic tests did not identify the adapter or device that has failed, if wrong devices are installed, or if the system simply is not operating, follow these procedures to isolate the failing FRU (do not isolate FRUs that have no defects).
Chapter 5. Status indicators This chapter presents the system status indicators that show the status of the computer. Table 7. Status indicators Indicator Meaning Caps lock When the Caps Lock mode is enabled, the Caps Lock indicator is displayed on the screen.
Chapter 6. Fn key combinations The following table shows the function of each combination of Fn with a function key. Table 8. Fn key combinations Key combination Description Fn+Esc Speaker mute If you mute the sound and then turn off your computer, the sound will remain muted when you turn on your computer again.
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Table 8. Fn key combinations (continued) Key combination Description For Windows 7: Switch between the computer display and an external monitor. Windows will show these display options: • Computer display only (LCD) • Computer display and external monitor (same image) •...
Chapter 7. FRU replacement notices External CRU statement to customers: Some problems with your product can be resolved with a replacement part you can install yourself, called a “Customer Replaceable Unit” or “CRU.” Some CRUs are designated as Self-service CRUs and others are designated as Optional-service CRUs.
Notes: • Make sure that you use the correct screw. If you have a torque screwdriver, tighten all screws firmly to the torque shown in the table for each step in Chapter 8 “Removing and replacing a FRU” on page 49. Never use a screw that you removed.
MTM on the rear label: TTTT-CTO S/N SSSSSSS Product ID on the rear label: TTTT-MMM (Use this number when setting the serial number) In the example, the Serial Number to be input is “1STTTTMMMSSSSSSS”. Retaining the UUID The Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) is a 128-bit number uniquely assigned to your computer at production and stored in the EEPROM of your system board.
(ESD) strap (P/N 6405959). Before servicing ThinkPad X121e models Some ThinkPad X121e models you are servicing might have the SIM card that the customer has installed. If the computer you are servicing has the SIM card, remove it before you start the servicing.
To remove the SIM card, you need to remove the battery pack first. (See “1010 Battery pack” on page 50.) After you finish the servicing, make sure that you insert the card back into the slot firmly. 1010 Battery pack Important notice for replacing a battery pack: •...
Table 9. Removal steps of battery pack (continued) When installing: Install the battery pack in the slot, and make sure that the battery latch is in the locked position. 1020 Bottom slot cover For access, remove this FRU: • “1010 Battery pack” on page 50 Table 10.
1030 Memory modules For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 Battery pack” on page 50 • “1020 Bottom slot cover” on page 51 Table 11. Removal steps of memory modules Note: If only one memory module is used on the computer you are servicing, the card must be installed in the upper SLOT , but not in the lower SLOT When installing: Insert the notched end of the memory module into the socket.
1040 Hard disk drive or solid state drive assembly For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 Battery pack” on page 50 • “1020 Bottom slot cover” on page 51 Attention: • Do not drop the drive or apply any physical shock to it. The drive is sensitive to physical shock. Improper handling can cause damage and permanent loss of data.
Table 12. Removal steps of hard disk drive or solid state drive (continued) When installing: Make sure the hard disk drive or solid state drive assembly is attached firmly. Table 13. Removal steps of the hard disk drive or solid state drive bracket Step Screw (quantity) M3 ×...
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Table 14. Removal steps of PCI Express Mini Card for wireless LAN In step , unplug the jacks by using the removal tool antenna RF connector (P/N: 08K7159) or pick the connectors with your fingers and gently unplug them in the direction of the arrows. Note: Some models might have a third white antenna cable.
Table 14. Removal steps of PCI Express Mini Card for wireless LAN (continued) When installing: Plug the gray cable into the jack marked MAIN or M, and the black cable into the jack marked AUX or A on the card. Note: In models with a wireless LAN card that has three antenna connectors, plug the gray cable (MAIN) into the jack marked TR1, the white cable (third) into the jack marked RO or TR3, and the black cable (AUX) into the jack marked TR2 on the card.
Table 15. Removal steps of PCI Express Mini Card for wireless WAN (continued) 1070 Keyboard For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 Battery pack” on page 50 • “1020 Bottom slot cover” on page 51 Table 16. Removal steps of keyboard When installing: Make sure the screws have been fastened to secure to keyboard.
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Table 16. Removal steps of keyboard (continued) When installing: Make sure that the connectors are attached firmly. Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Table 16. Removal steps of keyboard (continued) When installing: Attach the keyboard so that the keyboard edge is under the frame as shown in the following figure. 1080 Power sub card and microphone For access, remove these FRUs in order: •...
Table 17. Removal steps of power sub card (continued) Step Screw (quantity) M2 × 3 mm, wafer-head, nylon-coated (1) Table 18. Removal steps of microphone When installing: Make sure that the connectors are attached firmly. 1090 Top case assembly For access, remove these FRUs in order: •...
