Repairing a Nintendo DS Lite

Step 7 Troubleshooting

Problem: The unit does not turn on, or turns on and immediately off again
Likely cause: No battery, or improperly connected cables
Solution: Put the battery back in, or check your cables

Problem: The bottom LCD is displaying funny
Likely cause: The associated ribbon cable is improperly connected
Solution: Check your cable again

Problem: The touch screen isn't responding right
Likely cause: The tiny little ribbon cable is messed up
Solution: Check your cable

Problem: The top LCD is displaying funny
Likely cause: The associated ribbon cable is improperly connected
Solution: Check your cable again

Problem: You broke a ribbon cable, or the connector
Likely cause: You messed up, big time
Solution: Cry me a river (and then go read the comments on my other DS repair guide)

Problem: The hinge isn't closing/opening right, or is acting funny
Likely cause: The metal thingamajig isn't configured right.
Solution: Fiddle with the metal thingamajig in the hinge. Pull it out, twist the sides a bit, try again.

Problem: Something I still haven't mentioned yet
Likely cause: I probably have mentioned it, you've simply missed it
Solution: Re-read the NDSL and NDS Instructables, and the comments

Problem: Something I really haven't mentioned
Likely cause: Weeeeird
Solution: Email me about it, nicely (It's my user name at gmail dot com.)

Comments

[andomonir]

Just thought I'd say that I followed your tutorial and I successfully replaced a cracked NDSLite case.

Many thanks!

[Night910]

Hey, I replaced my top screen. The first time, I had some columns of pixels out on the left side. So, I tried again, and the messed up pixels stayed, but this time, the entire screen was gray as well. So, I've tried like 3 more times, but still the same result (gray with columns of pixels out). Idk what happened, and I tried checking the ribbon cable, and I' pretty sure it's on right. Wht do you think's the problem?

[fendad]

hi i have replace the bottom screen and touch screen on my sons ds following all the above instructions, when everything is reasembled the ds does not turn on at all now, and if i plug it into the charger the orange lite comes on for a split second then goes out. i have checked rechecked and then checked again all the connections and cables anyone got any ideas at all?

[justin12]

hello i have a problem with the touch screen, i had sprayed the shoulder button with an automotive electronic cleaning spray as it was slightly unresponsive and it worked. the only problem was that the screen now is blotchy but still lights up and is responsive to touch. is the problem that i merely have to clean the inside of the screen or do i have to replace the touch screen?

thanks

[Targetbly]

Hi

The connector on the main circuit board for the ribbon cable to the touch screen is just near the right shoulder button.
If you got some spray into this connector it may have stopped the circuit between the cable and connector.

I would investigate and try cleaning the ribbon cable and connector with some PCB cleaner spray.

NOTE be very careful with this connector as it is very easy to break the catch or the ribbon.

[zack247]

THANK YOU! during my instructable on how to fix the hinge, i didn't take out the screen. when i put the ds back together, the screen just displayed gray with a dark blotch in the middle. the speakers still worked, but replacing the screen solved the problem. is this the same problem as you describe? i have someone asking for a dsl, and this would save me $20

[zen0]

Hi, I've decided to change my ds lite lower screen and I've carefully followed the instructions from this website hxxp://www.pwn3d.us/archives/440/ I've reassembled the ds lite and the screen, touch screen, and buttons worked flawlessly except for the shoulder buttons (both L and R buttons). Both the L/R buttons were not responding in any games I tried. I made sure that the spring was inserted correctly and even tried the infamous blow on the shoulder buttons technique. Whenever I clicked the shoulder buttons, it clicked like it supposed too, so I knew it was pressing the buttons. Anyone else had an issue after replacing their screens and having problems with their shoulder buttons? Please help. Thanks in advance.

[twists616]

I have a Ds I replaced the bottom screen. Now It shuts off at random times during play. I'm looking for any suggestions as to what I might have done to the game.