Lenovo ThinkPad T480s SD Card Reader/Audio Card Replacement

Written By: Sarah Westberg
  • Comments: 2
Lenovo ThinkPad T480s SD Card Reader/Audio Card Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

14

Time Required

45 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the SD card reader/audio card from your Lenovo ThinkPad T480s.

If your laptop isn’t producing sound, most likely it’s due to faulty or misconnected cables so be sure to check them. If you know that the speakers have power and the volume is at an audible level, you may need to replace the SD card reader/audio card of your Lenovo ThinkPad T480s. Be sure to troubleshoot any audio issues before attempting to replace it though.

Make sure to disable the internal battery, power down your device, and disconnect from any external power sources before you begin.

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    • Disable the battery, power down the device, and unplug the power adapter from your device before proceeding/beginning the guide.

    • Loosen the six captive screws with a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

    Somehow I find the screws for the T480s bottom cover to be slightly more prone to stripping, compared to the ThinkPad T480 and X1 Carbon Gen 6. However, the #1 Phillips screws on the T480s have drives that are cut in a way that also let you use a #3 flathead.

    Tai Lam -

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    • Remove the bottom cover with an opening tool.

    • Start from the top edge near the hinge and work your way along the edge until all of the clips are unsnapped.

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    • Lift the bottom cover off.

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    • Use the Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove four 4.5mm screws that hold the battery down to the mid frame.

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    • Lift the battery near the connector and remove it from the system.

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    • Disconnect the speaker cable from the motherboard using a connector puller or spudger.

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    • Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove two 4.8 mm screws from the speaker on the right side.

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    • Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove two 4.8 mm screws from the speaker on the left side.

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    • Use the spudger to disconnect the hall sensor connector.

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    • Lift the speakers up.

    • Disconnect the cable speakers from the routing.

    • Remove the speakers from the system.

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    • Use a spudger to lift up the retaining flap on the SD card reader/audio card connector.

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    • Use the spudger to remove the cable from the connector.

    • The cable is attached to the board with adhesive so you will need to peel the cable up.

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    • Use the Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove two 3.1 mm screws from the card.

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    • Lift the SD card reader/audio card from the system by sliding it out from the socket.

    • You will need to slide the audio card ribbon cable under the coin cell battery cable to remove the SD card reader from the system.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Sarah Westberg

Member since: 11/03/19

29423 Reputation

One comment

It is not necessary to do steps 8 & 9.

K CHOI -