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Table 19. Removal steps of top case assembly Step Screw (quantity) • Front side: M2 × 5 mm, wafer-head, nylon-coated (2) • Rear side: M2.5 × 5 mm, wafer-head, nylon-coated (2) Step Screw (quantity) Color Torque Black 0.181 Nm (1.85 kgfcm) Color Torque Chapter 8...
Table 19. Removal steps of top case assembly (continued) M2 × 5 mm, wafer-head, nylon-coated (3) In step , push the top case assembly out from the frame as shown in the following figure by using a plastic pry tool, and remove the top case assembly in the direction shown by the arrow When installing: Make sure that all the projections of the top case assembly are attached firmly to the guide holes of the base cover.
Table 20. Removal steps of Bluetooth daughter card (continued) Step Screw (quantity) M2 × 3 mm, wafer-head, nylon-coated (1) When installing: Make sure that the connector on the bottom side of the card is attached firmly to the system board. 1110 Speaker assembly For access, remove these FRUs in order: •...
Table 21. Removal steps of speaker assembly (continued) When installing: Attach the speaker assembly and route the cable as shown in the following figure, and make sure that the speaker connector is attached firmly. 1120 I/O board For access, remove these FRUs in order: •...
1130 System board assembly, fan assembly, and backup battery Important notices for handling the system board: When handling the system board, bear the following in mind. • The system board has an accelerometer, which can be broken if several thousands of G-forces are applied. Note: Dropping a system board from a height of as little as 6 inches so that it falls flat on a hard bench can subject the accelerometer to as much as 6,000 G's of shock.
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Table 23. Removal steps of system board (continued) Step Screw (quantity) M2 × 3 mm, wafer-head, nylon-coated (2) When installing: Make sure that the connector is attached firmly to the system board. When installing: Make sure that the connector is attached firmly. Hardware Maintenance Manual Color Torque...
Table 24. Removal steps of fan assembly and backup battery Loosen the screws DANGER Use only the battery specified in the parts list for your computer. Any other battery could ignite or explode. When installing: Make sure that the connector is attached firmly. 1140 CRT board assembly (with cable) For access, remove these FRUs in order: •...
Table 25. Removal steps of CRT board assembly Step Screw (quantity) M2 × 3 mm, wafer-head, nylon-coated (2) When installing: Make sure that the connector is attached firmly to the system board. 1150 DC-in sub card and base cover assembly For access, remove these FRUs in order: •...
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Table 26. Removal steps of DC-in sub card Applying labels to the base cover The new base cover FRU is shipped with a kit containing labels of several kinds. The following illustrations show the location of each label. Chapter 8 Removing and replacing a FRU...
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Note: If the Windows Certificate of Authentication label (COA) return the old part with the label attached to the customer, or provide a letter to the customer stating what the label was originally on the system and what the label part number, serial number, and product key were. When you replace the base cover, apply the following labels: •...
For some models, you need to apply two FCC labels. Check the old base cover; if it has two FCC labels, apply both to the new base cover. 2010 LCD unit For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 Battery pack” on page 50 •...
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Table 27. Removal steps of LCD unit (continued) Step Screw (quantity) M2.5 × 5 mm, wafer-head, nylon-coated (4) Hardware Maintenance Manual Color Torque Black 0.392 Nm (4 kgfcm)
Table 27. Removal steps of LCD unit (continued) When installing: Make sure that the connector is attached firmly to the system board. 2020 LCD bezel assembly For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 Battery pack” on page 50 •...
Table 28. Removal steps of LCD bezel assembly (continued) When installing: Make sure that all the latches are attached firmly. Then secure the bezel with the screws. 2030 Integrated camera For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 Battery pack” on page 50 •...
2040 LCD panel, LCD cable, and hinges For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 Battery pack” on page 50 • “1020 Bottom slot cover” on page 51 • “1040 Hard disk drive or solid state drive assembly” on page 53 •...
Table 31. Removal steps of hinges Step Screw (quantity) M2 × 4 mm, wafer-head, nylon-coated (2) 2050 Wireless LAN antenna assembly, wireless WAN antenna assembly, and LCD rear cover assembly For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 Battery pack” on page 50 •...
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Table 32. Removal steps of Wireless LAN antenna assembly, wireless WAN antenna assembly, and LCD rear cover assembly (continued) Cable routing: When you install the antenna assembly, route the cables as shown in the following figure. As you route the cables, make sure that they are not subjected to any tension. Tension could cause the cables to be damaged by the cable guides, or a wire to be broken.
