® This manual contains service and reference information for the following ThinkPad products. ThinkPad L460 Machine Type (MT) 20FU and 20FV 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.
Chapter 1. Safety information This chapter presents following safety information that you need to be familiar with before you service a ThinkPad notebook computer. • “General safety” on page 1 • “Electrical safety” on page 1 • “Safety inspection guide” on page 2 •...
If any unsafe conditions are present, you must determine how serious the apparent hazard could be and whether you can continue without first correcting the problem. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Consider these conditions and the safety hazards they present: • Electrical hazards, especially primary power (primary voltage on the frame can cause serious or fatal electrical shock) • Explosive hazards, such as a damaged cathode ray tube (CRT) face or a bulging capacitor •...
The safety notices in this section are provided in the following languages: • English • Arabic • Brazilian Portuguese • French • German • Hebrew • Japanese • Korean • Spanish • Traditional Chinese DANGER DANGER DANGER ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Chapter 2. Important service information This chapter introduces 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 or a solid-state drive” on page 19 –...
Use Lenovo eSupport to identify major FRUs, FRU part numbers, and FRU descriptions for a product at an MT - serial number level. Examples of major FRUs are hard disk drive, system board, and liquid crystal display (LCD). To identify the major FRUs for a product, do the following: ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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1. Go to: http://support.lenovo.com/ibasepartslookup 2. Type the Machine Type and Serial Number in the corresponding fields. 3. Click Submit. eSupport also can be used to view the general FRU list for a product. The FRU list is a general list of components and does not contain specific model information.
Chapter 3. General checkout This chapter introduces following information: • “What to do first” on page 23 • “Checkout guide” on page 24 – “Lenovo Solution Center” on page 24 – “Quick test programs” on page 24 – “UEFI diagnostic program” on page 25 –...
Lenovo provides the following quick test programs: • Lenovo Hard Drive Quick Test: Use this program to troubleshoot and resolve internal storage problems. • Lenovo Memory Quick Test: Use this program to troubleshoot and resolve memory module problems. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
The quick test programs are applicable on the following operating systems: ® ® • Microsoft Windows • Microsoft Windows 7 • Microsoft Windows XP ® • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 • Microsoft Windows Server 2008 To download and install a quick test program, go to http://www.lenovo.com/diags, and follow the instructions on the Web site.
If you suspect a power problem, see the appropriate one of the following power supply checkouts: • “Checking the ac power adapter” on page 27 • “Checking the external battery pack and the operational charging” on page 27 • “Checking the coin-cell battery” on page 28 ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Checking the ac power adapter You are here because the computer fails only when the ac power adapter is used. • If the power problem occurs only when the docking station or the port replicator is used, replace the docking station or the port replicator. •...
Ground • If the voltage is correct, replace the system board. • If the voltage is not correct, replace the coin-cell battery. • If the coin-cell battery discharges quickly after replacement, replace the system board. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Chapter 4. Related service information This chapter presents following information: • “Restoring the factory contents by using the Recovery Disc Set” on page 29 • “Recovery overview for the Windows 10 operating system” on page 30 • “Passwords” on page 32 •...
Windows operating system, start the computer from an external device, or restore the Windows operating system from a system image. To use advanced startup options, do the following: Note: The GUI items of the operating system might change without notice. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
1. Open the Start menu and then click Settings. If Settings is not displayed, click All apps to display all programs, and then click Settings ➙ Update & security ➙ Recovery. 2. In the Advanced startup section, click Restart now ➙ Troubleshoot ➙ Advanced options. 3.
2. Remove the external battery pack. For instructions on how to remove the external battery pack, see “1020 External battery pack” on page 62. 3. Remove the coin-cell battery. For instructions on how to remove the coin-cell battery, see “1130 Coin-cell battery” on page 84. Wait for a few seconds. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
4. Reinstall the coin-cell battery. For instructions on how to install the coin-cell battery, see “1130 Coin-cell battery” on page 84. 5. Reinstall the external battery pack. For instructions on how to install the external battery pack, see “1020 External battery pack” on page 62. 6.
When the power is turned on, the computer returns from hibernation mode and resumes operation. The hibernation file in the boot record on the hard disk drive or solid-state drive is read, and system status is restored from the hard disk drive or solid-state drive. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Symptom-to-FRU index This section contains following information: • “Numeric error codes” on page 35 • “Error messages” on page 36 • “Beep symptoms” on page 37 • “No-beep symptoms” on page 37 • “LCD-related symptoms” on page 37 • “Intermittent problems” on page 38 •...
