T430 won't start

[dynaflux]

I use my T430 on daily basis - a real workhorse whitout any major problems. Owned it for 10 years, upgraded CPU, storage, memory and a drive bay.

Yesterday it had shutdown and when I tried to start it I got the fan error message. I disassembled it but couldn't see anything strange and when in parts I managed to start it - booted up and the fan run. I put all together but then it refused to start. After pushing the power button it lits up: power button, LED's and keyboard light (above the screen), fan starts up - but after a second or two all lights go out and it start to "reboot" again. Goes down again, starts again, like in a boot loop. Screen is just dark all the time.

I have seen many things on Thinkpads but not this.

[Scorpion8]

Can you boot into BIOS before startup? Lemme check my T430 tonight. Try plugging in an outboard monitor like HDMI/DP and see if the screen is the issue (no beeps, assuming).

[dynaflux]

Open it up again and realized I had forgotten the connector to the palmrest (to trackpad and fingerprint reader). Feeling stupid....

I were afraid there was a mobo issue, don't want to scrap it as my goal is to use it until 2030 (seriously) - not my main PC, just use it in bed for streaming movies and scroll on Facebook.

Still worried about the fan issue, couldn't see anything obstructing it.... will order a new one just in case.

Can you boot into BIOS before startup? Lemme check my T430 tonight. Try plugging in an outboard monitor like HDMI/DP and see if the screen is the issue (no beeps, assuming).

[RealBlackStuff]

Don't forget to also clean off and apply fresh thermal paste (or better: PTM7950 thermal pad).