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Table 32. Removal steps of Wireless LAN antenna assembly, wireless WAN antenna assembly, and LCD rear cover assembly (continued) : Wireless LAN AUX antenna (black) and wireless WAN AUX antenna (blue) : Wireless WAN MAIN antenna (orange) and wireless LAN MAIN antenna (gray) Note: Some models might have a third white cable for wireless LAN.
Chapter 9. Locations This chapter presents the locations of the ThinkPad X121e hardware components. Front view Integrated camera Power switch Security keyhole ac power connector USB connector Always on USB connector For the description of the power status indicator, see Chapter 5 “Status indicators” on page 41.
Rear view Sleep (standby) status indicator Combo audio jack Ethernet connector USB connector For the description of the power status indicator, see Chapter 5 “Status indicators” on page 41. Bottom view Battery pack Battery pack latch For the description of the power status indicator, see Chapter 5 “Status indicators” on page 41. Hardware Maintenance Manual HDMI port Fan louvers...
Chapter 10. Parts list This chapter contains following lists of the service parts. • “Overall” on page 82 • “LCD FRUs” on page 90 • “Keyboard” on page 94 • “Miscellaneous parts” on page 95 • “ac power adapters” on page 95 •...
TrackPoint caps ac power adapter (see “ac power adapters” on page 95) LCD FRUs In ThinkPad X121e models, the type of the LCD is 11.6-inch HD LED-backlight LCD (Table 34 “Parts list-LCD” on page 91). Hardware Maintenance Manual FRU no.
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Table 34. Parts list-LCD No. FRU (LCD) LCD front bezel LCD module, 11.6-inch HD anti-glare FRU no. 04W2229 N 04W1594 N Chapter 10 Parts list...
Table 35. Parts list-Keyboard (continued) Language Polish Portuguese Russian Slovak Slovenian Spanish Swiss Thai Traditional Chinese Turkish Turkish-F U.K. English U.S. English U.S. English (International, with a Euro symbol) Miscellaneous parts Table 36. Parts list-Miscellaneous parts Screw kit (including nylon-coated screws): •...
Power cords A ThinkPad power cord for a specific country or region is usually available only in that country or region: Table 39. Parts list–2-pin power cords Country or region Argentina • Models: CTO, xxY Brazil • Models: CTO, xxP Canada, U.S.
Recovery discs Windows XP Professional (32-bit) DVDs Windows XP Professional is preinstalled as the operating system in the following models: • 3045-CTO • 3048-CTO • 3049-CTO • 3051-CTO • 3053-CTO • 3055-CTO Table 41. Parts list-Windows XP Professional (32-bit) recovery DVDs Language Brazilian Portuguese Czech...
• 3053-CTO • 3055-CTO Table 42. Parts list-Windows Vista Business (32-bit) recovery DVDs Language US English Windows 7 Home Basic (32-bit) DVDs Windows 7 Home Basic (32-bit) is preinstalled as the operating system in the following models: • 3045-CTO, 6Fx, 6Gx, 6Hx, 6Jx, 6Kx, 6Mx, 6Px •...
Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) DVDs Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) is preinstalled as the operating system in the following models: • 3045-CTO, 6Sx • 3048-CTO, 24x, 25x, 2Mx • 3049-CTO • 3051-CTO, 5Rx • 3053-CTO, 22x, 23x • 3055-CTO Table 45.
• 3051-CTO, 52x, 5Ax, 5Bx, 5Dx, 5Ex • 3053-CTO • 3055-CTO Table 46. Parts list-Windows 7 Professional (32-bit) recovery DVDs Language Indian English Japanese Simplified Chinese US English Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) DVDs Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) is preinstalled as the operating system in the following models: •...
Table 47. Parts list-Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) recovery DVDs (continued) Language Slovak Spanish Traditional Chinese Turkish US English US English disable Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit) DVDs Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit) is preinstalled as the operating system in the following models: •...
Table 50. Parts list-Windows 7 Starter (32-bit) recovery DVDs Language Arabic Brazilian Portuguese French Portuguese Russian Spanish Turkish Indian English US English Common service tools Table 51. Parts list-Common service tools Tool Screwdriver kit 1/4" drive spinner handle 1/4" Sq. to 1/4" hex torx adapter TR7-TR-10 tamper resistant torx bits Removal tool antenna RF connector USB 2.0 CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive II...
Appendix A. Notices Lenovo may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in all countries. Consult your local Lenovo representative for information on the products and services currently available in your area. Any reference to a Lenovo product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that only that Lenovo product, program, or service may be used.
Electronic emissions notices For electronic emission information on Class B digital devices, refer to the corresponding information in the User Guide. Trademarks The following terms are trademarks of Lenovo in the United States, other countries or both: Active Protection System Lenovo ThinkPad ThinkVantage...
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Part Number: 0A96013 Printed in China (1P) P/N: 0A96013 *0A96013*...