Table 3. Error messages Symptom or error FRU or action, in sequence Fan error. 1. Replace the thermal fan assembly. 2. Apply thermal grease. 3. Replace the system board. Thermal sensing error. Replace the system board. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Table 3. Error messages (continued) Symptom or error FRU or action, in sequence The battery installed is not supported by this system Replace the battery pack. and will not charge. Please replace the battery with the correct Lenovo battery for this system. Press the ESC key to continue.
2. Visually check each FRU for damage. Replace any damaged FRU. 3. Remove or disconnect all of the following devices: a. Non-ThinkPad devices b. Devices attached to the docking station or the port replicator c. Printer, mouse, and other external devices d. Battery pack ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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e. Hard disk drive or solid-state drive f. External diskette drive or optical drive g. Memory module h. PC cards 4. Turn on the computer. 5. Determine whether the problem has been solved. 6. If the problem does not recur, reconnect the removed devices one at a time until you find the failing FRU. 7.
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On: The Fn Lock function is enabled. To input F1- F12, press the corresponding function key directly. To initiate the special function printed as an icon on each key, press the Fn key and the corresponding function key. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Chapter 6. Function keys The following table describes the functions of function keys and key combinations. Table 8. Function keys Function key and Description key combination Mutes or unmutes the speakers. If you mute the sound and turn off your computer, the sound will remain muted when you turn on your computer again.
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Has the same function as the Pause key on a conventional keyboard. Fn+S Has the same function as the SysRq key on a conventional keyboard. Fn+K Has the same function as the ScrLK key on a conventional keyboard. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Chapter 7. Locations This chapter introduces the locations of the hardware components on your computer. Locating computer controls, connectors, and indicators This topic introduces the locations of the computer controls, connectors, and indicators. Front view Camera (available on some models) Microphones (available on some models) Power button Security-lock slot...
Rear view Smart-card slot (available on some models) Audio connector Always On USB 3.0 connector Fan louvers ac power connector Bottom view External battery pack Docking-station connector (available on some models) Keyboard drainage holes Speakers ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Locating FRUs and CRUs This topic introduces the following service parts: • “Major FRUs and CRUs” on page 48 • “LCD FRUs” on page 50 • “Miscellaneous parts” on page 51 Notes: • Each FRU is available for all types or models, unless otherwise specified. •...
Note: Depending on the computer model, the keyboard bezel assembly of your computer might look different from the illustration above. Table 9. Major FRUs and CRUs FRU description Self-service CRU Optional-service CRU LCD unit Keyboard bezel assembly ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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Table 9. Major FRUs and CRUs (continued) FRU description Self-service CRU Optional-service CRU Docking bracket System board VGA board I/O bracket Memory module Hard disk drive or solid-state drive Speaker assembly External battery pack SIM-card tray SIM-card dummy cover Lenovo factory recovery USB key Lenovo recovery disc set Power cord ac power adapter...
Miscellaneous parts Table 11. Miscellaneous part FRU descriptions Self-service Optional-service Screw pack • M2 x L4 • M2 x L3 • M2 x L5 • M2 x L7 • M2.5 x L5 • M2.5 x L6 • D4.7; H3.5 Rubber kit •...
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(internal) computer comes with the dc-in cable. Connect the cable to this connector. Thermal fan assembly cable The thermal fan assembly comes Thermal fan connector (internal) with cable. Connect the cable to this connector. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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Table 12. System board (continued) Connector/feature Internal cable required Cable connection Embeded DisplayPort (eDP) LCD cable Connect one end to the LCD connector (internal) panel and the other end to this connector. Coin-cell battery connector Coin-cell battery cable The coin-cell battery comes with (internal) cable.
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Internal cable required Cable connection VGA connector (external) Connect a compatible projector, external monitor, or high-definition television to this connector VGA board connector (internal) Connect the VGA board to the system board directly Smart-card connector and cable ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Table 15. Smart-card card Internal cable required Connector/feature Cable connection Smart-card connector (internal) Smart-card cable Connect one end to the system board and the other end to this connector. Looking up FRU information For detailed FRU information, including part numbers, descriptions, and substitution part numbers, go to: http://www.lenovo.com/serviceparts-lookup Chapter 7 Locations...
Chapter 8. FRU replacement notices This chapter presents notices related to removing and replacing parts. Read this chapter carefully before replacing any FRU. CRU statement for customers: You can resolve some problems with your product with a replacement part you can install yourself, called a “Customer Replaceable Unit”...
7. Record the serial number of the system unit. After you replace the system board, do the following to restore the serial number of the system unit: 1. Connect the Maintenance Key to the computer. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
2. When the logo is displayed, press Esc. The ThinkPad Config Information Update Utility interface is displayed. 3. Type 1 under Enter the action desired, then press Enter. The ThinkPad Serial Number Update Utility for Asset ID screen is displayed. 4.
