where/how to order replacement T500 keyboard??

[tlyczko]

Can someone tell me where/how to find the part # for the T500 keyboard??

And where to buy a replacement keyboard??

I'd like to replace it...

[KBAM · Accepted solution]

tlyczko,

What's wrong with your T500 keyboard? Crumb cancer?

To answer your question, there are traditionally three vendors of ThinkPad keyboards, Alps Electric, Chicony, and NMB. Damage aside, if you like your current keyboard's action and want the identical unit as a replacement, you need to identify its part number (actually, its "FRU" (field-replacement unit) number.

You can ID your specific keyboard model by following the procedure for auto-detecting your machine and then clicking on "View parts lookup results for this system:"

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=HOME-LENOVO#rdt

The FRU number for your T500 keyboard, as built, is likely one of these:

#42T4002 (Alps Electric)
#42T4066 (Chicony)
#42T3937 (NMB)

You should also download the Hardware Maintenance Manual (HMM) for your machine so you can observe the correct procedure for keyboard replacement (among many important tutorials). Get it here:

http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/43y6630_04.pdf

If, before replacing your keyboard, you want to explore the "Zen" of each vendor's product (and they are indeed subtly different), do a search of this forum and others (especially, http://forum.thinkpads.com/). There's a rich history of pros, cons and "war stories" for each vendor over many generations of ThinkPad.

When you're ready to purchase, enter the FRU number here:

http://www-304.ibm.com/shop/americas/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/default/PromotionDisplay?promoName=pa...

Still, you may find a better price here:

http://www.acsparts.com/thinkpad_parts.asp

That's a wrap.  Let us know how you did and what you learned.

--BAM

[tlyczko]

Finally found the support number, called them, they are sending a new keyboard, part number is apparently 42T3209.

Can add more after we install it.

Apparently it is a common problem that keys on the left side of ThinkPad T400/T500 keyboards begin behaving as though one is pressing down on an under-inflated balloon.

Thank you for all the helpful info, I marked it as a correct solution for you.

Thank you, Tom

[icarni]

I also complained an got a new one for replacement which I did not yet ... but which of those you mentioned is the wrong one that fails always on the left side and which are the better ones?

[tlyczko]

Kami, that is a very good question....whoever knows the answer....PLEASE post!!

Thank you, Tom

[KBAM]

tlyczko,

Good to hear you're getting this issue resolved.  For the record, FRU #42T3209 appears to be an Alps Electric keyboard. Let us know how you come out.

--BAM

[icarni]

I got one with the FRU 42T4011 and the Parts No: 42T3979 and ID No: 92CB82 with no further detail on whether it is Chicony or other manufacturer, only that it is assembled in China ..... Is the replacement I got (did not replaced it yet) of same poor quality that the original keyboard (which I already heard here in the forum sometimes happens) ???

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

The old keyboard is not poor quality, but the design of it was not that suitable for use in the R400, R500, T400, T500, W500 without some extra chassis support, they are of perforated design. The replacement keyboard should be the solid backing plate design like you find in the T61. 

[tlyczko]

Hello, I received my replacement keyboard today -- it has the perforated backing mentioned in lead_org's recent post!!

It is part # 42T3177, FRU # 42T3209,  ID No. # 94H45K

Should I complan and request a different compatible keyboard??

Thank you, Tom

[tlyczko]

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lead_org wrote:

The replacement keyboard should be the solid backing plate design like you find in the T61. 

---

Can anyone please tell me the part and FRU information about the solid backing plate replacement keyboard for the T500 keyboard??

Thank you, Tom