How to replace the ThinkPad T480 keyboard

On the T480 the keyboard comes out from the top after two screws are loosened from underneath (HMM FRU 1090).

Source: every step below is paraphrased from the official ThinkPad T480 Hardware Maintenance Manual (First Edition, January 2018) (Lenovo, pp. 64 and 75-77). Screw sizes and torque values are quoted from the manual's own tables. The manual's illustrations show each step, so keep it open while you work. Service manuals are written for trained technicians; work at your own risk.

Applies to

ThinkPad T480

Before you start

  • Disable the built-in battery before you start, as the HMM requires for every FRU.

Tools

  • Phillips screwdriver

Steps

  1. Turn off Fast Startup in Windows. In Control Panel (Large or Small icons view), open Power Options, choose "Choose what the power buttons do", click "Change settings that are currently unavailable", clear "Turn on fast startup" and save.
  2. Disable the built-in battery in ThinkPad Setup. Restart and press F1 at the logo screen to enter ThinkPad Setup. Go to Config > Power, choose "Disable built-in battery", and confirm with Yes. The computer powers off by itself; Lenovo says to wait three to five minutes for it to cool.
  3. Remove the removable battery. Take out the removable rear battery (FRU 1010).
  4. Loosen the keyboard screws. Loosen the two screws that hold the keyboard (from the underside, as shown in the HMM).
  5. Release the keyboard. Turn the computer over, open the display and push the keyboard firmly in the direction shown to free its latches from the keyboard bezel.
  6. Flip it and unplug it. Tilt the keyboard up until you can see the connectors underneath, turn it over onto the palm rest, detach the connectors and lift it away.
  7. Install the new keyboard. Reverse the steps, making sure the connectors are fully seated before you secure the screws.

Matching keyboard part numbers

We have not indexed a keyboard part number for this model yet. See the ThinkPad T480 page for the parts we have documented.

Official manual

ThinkPad T480 Hardware Maintenance Manual (First Edition, January 2018) (PDF, Lenovo)