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If the system board is being replaced, try to read the ECA information from the old system board and transfer the information to the new system. If the system board is inoperable, this will not be possible. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Chapter 9. Removing or replacing a FRU This chapter provides instructions on how to remove or replace a FRU. CRU statement for customers: You can resolve some problems with your product with a replacement part you can install yourself, called a “Customer Replaceable Unit”...
Note: Depending on the computer model, your computer might look different from the following illustration. Slide the battery latch to the unlocked position, and detach the battery from the base cover on the left. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Slide the other battery latch to the unlocked position, and detach the battery from the base cover on the right. Remove the battery 1030 Keyboard rubbers For access, remove this FRU: • “1020 External battery pack” on page 62 Removal steps of the keyboard rubbers Obtain a keyboard multi-tool.
Note: Depending on the computer model, your computer might look different from the following illustration. 1040 Keyboard For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1020 External battery pack” on page 62 • “1030 Keyboard rubbers” on page 63 ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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Removal steps of the keyboard Note: Depending on the computer model, your computer might look different from the illustrations in this topic. Use the flat end of the keyboard multi-tool to slide the keyboard frame forward by 2.5 mm (0.1 inch). The screw heads beneath the keyboard frame are exposed.
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Put the keyboard on the palm rest and detach the connectors. Then remove the keyboard. When installing Attach the connectors and then turn over the keyboard. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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Insert the keyboard into the keyboard bezel. Ensure that the front edge of the keyboard is under the frame of the keyboard bezel. Ensure that the screw heads are completely exposed. Otherwise, reveal the screw heads by sliding the keyboard frame forward with the flat end of the keyboard multi-tool. Chapter 9 Removing or replacing a FRU...
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Slide the keyboard frame backward by 2.5 mm (0.1 inch) with the flat end of the keyboard multi-tool to hide the latches of the keyboard frame under the keyboard bezel. Note: Do not press and hold the keys while sliding the keyboard frame. Otherwise, the keyboard frame cannot be moved. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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Insert the flat end of the keyboard multi-tool into the gaps between the keyboard frame and the keys to push the keyboard frame backward. Ensure that there is no gap between the keyboard frame and keyboard bezel. Note: Do not press and hold the keys while sliding the keyboard frame. Otherwise, the keyboard frame cannot be moved.
“1030 Keyboard rubbers” on page 63 Note: Depending on the computer model, your computer might look different from the illustrations in this topic. Removal steps of the base cover assembly Note: Loosen the screws . The screws cannot be removed. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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Applying labels to the base cover assembly: The new base cover assembly is shipped with a kit containing labels of several kinds. Apply those labels when you replace the base cover assembly. For the labels that are not shipped with the new base cover assembly, peel them from the old base cover assembly, and adhere them to the new one.
China WWAN label China 3G WWAN label China 3G LOGO WWAN label Brazil Anatel (WL/BT/3G) label China TELCOM label ICASA label WLAN label 1060 Docking bracket or docking dummy door For access, remove these FRUs in order: ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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• “1010 SIM-card tray” on page 62 • “1020 External battery pack” on page 62 • “1030 Keyboard rubbers” on page 63 • “1050 Base cover assembly” on page 70 Removal steps of the docking bracket Torque Step Screw (quantity) Color M2 ×...
• Before removing the drive, have the user make a backup copy of all the information on it if possible. • Never remove the drive while the system is operating or in suspend mode. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Removal steps of the hard disk drive or solid-state drive Torque Step Screw (quantity) Color M2 × 3 mm, flat-head, nylon-coated (1) Black 0.181 Nm (1.85 kgf-cm) When installing: Ensure that the hard disk drive or solid-state drive is firmly attached. 1090 Wireless-LAN card For access, remove these FRUs in order: •...
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• “1050 Base cover assembly” on page 70 Removal steps of the Wireless-LAN card ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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Step Screw (quantity) Color Torque Black 0.181 Nm M2 × 3 mm, flat-head, nylon-coated (1) (1.85 kgf-cm) Chapter 9 Removing or replacing a FRU...
When installing: Plug the orange cable into the connector labeled MAIN on the card, and plug the blue cable into the connector labeled AUX on the card. 1110 Memory module For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 SIM-card tray” on page 62 •...
1120 Speaker assembly For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 SIM-card tray” on page 62 • “1020 External battery pack” on page 62 • “1030 Keyboard rubbers” on page 63 ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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• “1050 Base cover assembly” on page 70 Removal steps of the speaker assembly Step Screw (quantity) Color Torque M2 × 4 mm, big head, nylon-coated (4) Black 0.181 Nm (1.85 kgf-cm) When installing: • Ensure that the speaker rubbers are well installed. •...
