In this guide I show how to disassemble Lenovo ideapad Flex 5-1470 (models 81C9, 80XA) or Lenovo ideapad Flex 5-1570 (models 80XB, 81CA). I will walk you through the step-by-step process of all internal components removal.
Flex 5-1470 and Flex 5-1570 models are almost identical besides the screen size and the base size. You can use this guide if you want to upgrade the laptop, replace failed components or simply clean up from dust.
I’ll be using only three basic tools during the disassembly process: Phillips #1 screwdriver, fine tweezers and case opener tool.
Base cover and battery removal
STEP 1.
Remove 10 screws located on the bottom of the laptop.
STEP 2.
Separate the bottom cover from the top case assembly using a case opener tool.
Pry the bottom cover up to disengage hidden latches holding the cover in place.
STEP 3.
Remove the bottom cover completely.
STEP 4.
Remove two screws securing the battery.
On the following picture you can see a Lenovo ideapad Flex 5-1570 laptop. As you see, it’s identical except for more space between the cooling fan and the I/O board.
STEP 5.
Lift up the battery and disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard.
Also unroute speaker cable from the guided path on the side of the battery.
Remove the battery.
Replacement battery model: L15L3PB0
SSD and memory removal
STEP 6.
Remove two screws securing the 2.5″ hard drive caddy to the top case.
Slide the hard drive assembly to the shown direction (red arrow) to disconnect it from the SATA port.
Remove the hard drive.
STEP 7.
Remove one screw securing the solid state drive.
Pull the SSD out of the slot and remove it.
FLEX 5 1470/1570 laptops support PCIe NVMe M.2 solid state drives.
STEP 8.
Lenovo ideapad Flex 5 1470 1570 motherboard has only one removable memory module.
The memory module located under the metal cover.
You can install up to 16GB DDR4 2400/2666/3200 SODIMM module in this slot.
Cooling fan removal
STEP 9.
Remove two screws from the cooling fan.
STEP 10.
Lift up the fan and unrouted the display video cable from the guided path on the side of the fan.
Disconnect the cable and remove the fan.
USB and card reader board removal
STEP 11.
Remove one screw securing the USB SD card reader board.
Disconnect the I/O cable from the motherboard.
In order to release the cable it is necessary to unlock the connector first.
Unlock the connector by lifting up the locking tab (red arrow) and pull the cable out (green arrow).
STEP 12.
Remove the USB SD card reader board. The CMOS battery is still attached to the board.
Motherboard removal
STEP 13.
Disconnect the black and white antenna cables from the wireless card.
Remove one screw securing the card.
STEP 14.
Remove the wireless card.
STEP 15.
Remove three screws securing the motherboard.
Disconnect the following color-coded cables from the motherboard:
– Finger scanner cable (orange).
– Touchpad cable (yellow).
– Keyboard backlight cable (green).
– Keyboard cable (light blue).
– Speaker cable (dark blue).
– DC power jack cable (pink).
All connectors for flat cables unlocked the same way.
Lift up the connector locking tab (red arrow) and pull the cable out (yellow arrow).
STEP 16.
Remove the motherboard.
Here’s the other side of the motherboard.
It’s covered by aluminum foil.
Display removal
STEP 17.
The DC power jack mounted under the left display hinge.
Remove two screws securing the hinge.
STEP 18.
Open up the display hinge and remove the DC power jack.
STEP 19.
In order to remove the display panel place the laptop upside down on the edge of the desk. We already removed two screws from the left hinge in the step 17.
Now remove two more screws from the right hinge.
STEP 20.
Remove the display panel.
I explain how to take apart the display panel and remove the touchscreen assembly in my next Flex 5-1470 5-1570 screen repair guide.
Here’s Lenovo ideapad Flex 5 1470 1570 laptop top case assembly with most components removed.
The keyboard permanently attached to the top case and cannot be easily removed and replaced. You can try this repair though.
The touchpad can be easily removed and replaced after you disconnect all cables and remove screws securing the touchpad assembly.
Related post: Lenovo Flex 3-1470 disassembly.
Drew
Where can I find the specs for the motherboard? What is the max amount of ram it can support? Can you upgrade the cpu or is it soldered to the board? Does it support the Samsung 970 EVO m.2 ssd? Thanks!
