T420 Trackpoint stopped working

[bass1175]

So the Trackpoint suddenly stopped working possibly after a 2 foot fall. Switched out keyboards and same issue, restarted in another os and still not working. Also greyed out in mouse settings.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

[bass1175]

This morning the trackpoint worked for about 10 min when the machine came out of sleep mode, I thought it was just a glitch last night but shortly after it stopped working again.

[bass1175]

Although I would like to repair this if possible, if not then I will search for a new board, the model I have is 4236-j22 and appreciate if someone can offer tips on which board would be compatible so that I can simply plug the hard drive in without any bsd or driver incompatibility issues.

[TPFanatic]

I've got an X201 with a permanently broken trackpoint, it had a rough life under the previous owner. I would suggest replacing the motherboard or the laptop, whichever is preferable.

I believe any T420 board is a drop-in replacement. Unless you're using bitlocker or other drive encryption with the TPM i expect the worst you may have to do is reactivate Windows.

[bass1175]

Im trying to avoid installing new windows on the hard drives, and worried about a bsd. one example is the display drivers which is soldered, I have intel graphics 3000 while I know there are other variants out there.

[TPFanatic]

Yes you are right, there is a version with Nvidia Optimus.
Most laptops are HD3000 only. To be safe purchase from a listing that clearly states Intel graphics only. If the actual item is pictured, look to the lower-left corner of the CPU socket if there is a blank space or an Nvidia chip.

[bass1175]

Interesting enough I found an old T420 in closet and was practicing taking it apart and found that empty slot and was wondering what it was for. So what I have might work, still not sure if going with it or not as its an intense breakdown and might have nothing in the end.


Also my mouse works fine after coming out sleep mode, making me think this might be a software issue? Why would it work and stop working after a certain time. So far working fine for 5 minutes. I will try to monitor this more to look for patterns.

Ok it just stopped working while writing this and now back to the touch pad. Could this be a mb issue?

[bass1175]

And not all wake ups lead to a good trackpoint but thats the only time it happens.

[bass1175]

I recall someone had a pdf or so with a list of all the t420 models and their specs. If anyone has a link to that spreadsheet it would be highly appreciated.

[axur-delmeria]

Have you tried disconnecting the touchpad cable? Since the touchpad and trackpoint share the same PS/2 port, a malfunction in either one will cause issues on the other.

[RealBlackStuff]

I recall someone had a pdf or so with a list of all the t420 models and their specs. If anyone has a link to that spreadsheet it would be highly appreciated.

Looking for the T420 manual with parts list?
Click on the HMM link at the top of this page.

If only specs, google for: lenovo t420 psref

[bass1175]

Have you tried disconnecting the touchpad cable? Since the touchpad and trackpoint share the same PS/2 port, a malfunction in either one will cause issues on the other.

unreal, thank you, I figured ill disable the touchpad in bios before disconnecting the cable in the morning and guess what, my trackpoint is working fine. Saved me lots of headaches thank you once again.

[bass1175]

I recall someone had a pdf or so with a list of all the t420 models and their specs. If anyone has a link to that spreadsheet it would be highly appreciated.

Looking for the T420 manual with parts list?
Click on the HMM link at the top of this page.

If only specs, google for: lenovo t420 psref

Thanks, found the pdf, not the same one that was listed on here years ago which appeared to have been typed up by a member. But the pdf online is missing model numbers, for example its missing my model which is 4236-J22 and a few other models I found online any ideas where a complete list can be found? Thanks again

[axur-delmeria]

Try the MTM link at the top of the page, below the site banner. If the web site works (it's not online all the time), just enter your machine type model number (4236-J22 in your case) and click Search.

[bass1175]

Yes that worked. Thanks