For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 SIM-card tray” on page 62 • “1020 External battery pack” on page 62 • “1030 Keyboard rubbers” on page 63 • “1050 Base cover assembly” on page 70 ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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Removal steps of the LCD unit Torque Step Screw (quantity) Color M2.5 × 6 mm, flat-head, nylon-coated (4) Black 0.294 Nm (3.0 kgf-cm) M2 × 5 mm, flat-head, nylon-coated (2) Silver 0.181 Nm (1.85 kgf-cm) Chapter 9 Removing or replacing a FRU...
Removal steps of the thermal fan assembly Notes: • Loosen the screws in ascending alphabetical order as illustrated. The screws cannot be removed. • The screws , and are available only on some computer models. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
When installing: • Ensure that the connector of the thermal fan is attached firmly. • Before you attach the thermal fan assembly to the computer, apply thermal grease, at an amount of 0.2 grams, on the parts marked as shown in the following illustrations. Either too much or too less application of grease can cause a thermal problem due to imperfect contact with a component.
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Torque Black 0.294 Nm M2.5 × 6 mm, flat-head, nylon-coated (2) (3.0 kgf-cm) 0.181 Nm M2 × 5 mm, flat-head, nylon-coated (3) Silver (1.85 kgf-cm) Use the hex bit socket to remove the hexagonal screws. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Step Screw (quantity) Color Torque Hexagonal screws (2) Silver 0.181 Nm (1.85 kgf-cm) When installing: Ensure that the I/O bracket is attached firmly. 1180 Smart-card bracket For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 SIM-card tray” on page 62 •...
• If you put a system board down, be sure to put it only on a padded surface such as an ESD mat or a corrugated conductive material. For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1010 SIM-card tray” on page 62 ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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• “1020 External battery pack” on page 62 • “1030 Keyboard rubbers” on page 63 • “1050 Base cover assembly” on page 70 • “1080 Hard disk drive or solid-state drive” on page 74 • “1090 Wireless-LAN card” on page 75 •...
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Removal steps of the system board Step Screw (quantity) Color Torque M2 × 3 mm, big head, nylon-coated (4) Black 0.181 Nm (1.85 kgf-cm) ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Torque Step Screw (quantity) Color M2 × 3 mm, big head, nylon-coated (4) Black 0.181 Nm (1.85 kgf-cm) When installing: Ensure that the connectors are attached firmly. 1200 Smart card and smart-card cable, or smart-card dummy door For access, remove these FRUs in order: •...
• “1140 LCD unit” on page 84 • “1150 dc-in cable” on page 86 • “1160 Thermal fan assembly” on page 88 • “1170 I/O bracket” on page 89 • “1180 Smart-card bracket” on page 91 • “1190 System board and subcards” on page 92 •...
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M2 × 3 mm, flat-head, nylon-coated (4) (1.85 kgf-cm) When installing: 1. Insert the bottom edge of the LCD panel at an angle of about 30 degrees. 2. Install the LCD panel. Ensure that all the latches are attached firmly. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
2030 Camera/microphone module, camera module, or microphone module For access, remove these FRUs in order: • “1140 LCD unit” on page 84 • “2010 LCD-bezel sheet” on page 97 Removal steps of the camera/microphone module, camera module, or microphone module Chapter 9 Removing or replacing a FRU...
• “2010 LCD-bezel sheet” on page 97 • “2020 LCD panel” on page 97 • “2040 LCD hinges” on page 100 Removal steps of the wireless-LAN/WAN antenna assembly or wireless-LAN antenna, and LCD rear-cover assembly ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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When installing: Route the cables as shown in the following illustration. Attention: As you route the cables, ensure that they are not subject to any tension. Tension could cause the cables to be damaged by the cable guides, or a wire to be broken. Antenna locations Wireless-LAN main antenna (grey) Wireless-WAN main antenna (orange)
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.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows Server, and Cortana are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort (mDP), and VESA are trademarks of the Video Electronics Standards Association. Other company, product, or service names may be the trademarks or service marks of others. ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
Appendix B. Abbreviation table The following table lists all abbreviations and acronyms used in this manual. Abbreviation Term third generation of mobile telecommunications technology Ball Grid Array BIOS basic input/output system CMOS complementary metal-oxide semiconductor Certificate of Authentication cyclic redundancy check cathode ray tube customer-replaceable unit configure to order...
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SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment subscriber identity module supervisor password TFTs thin-film transistors UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface Universal Serial Bus UUID universally unique identifier video graphics array VRAM video random-access memory wide area network ThinkPad L460 Hardware Maintenance Manual...
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Part Number: SP40J65964 Printed in China (1P) P/N: SP40J65964 *1PSP40J65964*...