IML Tech
Drew,
You can find the motherboard specs if you google the part number. In my example the motherboard part number is 5B20Q13014. You can see it printed on a label in the step 15.
According to Crucial Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5-1470 can handle 16GB DDR4-2400 SODIMM.
I’m not sure 100% if there are different motherboards for this laptop, but in my case it supports NVMe PCIe M.2 solid state drives.
You cannot replace or upgrade the CPU. It’s soldered.
pierre
Hi, I have a Flex 5 1470 with keyboard problems. How many of the internal components must I remove if “all” I want to do is change out the entire top case that contains the keyboard and touchpad as one piece?
thanks!
IML Tech
Pierre, you will have to go through the entire disassembly guide as it shown above. Everything is mounted to the top case assembly. It means you have to transfer everything to the new top case.
You can skip:
1. Removing the SSD (step 7). It will stay attached to the motherboard.
2. Removing the memory cover (step 8).
3. Removing the Wi-Fi card (step 14).
Pierre
thank you, the instructions were very helpful and my PC is back to working order with a new keyboard!
IML Tech
You are very welcome! I’m glad to help.
pavan kumar
how to remove memory cover( RAM)
IML Tech
In order to remove the memory cover you have to lift it up. There are no screws.
The memory cover is secured by a few metal clamps on the motherboard. I usually pry up the cover using my tweezers.
Sunil kumar G
Hi where can i get the Display are Display cable for Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 1470
IML Tech
I usually buy spare laptop parts on eBay.
Ganesh
Oh well. I replaced the base with a new one. Everything seems to be fine except certain keys on the keyboard do not work. The backspace and delete key are non-functional and the letter G gives GT when typed 🙁
Trying to reach out to the Ebay seller but no reply yet…
IML Tech
Ganesh, try reconnecting the keyboard cable just in case. Unplug it from the connector on the motherboard and plug back in. Sometimes reconnecting the cable might help to fix the problem.
Ganesh
I ended up replacing the keyboard. The one I had got from the seller was defective. I also ended up replacing the LCD screen based on your instructions. Everything is good now!
IML Tech
Congratulations! I’m glad it worked for you.
Llimy Emerson
Google translation: Does anyone know where I can get the heat sink? I bought a badge because mine got damaged, and this one comes with a video card, however the original one didn’t have it, so I have to replace the heat sink.
Original comment: alguien sabe donde puedo conseguir el disipador de calor? compre una placa porque la mia se daño, y esta viene con tarjeta de video, sin embargo la original no lo tenia, asi que tengo que reemplazar el disipador de calor.
IML Tech
There are two different types of heatsinks for this model. You can find a replacement here: https://ebay.to/2vmOmbM
Jorge
Hi, I have a Flex 5 1570, I bought it used and since I received it, LEFT/HOME and UP/PgUp keys are not working and sometimes rarely they do work so I decided to replace the keyboard. I just receive the new keyboard (not the whole top case) and I will replace it, I suppose I need to follow all the steps to disassemble it and place the new keyboard, are there any additional steps or key points to be aware of?
IML Tech
Not really. You’ll have to break all plastic rivets securing the keyboard cover plate. After that you remove the plate, remove the failed keyboard and install the new one. Place the cover plate back in place and restore the rivets. It’s not an easy procedure. Hopefully it works for you.
Jorge
Thank you, IML Tech.
Do you know where can I find those rivets (for replace the broken ones)?
Ruchir Rathod
For the Flex 5 1570, for memory in the task manager it shows slots used 1 of 2 but above in the post in step 8 it was written there is only one removable memory module my model is equipped with 16 GB ram I was to upgrade to 32 with using the other slot with another 16
Sebastian Landa
I have a Flex 5 1570. Recently, it would not boot up. The keyboard will light up, the fan will come on for a sec, then it would do the process over again. I took it to a tech and they said i needed a new board. Will the board for a flex 5 1470 fit this one?
Keith
Hello!
Thanks for the excellent tutorial. Purchased one of these for my wife last year and today found out that half of the screws holding the cover on are missing. I tightened the ones that remain but want to replace the missing ones. Any idea on a part number for them so that I can order more?
Thanks again.
David
How do you reconnect the wireless card to the cables?
IML Tech
1. Position the wireless cable head right above the connector on the card.
2. Gently push on the head until in snaps back in place.
Make sure the cable head positioned correctly, right above the connector.